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Engine choices here will be two versions of the 1.4-litre TFSi turbo petrol and a 1.6-litre TDi turbodiesel. Photo Gallery
Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Audi A1 Sportback at its international launch.
Audi's classy tiddler, the A1, has sprouted two more doors and will be available later this year as a five-door Sportback - half way between a hatch and a wagon.
It's a distilled version of the equally desirable Audi A3 Sportback and features flow-down technology from the Audi range including engines, transmissions, efficiency technology, luxury and safety equipment.
It will be available soon in Europe with no less than seven engines, the high-end S tronic twin clutch transmission and numerous multimedia features. Australia will get possibly three engine choices.
VALUE
In Europe the entry-level model costs 16,950 euros and can be tailored to customer requirements with individual options or packages. Something similar will apply here.
A range of infotainment and multimedia systems is available topped by MMI navigation plus featuring a hard disc, a DVD drive and intelligent voice control.
The monitor, which folds out from the instrument panel, displays three-dimensional graphics in high resolution. The 465 watt Bose surround sound system is just one example of the high-end complementary modules available with A1 Sportback.
Bluetooth online car phone brings Audi connect, the versatile online services to the A1 Sportback.
Audi traffic information online, for example, provides a precise and up-to-the-minute picture of traffic on the chosen route. A WLAN hotspot connects the passengers' mobile devices to the internet and makes web radio available in the A1 Sportback.
TECHNOLOGY
Engine choices here will be two versions of the 1.4-litre TFSi turbo petrol and a 1.6-litre TDi turbodiesel. Audi is looking at the 1.2-litre TFSi petrol as well.
All the engines follow the downsizing principle adopted by Audi. They substitute turbocharging for displacement and draw their fuel through direct injection units. Stop/start will feature on some models while cylinder deactivation available on one Euro engine will no make it here for the time being.
The 1.6 TDI manual consumes a mere 3.8-litres/100km with only 99gm/km of CO2 coming out the exhaust. A new, highly sophisticated temperature management system in the 1.2 TFSI contributes to the low fuel consumption of 5.1litres/100 km. Power transmission to the front wheels is by five or six speed manual or seven speed dual clutch "manumatic."
STYLE
At a compact 3.95m in length, the A1 Sportback targets a new, younger audience at Audi and its styling is Audi-centric with a characteristic single-frame grille and striking LED daytime running lights.
Overall looks are the same as the three-door with a longer wheelbase and body. A fetching contrast roof is optionally available in one of three colours. Safety is boosted through the use of high and ultra high-strength steels throughout the body/chassis. A further benefit of this is reduced weight.
INSIDE
Audi cleverly designed A1 to offer generous interior room. It's bright and airy with a stepped dash that resembles an aircraft wing. The centre stack is inclined slightly toward the driver helping create a cockpit-style driving position. The longer roof of the Sportback provides 11mm more rear seat headroom.
It comes standard with four seats, with a fifth seat available at no extra charge. The clean, clear controls and typically high grade materials and workmanship are classic Audi.
DRIVING
The chassis features a McPherson strut front and simple torsion beam rear axle. The electrohydraulic steering features a direct steering ratio fro quick response. option chosen by the customer, the wheels Wheel sizes range from 15-18-inch depending on the model.
An electronic limited slip differential aids handling and safety minimising understeer at the limit by braking the inside front wheel slightly, which also improves traction.
Audi A1 Sportback
Price: From $30,400 (estimate)
Warranty: Three years/unlimited km
Service intervals: 12 months/15,000km
Engines: 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 90kW/200Nm; 1.4-litre turbo petrol 136kW/250Nm;
1.6-litre turbodiesel, 66kW/230Nm
Trans: Five-speed manual (diesel), six-speed manual (petrol), seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Body: Five-door hatch
Dimensions: 3954mm (L), 1746mm (W), 1422mm (H), 2469mm (WB)
Weight: 1140kg-1290kg
Thirst: 3.8 litres/100km, 99g/km CO2 (66kW diesel); 5.4 litres/100km 95RON, 124g/km CO2 (90kW petrol);
5.9 litres/100km 95 RON, 139g/km CO2 (136kW petrol)
