- High standard of interior fit and finish
- A1 Sport is a pocket rocket
- Unmistakable Audi styling
- Ride deteriorates with larger wheels
- Small boot
- Three doors limits practicality
- Polo is better value
Overview
Released in December 2010, the Audi 8X1 A1 was a light, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Brussels, Belgium, the front-wheel drive Audi A1 was initially available with a turbocharged 1.4 TFSI engine and two editions: the Attraction and Ambition. This 1.4 TFSI engine had ‘idle stop’ technology, enabling it to shut down when stationary to minimise fuel consumption.
The Audi A1 range was subsequently expanded in June 2011 with the ‘twincharged’ 1.4 TFSI variant (solely available as a Sports edition) and, in November 2011, by the 1.6 TDI. In June 2012, the 1.2 TFSI variant was released; solely available with a five-speed manual transmission, the 1.2 TFSI also featured idle stop technology.
The Audi A1 was based on Volkswagen’s PQ25 platform which also underpinned the Mk.5 Polo . Compared to the three-door Polo, the A1 was 110 mm shorter (at 3954 mm), 58 mm wider (1682 mm), 84 mm lower (1416 mm) and had a 13 mm longer wheelbase (2469 mm). Furthermore, the A1 had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
| Variant | Editions | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TFSI | Attraction | 2012-13 | 1.2-litre CBZA turbo petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 63 kW at 4800 rpm | 160 Nm at 1500-3500 rpm |
| 1.4 TFSI | Attraction, Ambition | 2010-13 | 1.4-litre CAVG turbo petrol I4 |
6sp man., 7sp DCT |
90 kW at 5000 rpm | 200 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm |
| Competition Kit | 2012 | |||||
| 1.6 TDI | Attraction, Ambition |
2011-13 | 1.6-litre CAYB turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man., 7sp DCT |
66 kW at 4200 rpm | 230 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm |
| 1.4 TFSI | Sport | 2011-13 | 1.4-litre CAVG/CTHG super- and turbo-charged petrol I4 | 7sp DCT | 136 kW at 6200 rpm | 250 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi A1 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with double pretensioners.
The Audi A1 was also equipped with an electronic differential lock (EDL); if there was a loss of traction when cornering, the EDL could brake the inside front wheel via the electronic stability control system to transfer torque to the opposing front wheel.
Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , a 2010 Audi 8X1 A1 1.2 TFSI received a five star safety rating which included a 90 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. Chest protection was rated as marginal in the side impact test, but adequate in the pole test. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.75 out of 37.
Features
Standard features for the Audi A1 Attraction included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker stereo with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary input (3.5 mm), air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.
The Audi A1 Ambition was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, contoured front sports seats, front fog lights and ‘Driver Information System’.
The Audi A1 Sport was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels (with the same sports suspension as the Ambition), climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats, heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, steering wheel gearshift paddles, xenon headlights with LED running lights, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, folding door mirrors and ambient lighting. Visually, the A1 Sport could be identified by its more aggressive front bumper with lower air intakes, rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler.
December 2011: Audi A1 update
In December 2011, the A1 range underwent a minor update as standard features were extended to include the ‘Audi Connect’ in-car Internet and telematics system and Driver Information System. Furthermore, the turbocharged 1.4 TFSI (i.e. 90 kW) variants were fitted with Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone connectivity, the latter with steering wheel controls.
An optional ‘Technik’ package was also introduced for the Attraction and Ambition editions, consisting of xenon headlights with LED running lights, climate control air conditioning and rear parking sensors.
Competition Kit
In early 2012, a limited-run Competition Kit edition was released. Based on the 1.4 TFSI Ambition, the Competition Kit had a contrast-coloured body styling package comprising a front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, larger tailgate spoiler, bigger tailpipe trims and door mirror housings.
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8X1 A1 (December 2010)
- Specifications: Audi 8X1 A1 (December 2010)
- Wikipedia.org: Audi A1
