Slideshow: Another Look at the Eye-Catching New A1
Audi reveals its latest version of the A1 hatchback. With more safety, performance, and technology than ever before.
The A1
What made the A1 so popular before? Well, it was the entry-level Audi so basically, anyone who has around $15k to spend on a new car could have the famous four rings on their hood. It was always an enticing package because it brought quality, comfort, looks, and prestige all wrapped up in a tiny, three-door hatchback.
Now, Audi has just released the new and improved A1. It's grown from the previous generation: 13.2 ft long, 5.7 ft wide, and 4.6 ft high. The cargo space has also grown to a decent 335 liters. Thanks to all this growth, the A1 is significantly more spacious and can easily fit adults in the back.
Technology
The new A1 is arguably the most technologically sophisticated entry-level hatch on the market right now. It has things like lane departure warning and a speed limiter as standard. The new A1 has comes with radar-based Audi pre sense front system which can detect a collision and brake before you would even think to. It also gets adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function and parking assist systems that can self-steer itself into parking spaces.
The A1 also gets digital cockpit if you opt for it and get a beautiful high-res touchscreen. Depending on which trim you buy, the A1 can come with high-grade leather with contrast stitching along with exterior-painted interior panels.
>>Join the conversation about the new A1 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Engines
The A1 comes with a plethora of engine options from a 1.0 L three-cylinder to a 2.0 L four-cylinder. The horsepower ranges from 95 all the way up to 200. The S1 variant will be coming later next year and will have upwards of 250 horsepower. You can mate your engine to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The range-topping 40 TFSI gets a six-speed S Tronic transmission as standard. No word yet on diesel engines but you can almost be certain that TDI's will be coming to Europe very soon.
Audi also hopes to have hybridized and fully electric version of each of the models in their lineup so in a few short years, there'll be a no-emissions version of the A1!
>>Join the conversation about the new A1 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Suspension
This Audi is equipped with all the fancy suspension settings that the bigger and more expensive models have. Audi claims that the A1 delivers, "agile handling and a sporty, poised driving experience.” In Normal mode, the suspension has a McPherson construction with lower wishbones and cast aluminum pivot bearings, front coil springs telescopic gas-filled shock absorbers, and a rear lightweight torsion beam axle with integrated stabilizer.
In the optional Sport suspension mode, the A1 is equipped with adjustable shock absorbers which vary in height and damping in the different drive modes.
Every A1 is equipped with Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual settings which tailor the throttle response and transmission to drive accordingly.
>>Join the conversation about the new A1 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Competition
The A1 will be in showrooms later this year but are generally more prevalent in European markets so don't be discouraged if they take a little longer than usual to make their way stateside.
As for the competition; BMW makes the 1 series, Volkswagen makes the Golf or Polo, Mercedes makes the A-Class (also recently debuted), Mini makes the Cooper, Fiat makes the 500 and 500e, and the list goes on and on. But frankly, if you want a sensible, good-looking, efficient, fun to drive, and a well-built hatchback--well, look no further!
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.