Audi readies A1 baby - more info: Wheels: News: General

Audi readies A1 baby - more info

18/07/2008 08:23

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Audi’s keenly anticipated Mini and Alfa Mito rival, the A1, will ride on a Spanish Seat Ibiza platform.

With global automobile consumers now in a strong purchasing trend towards smaller vehicles, the A1 is to be a key sales momentum product for Audi.

Better suspension

Although many thought the radical looking A1 – featuring a characteristically oversized Audi grille – would warrant its own mini-platform, the Spanish VW subsidiary Seat have donated their new Ibiza as a common platform for the new A1.

The new VW Polo will utilise the same platform, codenamed Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) by VW and Audi company insiders.

Following the newly launched Ibiza, the A1 should feature a MacPherson strut front suspension arrangement but a four-link independent rear suspension instead of the Ibiza twist beam rear set-up with trailing arms.

Hybrid drive

TFSI engines in various states of tune and a hybrid option will power the A1 – which goes on sale late in 2009.

A 1.4-litre turbocharged direct-injection (TFSI) four-cylinder engine producing 110kW and 240Nm and driving through the new seven-speed S tronic DSG gearbox will be the primary powerplant.

Internal combustion drive is augmented by a 30kW electric motor, which thrusts out 200Nm of torque, and is positioned on the rear axle. This unit drives the car exclusively at lower speeds or provides extra muscle (and all-wheel drive) under full throttle.

The concept's lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged from a standard electric plug, will keep the Quattro Metroproject (as the A1 is grandiosely named) moving for about 100km.

Economy minded buyers can choose between a 1.2-litre 63kW petrol, and diesels ranging from 1.6-litres and 66kW to 2-litres – all with common rail direct injection.

Buyers requiring more spirited performance should have a 125kW option available in the 1.4 TFSI engine available to them too.

Audi drive select – already available in South African on the latest A4 – and magnetic ride should endow the smallest of Audi’s with very tidy ride and handling capabilities.

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Anonymous User 7/21/2008 7:52 AM	So it is a Seat Ibiza in a dinner jacket?
Carbon_Dew 7/20/2008 9:26 AM	It should be interesting to see how the market reacts to this car, afterall if the 1 series was brought out in the league of the A3, i don't see some ppl's LOGIC behind why this will be bigger than an A3. A1=smaller!!! Secondly, only those who imagine carrying extension cables and think of load shedding will be part of the back thinking african culture, ever heard of regenerative braking??? Or the petrol engine??? Lol... shame...
Java 7/20/2008 9:07 AM	I'm loving it!! can't wait to get my hands on it you go Audi.
Impimpi 7/19/2008 11:09 AM	They call it economies of scale jackey.Why spent R&D when you can borrow from the other manufacturers in the same stable and there is nothing wrong with Seat but you snobs will complain becuase it is not a supposedly pure brand like the propeller fools. Vorsprung dur Technik old chap.
Anonymous User 7/19/2008 10:40 AM	@ Jackey Why so bitter? Do your homework the wheel base of a polo compared to a Mini is 40 - 50 mm is that alot to cry about?? Smaller than an A3/MK5 is compact... Regarding the engine the 1.4 TFSI engine can make upto 151kw with a REVO chip, thats very good power for this little car, im definatley getting one!
WRrrrr 7/19/2008 9:34 AM	Jackey, wake up. Shaunster, they dont design and develop cars for the SA market in mind, we're talking first world countries here.
kegrin 7/19/2008 12:17 AM	Jackey. BMW's parts arrangement with Alfa, Peugeot and now Mercedes??????? Good business. Will not make BMW any less of a BMW will it???? or is it ok in your eyes for BMW only to do it???? I see that BMW and you were happy to accept the Peugeot developed motor for the Mini as BMW's trophy at the annual Engine of the Year Awards 2008. Double standards maybe????
claude 7/18/2008 3:29 PM	Shaunster, never mnd carrying extension cords I can see some dragging a pluged in cord behind them!
Anonymous User 7/18/2008 1:24 PM	Gee Jackey, looks like you should go to an optometrist - the article clearly states the A1 will compete with the Mini Cooper and Alfa Mi.To... Why would they make another vehicle the same size as the class leading A3? Go take a look at the pictures sweetheart and see for yourself that it is smaller than an A3.
Anonymous User 7/18/2008 1:22 PM	Jackey, you think BMW doesn't do the same with Mini? And BMW are sharing engine technology with Peugeot... It's called being cost effective so that the consumer doesn't have to pay sky high prices for new products - that you should be thankful of... Clearly you should carry on reading your Cosmo magazine and stick to your "knowledge and expertise" about cosmetics...
Anonymous User 7/18/2008 11:54 AM	Maby you should read a little closer... It says that internal conbustion engine is AUGUMENTED by the electric motor so you will always be able to drive the car normally on petrol if your extension lead is too short.
jackey 7/18/2008 11:49 AM	Can Audi ever keep up with its rival in terms of size..?Its suppose to be a compact hatch, or better yet do they understand the word compact ? It will probably be the size of The 1 series yet its meant to compete with the mini ! If they wanna be regarded as a serious premium brand they should stop borrowing from the VW parts bin and start developing their own products..and want to charge premium prices for a SEAT platform together with a polo engine ..The biggest rip off !!!!
Panalla 7/18/2008 11:02 AM	It looks funky! Surely hope we can accomodate these cars in SA, or else we gonna lose out on a lot of stunning cars
Wayne 7/18/2008 10:38 AM	Don't like the car, but the technology is on teh right track 100km on battery is enough for me to get to work and back, and still has the combustion motor for when the battery goes flat. An excellent option for commuting.
clint 7/18/2008 9:36 AM	Shaunster, with Eskom at the wheel, is electric cars ever going to be an option in SA ? Although so interesting excuses to not go to work will come of it. "Sorry boss, can't come to work, I was load shedded".
Shaunster 7/18/2008 9:10 AM	I can just see everyone carrying an extension cord long enough to charge their cars. OR have parking bay that have power sockets.

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