Audi readies A1 baby - more info
2008-07-18 08:23
Audi A1
Vehicle Specs
|
Manufacturer
|
Audi
|
|
Model
|
A1
|
|
Engine
|
1.4 TFSI hybrid
|
|
Power
|
110kW (30kW electric)
|
|
Torque
|
240Nm (200Nm electric)
|
|
Transmission
|
S tronic DSG
|
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.
