Audi has redesigned its A1 range, which, for the first time, comes with a 3-cylinder TFSI engine, S-tronic transmission and higher specification levels have been included across the range, while new colours and a selection of wheel options allow customers to easily customise their vehicles.
The design is now even sportier emphasized by a two centimetre increase in its length of 3.98 metres and various new design elements, such as the new bumper, headlights and grille. All engines are entirely new or have undergone extensive advanced development. Power output has been increased in most engines, while fuel economy has been reduced by as much as 10 percent.
The range would be offered with new-generation TFSI engines in both three and four-cylinder variants. The previous 1.2T FSI 63 kW and 1.4T FSI 136 kW models have been replaced with a three-cylinder 1.0T FSI and four-cylinder 1.8T FSI, respectively. The existing 1.4T FSI engine has increased power and greater fuel efficiency. There will not be any TDI engines on offer in the range.
The entry-level engine is the first three-cylinder petrol engine in the history of Audi.
The Audi A1 1.0 TFSI produces 70 kW of power and 160 Nm of torque, with a combined fuel consumption of just 4.3 l/100km with a corresponding carbon emissions figure of only 98 g/km, making it completely exempt from emissions taxation. It will be available in both manual and S-tronic transmission in southern Africa. This model will be available in S specification with higher specification SE models due later in 2015.
The 1.4T FSI engine increases from 90 kW to 92 kW with a torque figure of 200 Nm. The highly efficient engine delivers a fuel consumption of just 5.0 l/100km and carbon emissions of 117 g/km, also making it exempt from taxation. This model is also available in both manual and S-tronic and with SE specification.
The second last engine of offer is the revised 1.8T FSI, producing 141 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. This engine replaces the 1.4T FSI 136 kW, which was previously on offer. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has combined fuel consumption and emissions figure of 5.6 l/100 km and 130 g/km, respectively.
This model will only be available in S-tronic transmission. Its Sport trimline includes S line bumpers, 17-inch cast aluminium wheels, black trims for exhaust tailpipes, S line emblems and side sills, rear spoiler and Xenon plus and LED rear lights as standard.
The final engine on offer is the pinnacle of the range, the Audi S1. Launched in Southern Africa in December 2014, the high-performance four-cylinder unit develops 170 kW and produces up to 370 Nm of torque available only in manual transmission. The two-litre engine accelerates the Audi S1 from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h. On average the Audi S1 consumes just 7.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, corresponding to an emissions figure of 162 g/km.
There are many ways that the Audi A1 can be customised, including coloured air vents to decorative decals for the body. Audi Genuine Accessories offers other options, including a comprehensive equipment package that is being offered for the first time. The Active Kit includes customised add-on parts such as bumpers, wheel arches and side sills in platinum grey. It can be ordered on any S or SE model.
Some new features on the Audi A1 range include the electromechanical steering, which guarantees that the driver has optimal assistance in all driving situations. The power assist is reduced as vehicle speed increases. Also new is the Audi drive select system, which is standard on SE and Sport models. The driver can use it to vary the engine characteristics over the three modes of auto, efficiency and dynamic.
Audi A1 price starts at N$265 000 for the Audi A1 1.0T FSI S manual while the top of the range being the Audi S1 Sportback 2.0T FSI quattro manual starts from N$460 000. All prices are inclusive of VAT and the standard Audi Freeway Plan (5-year/100 000km).