Tag: A1

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Audi

Audi S1 Sportback: Australian pricing & specs

Audi S1 Sportback

Got a spare $49,900? If so then you can rush down to your closest Audi dealer and buy yourself an S1 Sportback.

When you get there we’re sure you’ll be disappointed to learn that Audi Australia has once again robbed you of the chance to buy your hot hatch in the more appealing three door layout, but at least you can laugh at all those double-clutch schmucks with your very own 6-speed manual gearbox.

Of course, you’ll also have a smile on your face thanks to the 170kW/370Nm 2.0 TFSI engine and a better than the pub critic will ever admit Haldex-based quattro all-wheel drive system stuffed under that pretty funky bodywork.

As is Audi’s wont these days, they’ve gathered up a whole bunch of goodies into special equipment packages. This is cleverly done to prise more money from your wallet while making it look like you’re getting a screaming bargain.

Then, when you’ve taken Audi up on those bargains, paid the nice government folk all their taxes, your $50K hot hatch, which once seemed reasonably priced, is now all of a sudden pushing $65K and you’re left thinking why didn’t I just buy an S3!

Cheekiness aside, we do think the S1 is a proper feisty little bit of kit and we wouldn’t at all object if you put good reason to one side and said, “Yes please Audi, I’ll have me one of those!”

Full details await after the break.

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Audi

Audi A1 quattro prototype testing in Canada

Audi A1 quattro prototype

Audi Canada is currently running a Fascination quattro training event for its customers at Mont Tremblant, near Montreal. One of the unexpected stars of the show is this one-off A1 quattro development car.

Despite months of rumours, quattro for the A1 was officially confirmed just a few days ago. No detail is given as to the engine used in this prototype, although the body kit is the same as the 136kW 1.4 TFSI announced last September.

That was the car everyone thought was going to be called the S1, only to have expectations scuppered by Audi at the last minute. Of course, the main reason for saving the “S” badge was due to that car being front-wheel drive only.

Now, though, Audi are saying that, for the A1 range, quattro will be fitted to “future high performance variants”. Not the use of plural for variants. Is that a preview that Audi is planning both an A1 and an RS1?

Making this a truly international affair, you can read the Audi UK press release after the break.

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Audi Safety Issues

Audi A1 granted 5-star crash rating

Audi A1

The Audi A1 is the latest car to be awarded a 5-star safety rating by testing authority Euro NCAP. The A1 scored 90% for adult occupants, 86% for safety assist, 79% for child occupants and 49% for pedestrian safety. You can read the full report on the Euro NCAP website. Meanwhile video footage and Audi’s press release are all your after the break.

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Audi

Audi A1 – Australian pricing & specs

Audi A1

Audi Australia previewed the A1 at the Australian International Motor Show in October. Now, they have released full details on the local specification. Dealers around the country have been receiving stock over the last couple of weeks, as well.

To refresh, Audi will be kicking off the A1 with two offerings, both fitted with a fuel efficient 90kW/200Nm 1.4 TFSI. The entry level Attraction, with 6-speed manual, starts at $29,900 and the Ambition model is priced from $32,650. Buyers wanting the 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission will need to cough up an extra $2350. A 66kW 1.6 litre TDI will be joining the range in the middle of 2011.

Audi Australia has been a bit light on with images of its next big thing, so you’ll have to make to do with AUSmotive’s images from AIMS to start with. Following the Audi Australia press release is a gallery of images sourced from Audi UK. Keep in mind some of the details and specs in these cars may not translate directly to our market, but they do give a good feel for the A1 in right-hand drive.

A closer look at specifications and options pricing for the Australian market is available via two PDFs, which can be found following the presser.

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Audi Motor Shows

AIMS 2010: Audi A1

Audi A1

Audi launched its new A1 model at the Australian International Motor Show. They say it is the next big thing. Small in size, big on features is the theory. Does the A1 deliver on its promise? We’ll need a drive before we can give a definitive answer on that, but after putting our grubby little fingers all over the car we can at least tell you what it’s like from a visual point of view.

Outside, the look is definitely Audi and the result is mostly a success. Maybe the lower lip on the lower hatch where it meets the rear window is a bit too chunky, but that’s being very picky. Overall the A1 creates a pleasing mix of fun and sophistication.

Inside, the A1 is a real success. While the new Volkswagen Polo has improved its interior look and finish taking it to an all new level, the Audi A1 raises the bar further still. The hideaway Nav screen is a nice feature. It brings a welcome level of luxury to the small car segment. The only negative, though, is the resolution of the screen lacks detail compared to the system used in the current A3 range, for example. First impressions of the seats are very positive. They get the right blend of support and comfort and feel the equal, at least, of far more expensive cars.

At launch Audi will offer two trim levels, both powered by a 90kW 1.4 TFSI engine. The Attraction, with 6 speed manual, is priced from $29,900, while the Ambition starts at $32,650. Add $2,350 to both if you want a 7-speed S tronic (double clutch gearbox).

Deliveries of the A1 will start early next year. More details from Audi when they come to hand.

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Audi Motor Shows

Audi A1 will be on show in Sydney

Audi A1

Audi Australia has just confirmed via its twitter account that its A1 premium hatch will be on show at AIMS, which starts on Friday. More details as they come to hand.

UPDATE 14 October: Audi Australia has confirmed with AUSmotive that the A1 will have its full Australian launch at AIMS tomorrow. Customer deliveries are expected in the new year. We’ll have full details after we return from the motor show.

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Audi

Audi releases info on “S1 lite”

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

The Audi S1 mystery has been solved. For now, at least. Today, new information has been released about a 136kW A1 which Audi now wants us to call a 1.4 TFSI. In theory this is the S1 that has been expected for several months, but it appears Ingolstadt had doubts about adorning a front-wheel drive car with an “S” badge. Probably a wise move too, saving that nomenclature for quattro equipped cars only.

As the name suggests the most powerful A1 model to date is powered by a 1.4 litre four cylinder engine that employs both supercharging and turbocharging technology. The supercharger gives the car a nudge along from around 1500–2400rpm, while the turbo gets serious from 3500rpm. Seems like there’s a bit of a gap there, but the proof will be in the driving.

In addition to its peak power the A1 1.4 TFSI offers 250Nm of torque. It’s pretty much the same unit found in the current Polo GTI. Like the Polo, the A1 can sprint to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds. When driven economically you should be using around 5.9 litres of fuel for every 100km travelled.

For now, and possibly always, the car can only be bought with a 7 speed S tronic double clutch transmission. Other gadgets fitted include an electronic limited slip diff, as well as the option of xenons with LED daytime running lights, a choice of two navigation systems and a 14 speaker Bose stereo.

Audi has been a bit light on with pictures for now, so we should expect to see more on that front when the car makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show. That also means we have to start keeping an ear out for new rumours of an all-new S1, possibly, or perhaps hopefully, powered by a 2.0 litre turbo and, of course, fitted with a quattro drivetrain. Maybe, maybe not?

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Audi

Audi S1 faces identity crisis

Audi S1 rendering

Contradiction and confusion are the order of the day in regards to the future of the Audi S1. It seems certain that an A1-based model with a 1.4 TFSI engine producing in the order of 130kW driving the front wheels only will be made. But what badge will it wear? Will this be the first “S” badged Audi that does not include an all-wheel drive quattro system?

According to Autocar, yes it will. On Tuesday they reported, “Audi has officially confirmed this month’s Paris motor show as the location for the launch of its new S1 hot hatch. The S1 will be front-wheel drive, making it the first S-badged Audi to do without a quattro drivetrain.”

Sounds pretty definitive, right. Well, on Wednesday Australian media outlet carsales published an equally confident report stating, “Audi has tried to quietly kill off its upcoming S1 just weeks before its scheduled launch in southern France.

“Insiders have revealed that while the car will still be built, it will be stripped of its S1 badges and will be known as an A1 1.4 TFSI instead.

“The final nail in its coffin was that Volkswagen Group boss Martin Winterkorn didn’t want its front-wheel drive status diluting an ‘S’ car line up that has been, up to now, exclusively all-wheel drive.”

The no quattro, no “S” badge theory does make sense. What doesn’t make sense is the number of interwebz articles confirming the launch of an S1 at Paris and just one report stating it won’t be happening. If you see any other reports discussing the cancellation of the S1, please post a link in the comments section below.

[Source: Autocar & carsales]

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Audi

Audi A1: At the movies

Audi A1 movie promo

You may recall Audi hired the services of Justin Timberlake as a brand ambassador to help promote its new A1 premium hatch. Well, it would now appear Audi thinks they’ve found the next Jason Bourne.

After watching this six-part series, though, it would seem Matt Damon’s honour remains in tact. For Timberlake, not so much. Indeed, if I were a casting agent it’d be a case of “don’t call me, I’ll call you”.

All six clips of The next big thing can be seen after the jump. They’re around 3 1/2 minutes in length on average, so it’s not too taxing to check them out in one sitting.

So what about the A1, it’s supposed to be the star of the show, right? It looks good enough on camera, and the stunts are performed with competence. In the end, though, you don’t come away from watching these short films thinking the bar has been raised in any way. It’s clichéd popcorn for the masses. I give it two and half stars. What did you think Margaret?

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Audi

What could possibly go wrong?

Audi A1 rolls in Brussels

A publicity stunt for the Audi A1 went a bit pear shaped in Brussels last week. The A1 was supposed to drive along the half-pipe, come to a stop and then continue on its merry way. An exercise to highlight the nimble handling of the A1, no doubt.

It’s no surprise that out of the high number of successful attempts that one—well, it didn’t go so well, as the pics above show. Audi have done a pretty good job of keeping the clip off YouTube for now, but if you find one make sure you post a link in the comments section below.

After the jump you can see a couple of examples of what was supposed to happen.

[Source: Motor Authority | Pics: nieuwsblad.be | Thanks to Tom for the tip]

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Audi

Audi A1 “motto vehicles” to debut at Wörthersee

Audi A1

Audi will be showcasing their Wörthersee Tour this weekend with seven customised A1 “motto vehicles”. The distinct models include Follow Me, FC Bayern, Competition Kit, Hot Rod, Fashion, Pickerljäger and Wasserwacht.

We got an insight into the Competition Kit motto vehicle back in March thanks to a YouTube clip from Audi tv. The customised vehicles are on show to promote the various ways A1 owners can individualise their cars through special paint schemes and adhesive films.

Images of all seven cars can be seen below, along with a detailed press release outlining Audi’s display at Wörthersee.

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Audi

VIDEO: Audi A1 competition kit

Audi A1 competition kit

More Audi A1 video now, this time it’s an official clip showcasing an A1 competition kit. Audi have splashed some colour around the place, inspired by previous Audi motorsport achievements. Apart from a few pics, there’s not much other information around at the moment. You can watch the video after the jump.

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