The main star of the vast Audi stand is its smallest model – the new A1. Ingolstadt has big plans for this Mini Cooper rival that’s bound to be its main seller, and is calling it the A1 “the sportiest car in the segment” – no small claim when BMW’s Mini is your classmate! Backing this up is the A1′s low weight of 1,045 kg, wide tracks, low weight resting on the front end and electrohydraulic steering that’s tuned to be “sportily direct”.
First shown to the world as the Metroproject Quattro Concept back in Tokyo 2007, the finshed product looks remarkably similar to its inspiration, down to this car’s red colour with a silver bar outlining the glasshouse. As we’d expect from a new Audi, the A1 features striking LED daytime running lights, and the brand’s single-frame grille is has two more edges at their top ends to create a trapezoidal shape. Audi’s “tornado line” joins both front and rear lamp clusters and is a main feature of the profile, along with the arching roofline. Coefficient of drag is 0.32, which is best in class.
Inside, the dash design is simple and classy; of note are the cool old-school air-con vents (supposed to look like jet turbines, says Audi) and an infotainment system that’s claimed to set new standards in the class. The A1′s MMI navigation plus system is taken from its bigger siblings and comes with 3D navigation system, 20GB of hard disk space for music and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, all displyed on a 6.5-inch screen that emerges from the dash top. A 465-watt Bose stereo is optional.
Four engines will be available at launch – two TFSI petrols and two TDI diesels. The entry 1.2 TFSI makes 86 bhp and 160 Nm from 1500 rpm, while the 1.4 TFSI produces 122 bhp and 200 Nm at the same engine speed sustained till 4000 rpm. Paired to the seven-speed dual clutch S tronic gearbox, this range topper does 0-100 km/h in 9.1 seconds on to a top speed of 200 km/h. We reckon that real world cut and thrust performance will be more impressive than the raw figures suggest, as is the case with VW’s TSI/DSG cars. Equipped with start-stop tech and brake energy recuperation, fuel consumption for the 1.4 TFSI is 19.6 km/l.
Live pictures and official gallery with 125 images after the jump.
Audi A1 live images from Geneva
Audi A1 official images
Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.
thank you very much for the link; is it very cramp in the back of A1?
It looks as big as Satria Neo. So does this mean that Neo is in the same segment?
Support Malaysia said,
March 3, 2010 @ 10:52 pm
It looks as big as Satria Neo. So does this mean that Neo is in the same segment?
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hurm… same segment maybe, but definitely not in the same class, not Neo classmate
BOth Neo and A1 in the same course/program/year
BUT one will be Dean’s list one will be the multiple resit survivor
it just looks odd lah. the shoulder line looks too high.
I can't seem to understand whats the fascination all about with these big black "noses" or "moustache" in front of the car. Seems like, mitsubishi, nissan, audi,aston are all mad about it, but in my opinion, it's hideous, its so easy to get bored looking at it. The rest of the car design is very nice though.
Looks good in white…just like my white savvy lite….hehe
holly machine..!
not sure if its the Coffee or the A1 that's making my heart racing boom boom!! The head light also seems to laser right thru me, thats a very angry car..
i think even suzuki swift or satria neo looks better than this.. the interior is of audi standard though.
Hmmmm looks like a babi hutan with dress and make up.
niceeee…!
i juz dont get that silver color with red color body..messy!
wish proton can extent the NEO butt a little bit…..
my senses has not been stirred as much as a french car may do but this new teutonic offering is a very nice package indeed and not to mention that huge boot space!!!
love the audisport quattro skin (colour)
i wonder how much it would cost here
frankly speaking, exterior design satria neo much2 better
but in term of performance, in term of techno i choose Audi A1.
>> I can’t seem to understand whats the fascination all about with these big black “noses” or “moustache” in front of the car. Seems like, mitsubishi, nissan, audi,aston are all mad about it, but in my opinion, it’s hideous, its so easy to get bored looking at it. The rest of the car design is very nice though.
Georgie, before there were bumpers, cars had snouts, because those are exactly where the air intakes / radiators are located.
Since modern bumpers are practically useless, (and its added $$$ for manufacturers if bumpers are expensive to replace after fender benders), they decided to go back to the classic 'what you see on the outside shows that the radiator grille is just on the inside'.
dont u just hate it when u use Mac, all the pics align in single file…hmmm..
alternative to scirocco
the rear seats for 2 only
scirocco is much better looking IMO
savvy more handsome…
my goodness
Its using the same rim as the new RS5! RS5 inspired performance? Full of equipments for a entry level car from Audi especially the fantastic TFSI engine.
Exterior look great for a small car segment, is great will the led light for the rear and front daylight. Is great. Well done audi, but the interior i think a lit bit dissapointed compared with a4 and q5. To me a bit plastic on the air cond round/circle adjuster. Media indicator seem is on the led screen in middle, seem a bit out as well. Rear seat a bit narrow compared with a 2 seater scirocco. With i believe audi bring in this A1 will be near 200k, with that kind i will choose a more powerful VW Gti Mk6. Or maybe if i am affortable will still go for a scirocco.
Are they gonna be both three and five doors or only available in 3 doors? TQ
if u convert it into RM, it just costing you RM65k. But if u r intending of buying the car HERE, prepare RM100k, maybe u can’t even keep any change for that. No matter what, it’s still a good thing to fantasize about.
I have a question
the 1.4TFSI does 0-100 in 6.9 secs OR 9.1 secs?? im confused. sorry