Audi shrinks to meet green car market demand

Another exciting debut is to head to Switzerland, Audi’s new mini car- the A1.

The production-ready model will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show this March ahead of the Spring opening of its order books. The new supermini Audi will be available to order in the UK from May with deliveries starting in late 2010.

The German carmaker known for its executive saloons says it ‘has shrink-wrapped everything it stands for’ in creating the new A1. Preliminary figures say that the CO2 emissions for the new model could start from as low as 102g/km, bringing Audi into the current tax band B for the first time.

In the new model, the carmaker hopes to capture some of the growing market for smaller cars without compromising on its reputation for making luxury vehicles.

Closely following the look of 2007’s critically acclaimed Audi A1 project quattro design study, the production-ready A1 continues with the look of an Audi- a sleek, streamlined body with an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.32 has a road ‘footprint’ of less than four metres, without sacrificing space for four adults and their luggage.

Inside, as out, the look and feel of the materials is in keeping with Audi’s Vorsprung durch Technik, as is the on-board technology. This includes the latest, ultra-efficient TDI and TFSI engines backed up by start-stop and recuperation systems, state-of-the-art ESP with a new electronic differential lock and archetypal convenience features such as the optional Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system.

In the UK the A1 will initially be available with three impressively frugal units, all optimised by engine start-stop and energy recuperation systems.

The new 1.2 TFSI petrol engine linked exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission kicks off the range, its 86PS and 160Nm peak power and torque outputs enabling a 0-62mph time of 12.1 seconds and a 111mph top speed, will deliver a 55.4mpg capability and an as yet unconfirmed CO₂ of 119g/km.

The more familiar 1.4 TFSI power unit is next up, and delivers its 122PS and 200Nm via the standard six-speed manual gearbox or the optional seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Equipped with S tronic it takes the A1 to 62mph in 9.1 seconds, and on to 124mph where conditions allow, and in this form can match its smaller counterpart on economy and emissions, delivering up to 55.4mpg with CO₂ output of an expected 119g/km.

Already renowned for creating the premium sector’s most fuel-efficient car – the A3 1.6-litre TDI – the 105PS 1.6-litre diesel is the third engine option, and via a five-speed manual gearbox uses its impressive 250Nm torque output to power the A1 to 62mph in 10.8 seconds and on to a 116mph top speed, while retaining the potential to achieve an amazing 72.4mpg economy with emissions expected to be 102g/km.

Prices for the A1 in the UK have yet to be finalised, but are expected to start at around £13,000. Full details will be available nearer to its world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show (March 4 to 14), when the full content of the various trim levels will also be confirmed.

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