Audi A1 Sportback (2015)

The chassis makes both compact models sporty and agile. The new electromechanical steering hardly uses any energy, and it guarantees that the driver has optimal assistance in all driving situations. The power assist is reduced as vehicle speed increases. In the newly created sport equipment line, the tuning is stiffer, but it is more comfortable than in the previous model. For even more dynamic performance, there is the S line sport suspension. Also new is the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The driver can use it to vary the engine characteristic, the optional S tronic and adjustable shock absorbers - another new option - over the three modes auto, efficiency and dynamic.

Wheel diameters range from 15 to 18 inches. Electronic Stabilization Control ESC makes handling even more precise and stable, and torque vectoring reduces understeer at performance limits.

The high-end solution in infotainment is MMI navigation plus with a large memory capacity and intelligent voice control. Its monitor can be folded out from the instrument panel. The ideal complement is the Audi connect module including car phone, which connects the car to the Internet. The driver can use the online services of Audi connect, and passengers can connect their mobile devices to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Refined components such as the Bose surround sound system round out the infotainment lineup.

Customization

The new Audi A1 and A1 Sportback are opening a new chapter. Customers can customize their extensive equipment to their personal tastes by choosing the sport or design lines.

They are based on attractive technical and design features. They include a climate control system, three-spoke sport steering wheel and an extensive package of restraint systems. The safety package comprises two front, two side and two head airbags, belt tensioners in front, the integral head restraint system and Isofix anchor points in the back for child seats.

design line

Audi A1 customers want to rediscover their young, contemporary lifestyle in their car. The design line is configured to precisely meet this need. It can be recognized at first glance - with its 16-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights and chrome-plated tailpipe trims. The door mirrors and roof spoiler are painted in a contrasting color. In the interior, there are height-adjustable sport seats, driver information system, aluminum-look controls and leather trim covers for the gear shift grip, steering wheel and parking brake grip. "Liga" seat cloth and air vents in contrasting color round out the interior design.

sport line

Drivers who are looking for a sporty and dynamic lifestyle also want to display it in their cars. These two properties are top priorities in the sport equipment line. 16-inch aluminum wheels, chrome-plated tailpipe trims and fog lights mark the exterior. The model's sporty appearance is continued in the interior. The air vents are designed in a cool, high-gloss black, and the aluminum package and the tornado cloth on the sport seats create a dynamic ambiance. The A1 moves with agility through the city and in the country with a three-spoke leather-trimmed sport steering wheel in combination with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and the sport suspension. The driver information system always provides the driver with key information.

Luxury in compact form: design selection

Design selection builds upon the design line and offers even more sophistication and luxury. Features that make the car a customized companion are its 17-inch wheels, leather package, cloth-leather seat covers, LED interior lighting package and leather-trimmed sport steering wheel.

Starting with the sport line, the S line sport package makes the A1 even more dynamic. Its features include 17-inch aluminum wheels, S line sport suspension, black headlining, LED interior lighting package, cloth-leather combination and S line logos on the steering wheel and door sill plates.

S line exterior package

The S line exterior package may be combined with any of the equipment lines. Its modifications relate to the bumpers, front and rear, the diffuser insert, Singleframe grille, air intakes, side sill trims and the tailpipes of the exhaust system. The package is completed by S line logos on the front fenders and door sill trims, fog lights and an S line roof spoiler.

Audi Genuine Accessories: the active kit

The active kit for the A1 and A1 Sportback enables customers to express their individuality even more. Its sporty urban character is highlighted by the front spoiler, rear apron, wheel arch trims and side sills in platinum gray, with aluminum-look applications rounding off the exterior design. The range of wheels, too, is matched to the active kit; the five-arm Cavo design wheels are available in 17- and 18-inch diameter.

With the active kit decals, the contrasting roof line and the lower rear section in platinum gray stand out from the basic car color. The exterior mirror housings in the same color complete the distinctive appearance. The active kit is either fitted at the time the car is delivered or can be retrofitted by the Audi dealer.

quattro GmbH: the personalized car

Along with the lines concept, quattro GmbH also offers many options for further customization. With a choice of 16 colors from Audi exclusive, all on high-quality fine Nappa leather, the driver can configure interior colors according to personal wishes. If the customer chooses one of the 100 multifaceted custom paints, the Audi A1 becomes a personal and unique showpiece.

1.8 TFSI: sporty engine - sporty design

The design of the new Audi A1 and Audi A1 Sportback is consistently sporty, and its defining lines are striking. When the most powerfulengine is selected - the 1.8 TFSI - the visual impression is even more dynamic.

It combines all of the elements of the sport line with other exclusive features. The front is trimmed with a modified front bumper with a color-contrasting blade, and the standard xenon plus headlights offer ideal visibility. In a side view, the 16 or 17-inch wheels are especially eye-catching. At the rear, the black tailpipe trim pieces of the exhaust system, LED tail lights and high-gloss black diffuser express the sporty potential of the top engine.

Lifestyle: variety of colors

Audi has once again updated its choices of colors and materials for its youthful, lifestyle-oriented lineup. As an option, the surfaces of accents are available in fresh colors. These surfaces are the console on the center tunnel, the map pockets, armrests in the doors, seat upholstery and sleeves of the air vents. On the latter, printed films - coated with a three millimeter (0.1 in) thick glass-clear coating - give an extraordinary sense of depth.

Black is the dominant color in the interior; the design line puts the colors black, steel gray, yellow and granite red into play, and the sleeves of the air vents appear in a contrasting color. As an alternative to cloth upholstery, Milano leather is available, including in a mix with Alcantara. The contrasting stitching of the leather seats is rock gray, granite red or yellow. The sport equipment line offers the hues steel gray, laser blue and black. The air ventsleeves are styled in high‑gloss black; the contrasting stitching of the optional leather seats is rock gray or laser blue.

The S line sport package comes in the colors black and rotor gray, and the contrasting stitching and carpet piping are in silver. Design selection immerses the interior in black, and green contrasting stitching and piping adds accents. Fine Nappa leather is available as an upholstery material here - just as in the S line sport package - and the air vents have green inner rings. Supplemental to this, the air vent gaiters can be ordered in the optional designs glacier white and aluminum look (in the S line sport package).

New colors: colour range

As in the interior, Audi freshened up exterior color choices. Buyers can choose from twelve exterior colors, including five new ones. The solid paint finishes are Brilliant black and Cortina white, while the metallic colors are called Floret silver, Glacier white and Scuba blue. The color choices are rounded out by the pearlescent paint colors Daytona gray (exclusively for S line sport package), Misano red, Mythos black, Nano gray, Shiraz red, Utopia blue and Soho brown (starting early 2015). In addition, customers can choose from over 100 other multifaceted paints from Audi exclusive.

As an option, Audi can paint the roof line (on the A1) or the entire roof dome (on the A1 Sportback) in the contrasting colors Brilliant black, floret silver, metallic or Daytona gray, pearl effect; for the A1, thecolor Glacier white is additionally available for the roof contrast line. For both models, there are also contrasting films for the roof line in Brilliant black, matt and Daytona gray, matt.

Drivetrain

Audi offers six engines for the A1 and A1 Sportback - four TFSI and two TDI engines. All six are either entirely new or were fundamentally re-designed; power outputs range from 66 kW (90 hp) to 141 kW (192 hp). All of the engines combine direct fuel injection and turbocharging. They conform to limits of the Euro 6 emissions standard and include a standard start-stop system. While the power and torque of most of the engines increased, fuel economy was improved by up to ten percent.

Audi ultra

The ultra designation stands for the comprehensive claim of Audi to design its products and production processes to be sustainable. The most efficient engines of a model series, gasoline or diesel, carry the ultra label. In the Audi A1 and A1 Sportback these are the models with the new three-cylinder engines - the 1.0 TFSI and the 1.4 TDI.

Compact and refined: the 1.0 TFSI with three cylinders

The most compact of the three gasoline engines in the new Audi A1 and A1 Sportback is the 1.0 TFSI, which was essentially re-designed from the ground up. It is the first three-cylinder gasoline engine in the history of the Audi brand. From 999 cc of engine displacement (bore x stroke: 74.5 x 75.4 mm [2.9 x 3.0 in]), it has an output of 70 kW (95 hp) and 160 Nm (118.0 lb-ft) of torque. The 1.0 TFSI propels the Audi A1 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 10.9 seconds with a manual transmission; its top speed is 186 km/h (115.6 mph). NEDC fuel consumption is just 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers (54.7 US mpg) (99 g CO2 per kilometer [159.3 g/mi]) - that is why the 1.0 TFSI engines carry the ultra label.

Acceleration and top speed figures for the 1.0 TFSI engine in combination with the seven-speed S tronic are identical; here, the combined fuel consumption is 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers (53.5 US mpg) (103 g CO2 per km [165.8 g/mi]). Key performance data for the A1 Sportback with a manual transmission or S tronic: 11.1 seconds for sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph), 186 km/h top speed (115.6 mph) and 4.3/4.4 liters per 100 kilometers (54.7/53.5 US mpg) (99/103 g CO2 per km [159.3/165.8 g/mi]).

Lightweight design: just 88 kilograms (194.0 lb) of weight

The new three-cylinder weighs just 88 kilograms (194.0 lb) without add-on parts. It shares some sophisticated solutions with the two 1.4 TFSI engines that belong to the same engine family: its crankcase is made of cast aluminum. Throughout the crankcase the masses are minimal, and friction losses are low; the piston pins have a DLC coating for extremely smooth operation. The forged connecting rods and aluminum pistons are so finely balanced that the engine does not need a balancer shaft for quiet and smooth running.

There are twelve valves at work in the cylinder head of the new 1.0 TFSI; their intake and exhaust camshafts can be adjusted by 50 and 40 degree crank angles, respectively. The valve train module in which they rotate is lightweight and rigid. The cylinder head incorporates the exhaust manifold - which is an important component of effective thermal management. The cylinder head has its own cooling loop, as does the crankcase; the coolant stays in the hot running phase there to warm up the engine as quickly as possible.

Integration of the intercooler into the intake manifold results in short gas paths and spontaneous buildup of charge pressure which can reach a relative pressure of up to 1.4 bar. The electrically actuated wastegate of the turbocharger operates with great precision. The common rail system builds fuel injection pressure up to 250 bar - a new top figure in the TFSI sector. Their five-hole injectors can deliver three individual injections per work cycle.

Torque-strong and highly efficient: the 1.4 TDI

The 1.4 TFSI produces 66 kW (170 hp) and delivers 230 Nm (169.6 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. It accelerates the Audi A1 with a manual transmission fro 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 11.4 seconds and has a top speed of 182 km/h (113.1 mph). The car's NEDC fuel consumption is only 3.4 liters per 100 kilometers (69.2 US mpg) (with S tronic: 3.6 liters [65.3 US mpg]) - which equates to CO2 emissions of 89 (94) grams per kilometer (143.2 (151.3) g/mi). In the A1 Sportback the figures are: 11.6 seconds, 182 km/h, 3.4 (3.6) liters (69.2 (65.3) US mpg) and 91 (94) g/km (146.5 (151.3) g/mi). Their high efficiency has earned the 1.4 TDI engines the ultra label.

The 1.4 TDI has an engine displacement of 1,422 cc based on its 79.5 millimeters (3.1 in) bore and 95.5 millimeters (3.8 in) stroke. Its crankcase is made of an aluminum-silicon alloy - which is a big exception among the competition - and it weights no more than 17 kilograms (37.5 lb); the entire engine weighs in at just 132 kilograms (291.0 lb). The piston sleeves made of cast iron are thermally joined; the weights of the pistons and connecting rods have been reduced. Piston clearance, ring contour and ring pretensioning have been optimized for low friction losses.

High standards: the modular efficiency system

Efficiency modules of the three-cylinder diesel include its two-stage oil pump and separation of coolant loops for the crankcase and cylinder head. The camshafts have sophisticated needle bearings, and the layout of the valve train module is similar to that of the 1.0 TFSI. A balancer shaft, which rotates counter to the crankshaft, ensures quiet running.

The common rail injection system builds up to 2,000 bar of pressure, and the seven-hole injectors generate a highly precise spray pattern. The vanes of the turbocharger are adjustable; the intercooler is integrated in the intake manifold. The water-cooled low-pressure exhaust recirculation system (EGR), which merges in directly before the charger, reduces nitrogen oxide emissions when the engine is hot and at moderate to high loads; the uncooled high-pressure EGR is primarily responsible for the hot running phase. The entire exhaust system was designed for low-loss flow and early startup in cold starts based on its compact construction near the engine.

Gasoline engines: direct injection and turbocharging

The 1.4 TFSI is available in two versions. It has 1,395 cc of displacement (bore x stroke: 74.5 x 80.0 mm [2.9 x 3.1 in]), and it is equipped with a package of technologies similar to that of the 1.0 TSFI. The more powerful version of the V6 diesel generates 92 kW (125 hp) and 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) of torque, the latter of which is available between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm. In this Audi A1, with the seven-speed S tronic, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes 8.8 seconds, and its top speed is 204 km/h (126.8 mph). It has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (48.0 US mpg) (112 g CO2 per km [180.2 g/mi]).

The Audi A1 with a manual transmission has the same figures for the standard sprint and top speed; in the NEDC cycle it consumes 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (48.0 US mpg) (115 g CO2 per km [185.1 g/mi]). The values are similar in the Audi A1 Sportback: 8.9/8.9 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) with manual transmission or S tronic, 204/204 km/h (126.8/126.8 mph) top speed, 5.1/4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (46.1/ 48.0 US mpg) fuel consumption (118/112 g CO2 per km [189.9/180.2 g/mi]).

Especially interesting is the new 1.4 TFSI with COD (cylinder on demand) and the same displacement of 1,395 cc as well as many high-end solutions. It delivers 110 kW (150 hp) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque, the latter between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. In the A1, the four-cylinder engine enables strong driving performance with 7.8 seconds for the standard sprint and a top speed of 215 km/h (133.6 mph); yet it has a low combined fuel consumption of 4.7 liters fuel per 100 kilometers (50.0 US mpg) (109 g CO2 per km [175.4 g/mi]) The values are the same for the manual transmission and the seven-speed S tronic. In the A1 Sportback the figures - regardless of the type of transmission - are: 7.9 seconds, 215 km/h (133.6 mph) and 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers (50.0 US mpg) (109 g/km [175.4 g/mi]).

The 1.4 TSFI has cutting-edge efficiency technology aboard with the COD system. At loads up to 100 Nm (73.8 lb-ft), and when coasting, the system deactivates the second and third cylinders, provided that engine speed is between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm. Pins, which are extended electromagnetically, slide the so-called cam pieces - sleeves that each contain two different cam profiles - on the camshafts. When the zero-stroke profiles are rotating above the valves, they do not actuate the valves, and the valve springs keep them closed. Injection and ignition are deactivated.

The switchover process takes just milliseconds. The operating points in the active cylinders one and four are displaced toward higher loads, increasing efficiency. Even with a firing angle of 360 degrees, vibration of the 1.4 TFSI COD is still very low and the engine is quiet. When the driver pushes the pedal for fast acceleration, the shut-down cylinders are reactivated. In the NEDC cycle, the COD system saves roughly 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers (62.1 mi). With a moderate driving style, this can be as high as 20 percent.

Performance engine: the 1.8 TFSI

The most powerful engine that Audi is offering for the new A1 and A1 Sportback is the new 1.8 TFSI with 141 kW (192 hp); it mobilizes 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque over the broad range from 1,250 to 5,300 rpm. The top engine works together with the seven-speed S tronic as standard equipment. In the A1, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes 6.8 seconds (A1 Sportback: 6.9 seconds); it reaches its top speed at 234 (234) km/h (145.4 mph). Combined fuel consumption is just 4.7 l/100 km (50.0 US mpg), which is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 129 grams per kilometer (207.6 g/mi).

The 1.8 TFSI, which offers 1,798 cc of displacement (bore x stroke 82.5 x 84.1 mm [3.2 x 3.3 in]), is full of very effective efficiency technologies. In part-load, an additional injection is made into the induction pipe of the FSI gasoline direct-injection engine. Two adjustable camshafts and the Audi valvelift system, which switches the stroke of the exhaust valves over two stages, ensure good filling of the combustion chambers. The thermal management system utilizes a high-performance rotary vane module and integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head. Two balance shafts ensure very smooth running performance.

TDI engines: high torque

The TDI engines - the new 1.4 TDI ultra with three cylinders and the further developed 1.6 TDI - based on the modular diesel platform (MDB) of the Volkswagen Group. Both engines deliver a combination of strong torque with very smooth operation and minimal fuel consumption.

Powerful: the 1.6 TDI

The 1.6 TDI, with a displacement of 1,598 cc (bore x stroke 79.5 x 80.5 mm [3.1 x 3.2 in]) offers solutions similar to those of the 1.4 TDI ultra. They are the valve train module, minimized internal friction, separate coolant circulation loops, high and low-pressure AGR, a two-stage oil pump, intercooler in the intake manifold, emissions control near the engine and pneumatically adjustable guide vanes in the turbocharger.

The 1.6 TDI delivers very agile driving performance with its 85 kW (116 hp) of power and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque that is available from 3,500 to 4,000 rpm. The Audi A1 with a manual transmission springs from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.4 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h (124.3 mph). It consumes 3.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (67.2 US mpg) and emits 92 grams of CO2 per kilometer (148.1 g/mi). Performance data is identical with the seven-speed S tronic, and fuel consumption is 3.7 liters per 100 kilometers (63.6 US mpg) (97 g CO2/km [156.1 g/mi]). The same applies to the A1 Sportback. The car's performance figures are identical for both types of transmission as well with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124.3 mph). On the other hand, their fuel economy values differ; for the A1 (A1 Sportback) they are: 3.5 (3.7) liters of diesel per 100 kilometers [67.2 (63.6) US mpg] which equates to 92 (97) grams of CO2 per kilometer [148.1(156.1) g/mi].

Tailor-made: the transmission

Audi provides the right transmission for every engine in the A1 and A1 Sportback. For the 1.0 TFSI and the two TDI engines there is a standard five-speed transmission, and there is a six-speed transmission for the 1.4 TFSI engines with 92 kW (125 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp).

The most powerful TFSI gets a standard seven-speed S tronic. This transmission is optional for all other engines. The driver can operate the dual clutch S tronic transmission from either the selector lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The automatic D mode is configured for maximum fuel economy; the gear shift points are sportier in the S mode. Hill hold assist is a standard feature.

The seven-speed S tronic consists of two sub-transmissions; two multi-plate clutches operate the gear wheels of gears that are on separate drive shafts. Both transmission structures are continuously active, but only one is connected to the engine at any one time. Shifts are performed by switching the clutches. This takes just a few hundredths of a second and occurs with no perceptibleinterruption to the flow of power - it is dynamic and comfortable.

At a weight of around 70 kilograms (154.3 lb), the compact seven-speed S tronic isexceptionally lightweight. Its clutches work without an oil supply, which boosts engine efficiency even more. The electric pump, which circulates the oil for the gear set area, operates as needed. The transmission ratio in the lower gears is short and sporty; the top gear is long to reduce engine speed.

Exterior design

The new Audi A1 and A1 Sportback have a strong and compact stance on the road. The three-door car is 3,975 millimeters (13.0 ft) long with its new bumpers, which makes it 19 mm (0.7 in) longer than the previous model. The wheelbase measures 2,469 millimeters (8.1 ft); the overhangs are short. It is 1,740 millimeters (5.7 ft) wide and 1,416 millimeters (4.6 ft) tall. The width and height of the five-door Audi A1 Sportback are each six millimeters (0.2 in) greater. The B‑pillar is located around 23 cm (9.1 in) further back, and the roof, which is over 80 millimeters (3.1 in) longer, increases headroom in the rear seating area.

The styling of the two compact models has been made much sporter. The Singleframe is a dominant feature at the front. It is wider, and the areas around the corners are more distinctive than before. The headlights have a low-profile, wedge-shaped cut. The interiors of the headlights - which may be ordered in xenon plus technology - have been redesigned. The bumper has powerful contours; the air intakes and fog lights (standard on the sport line) were reconfigured.

From a side view, the car has an extended and sporty appearance. The dome-shaped roof line, shaped differently for the two models, defines the car's silhouette. The hood wraps over the top area of the front fender; its seam is visually extended by the tornado line, which runs over the doors and the side panels and forms part of the continuous shoulder line. Above the side sill, the dynamic line ascends steeply. The exterior mirrors were aerodynamically modified, and they are mounted on the door shoulders.

At the rear, the wrap-around tailgate lid also emphasizes the car's width. The diffuser is now lower in profile and wider; on the left side of the diffuser the exhaust system terminates in one or two tailpipes. The newly styled tail lights, which are in LED technology in the design line, are defining elements of the styling; their wedge shapes are a variation on the motif of the headlights in front. The backs of the C pillars also feature small LED lights - they become visible when the trunk lid is open.

Body

High-strength and ultra high-strength steels comprise roughly two-thirds of the body of the Audi A1 and A1 Sportback. Form-hardened parts represent another eleven percent - the blanks are heated in a furnace to extremely high temperatures and are then immediately shaped in a cooled pressing tool. The temperature jump gives it extreme tensile strength which enables thinner wall thicknesses and lower weight.

The body's rigidity also plays an important role in the acoustics of the both compact models. Great effort went into optimizing the noise emissions and rigidity of the metalcomponents; all areas in which forces are introduced have been reinforced. The acoustic concept is rounded out by an insulating package that consists of lightweight materials.

The new A1 models attain a low cD value of 0.31, and wind noises are minimal. Many car body details - from the wheels to the small trailing edges of the tail lights and the roof edge spoiler - contribute towards aerodynamic air flow. Polymer sheathing covers much of the underbody; it reduces the cD value by around ten percent. The Singleframe and the area around it are fully sealed, so that the inflowing air reaches the radiator with practically no losses.

In terms of passive safety, the two premium compacts have state-of-the-art equipment. The form-hardened sheets in the A and B pillars, in the roof line, in the wall in front of the footwell and in the rear sections of the side members make the occupant cell very strong. In the field of pedestrian safety as well, the two models exceed legal requirements. The engine hood is secured to the body by two release latches.

Chassis

In terms of their handling, the Audi A1 and A1 Sportback offer qualities of the next higher vehicle class - they are very maneuverable and agile in the city, and stiff and precise on highways and expressways. The axle load distribution - in the range of 62:38 - harmonizes excellently with the front-wheel drive; with most engines, the battery is located in the luggage compartment.

A MacPherson-type suspension is used at the front with lower wishbones and a subframe made of high-strength steel. Rigid front transverse link mounts produce precise lateral stability. The track width is 1,477 millimeters (4.85 ft).

A new feature in this model series is electromechanical steering with its electric motor mounted on the steering column. It has a sporty, direct steering ratio of 14.8:1; it offers a precise feeling of contact with the road; and the steering boost gradually decreases with increasing speed. The new steering system is lightweight, and it consumes less energy for its drive than the previous system which was already a very efficient electrohydraulic steering system. The turning circle measures just 10.6 meters (34.8 ft).

Operating at the rear of the revised Audi A1 and A1 Sportback is a semi-independent suspension with separately mounted springs and shock absorbers. Rear track width is 1,471 mm (4.83 ft). Guide bearings make a major contribution to elasto-kinematics that combine agile driving with comfort. A sport suspension is standard in the sport equipment line. As an alternative, Audi can install the dedicated stiff S line sport suspension which - together with 17-inch wheels - is also available in the S line sport package.

Multifaceted: Audi drive select

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is a standard feature for the sport line. The driver can use it to vary the characteristics of the accelerator pedal and steering assist - as well as the optional climate control system and cruise control system - between the modes efficiency, auto and dynamic. Engine sound is added with the 1.8 TFSI. Adjustable shock absorbers - a new special feature - can also be controlled by Audi drive select.

In all versions, Electronic Stabilization Control ESC was systematically further developed, and for the first time it can be deactivated over two levels. It adds a revised sport mode, and it may be deactivated entirely.

Thanks to defined interventions, a more agile driving style is enabled by the sport mode together with torque vectoring with its more direct response. When ESC is completely deactivated, torque vectoring remains active for precise vehicle handling, and the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) remains active for optimal traction. The control strategy for torque vectoring was extended, and it now takes all road friction values into account.

Before the understeer threshold is reached, finely metered brake torque that is imperceptible is applied to the wheels at the inside of a curve. When power is applied, the excess torque flows to the outer wheel; this makes the car steer into bends and hairpins precisely. Within physical limits, the tendency to understeer is minimized by this ESC function.

A sub-function of ESC is the standard multicollision brake assist system. After a crash, it prevents continued uncontrolled rolling of the car and possibly a secondary collision.

The wheels lineup consists of 16 versions, seven of which are new. The basic wheels are 15-inch steel wheels for size 185/60 tires. The design and sport lines have 16-inch alloy wheels with tires sized 215/45. The 1.8 TFSI of the Design selection and in the S line sport package has 17-inch wheels with size 215/40 tires.

As options, Audi can fit further aluminum wheels from 15 to 17 inches in diameter, and quattro GmbH also offers impressive 18-inch wheels with 225/35 tires. Some of these wheels are two-tone or partially polished. Audi Genuine Accessories supplements the diverse wheel lineup with six additional designs. A tire pressure indicator is standard.

Mounted behind the large wheels are powerful brakes. The front brakes are internally ventilated and are either 256 or 310 millimeters (10.1 or 12.2 in) in‑diameter, depending on the engine. At the rear wheels, all models feature 230 millimeters (9.1 in) discs gripped by aluminum floating calipers. In an emergency braking situation, the adaptive brake lights flash as a warning to drivers behind.

Interior

The interior of the new Audi A1 and A1 Sportback is sporty and sophisticated at the same time. The sweeping instrument panel with its horizontally stepped front takes its cue from an airplane wing; its four powerfully flared round air vents are reminiscent of jet engine turbines. The console on the center tunnel is similar in design to the stern of a sailing yacht.

Like all Audi models, the two compact cars have an impressive logical operating concept. The instrument set is clearly arranged. Between the large round instruments, there is the display of the driver information system - a standard feature of the sport and design lines. The integrated efficiency program assists the driver in achieving an efficient style of driving. The color monitor (standard from MMI radio) is lowered into the instrument panel when inactive; when it is tapped with the finger it slides upward.

Very comfortable: the seats

The front seats offer good comfort to people of every height and stature, providing stability and support. In the sport and design equipment lines, two height-adjustable sport seats with lumbar supports are installed; the next higher level is S sport seats with integrated head restraints. Heated seats are available as an option for all versions.

Both models come from the factory as four-seat cars; as an option, Audi can install a three-person seating system in the A1 Sportback at no extra charge. There are other options as well, such as a tilt-adjustable center armrest in front with storage compartment and the practical storage package.

The luggage compartments of the A1 models all offer the same cargo capacity of 270 liters (9.5 cu ft). The walls are plane, and the step to the loading lip is low. The hatch unlocks electronically, including via the remote key fob. When the split rear seatbacks are folded down, cargo capacity increases to 920 liters (32.5 cu ft) up to the headlining. Audi offers a luggage compartment package as an option as well as a ski and snowboard bag.

Audi premium character is reflected all areas of the interior; all of its details make an elegant and sophisticated impression. Buttons and other controls are fitted without play, and they move with finely graduated clicking sounds. Window lift buttons, the rotary/pushbutton control of the optional MMI navigation plus and the CD player have fine chrome accents; a high-gloss black frame encloses the fold-out monitor. In the design and sport lines, many of the controls feature an aluminum look.

An especially elegant option is the LED interior lighting package with white LEDs. When the Bose surround sound system is installed, the frames of the woofers are illuminated by LED light conductors. Audi delivers the LED interior lighting package in the Design selection, the S line sport package or as an individual option.

Infotainment and Audi connect

The infotainment lineup for the new Audi A1 and A1 Sportback was conceptualized as a modular system. The base system is the standard Audi radio with four loudspeakers. The first extension stage is the MMI radio with three tuners, SD card reader, AUX-IN port and eight loudspeakers; it already offers MMI operating logic and a fold-out 6.5-inch monitor.

The connectivity package can be ordered as a supplement to MMI radio; it integrates a Bluetooth interface and the Audi music interface (AMI) to connect to a mobile player. If the customer later buys an SD card with navigation data or chooses the navigation package when ordering the car, the MMI radio serves as a navigation system. The connectivity package is also available together with the leather multifunction steering wheel and the driver information system as part of the media package.

The top solution of the lineup is MMI navigation plus, which sets standards in this vehicle class. The system can store 20 GB of music data; it integrates two card readers, the AMI, a Bluetooth interface, CD/DVD drive and speech control. Now, the driver can speak the entire navigation address in a single step and also control the main functions of the radio, media and telephone by voice. The fold-out monitor presents graphics in 3D representation; the navigation map also has a three-dimensional appearance.

As a supplement to MMI navigation, Audi offers the hardware module Audi connect including car phone, which connects to the Internet over a UMTS modem. Passengers can surf and email from as many as eight mobile devices via the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. For the driver, it delivers tailored Internet services from Audi connect to the car - from online traffic information to navigation with Google Earth and Google Maps Street View and finally web radio via the Audi music stream.

Other modular units are available for MMI navigation plus and MMI radio - a six‑disc CD changer, a tuner for digital radio reception and the Audi phone box, which interfaces the driver's mobile phone to the vehicle antenna. An option for hi-fi fans is the Audi sound system, which drives ten loudspeakers with 180 watts of power.

The top audio solution is the Bose surround sound system that can be selected. Its digital amplifier has 465 watts of output power, and it can play back stereo signals in 5.1 surround sound. It uses a microphone to analyze intrusive noises and adjusts playback accordingly. In this system, 14 loudspeakers are installed in the car, including a subwoofer that is mounted under the luggage compartment.

Equipment

The new Audi A1 and A1 Sportback are launching on the market at attractive prices. The entry-level version, the A1 1.4 TDI, has a list price of 19,200 euros. Extra charges for the design and sport lines are 1,500 euros each; for the Design selection and the S line sport package it is 1,800 euros. The extra charge for the A1 Sportback is 850 euros.

Many individual options for the revised A1 models come from the full-size class. Exterior options include xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and the LED tail lights that come with them. The high-beam assistant switches automatically between low-beam and high-beam headlights. The automatic climate control system takes sunlight conditions and humidity into account in its work. For the seven-speed S tronic, shift paddles can be added to the multifunction leather-covered steering wheel.

The panoramic sunroof brings light and air into the interior; tinted privacy glass shades the rear seating area. The deluxe key makes entry into the car especially convenient. Two versions of a parking assistant are available.