Automotive

Three-cylinder engines join the mix in updated Audi A1

Three-cylinder engines join the mix in updated Audi A1
The A1 Sportback has been updated for 2015
The A1 Sportback has been updated for 2015
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Audi is offering a raft of customization options for the new A1
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Audi is offering a raft of customization options for the new A1
The "arch" that runs around the car's roofline can be had in contrasting colors to the A1's body
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The "arch" that runs around the car's roofline can be had in contrasting colors to the A1's body
The updated A1 is 2 cm longer than the car it replaces
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The updated A1 is 2 cm longer than the car it replaces
Audi claims the A1's suspension is firmer yet more comfortable than the setup on the current car
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Audi claims the A1's suspension is firmer yet more comfortable than the setup on the current car
The S1 will sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds
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The S1 will sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds
The A1's interior is largely unchanged from the current car
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The A1's interior is largely unchanged from the current car
Owners can even choose the color of the surrounds on the car's air vents
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Owners can even choose the color of the surrounds on the car's air vents
Audi's MMI infotainment system makes an appearance
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Audi's MMI infotainment system makes an appearance
A dual-clutch gearbox is optional across the A1 range
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A dual-clutch gearbox is optional across the A1 range
The A1's engine, suspension and transmission characteristics can all be customised if the right spec is chosen
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The A1's engine, suspension and transmission characteristics can all be customised if the right spec is chosen
Audi's new three-cylinder petrol engine uses just 4.3 L/100km (54.7 mpg) of fuel
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Audi's new three-cylinder petrol engine uses just 4.3 L/100km (54.7 mpg) of fuel
If you prefer diesels, the three-cylinder diesel motor emits just 89 g/km of CO2
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If you prefer diesels, the three-cylinder diesel motor emits just 89 g/km of CO2
The A1 has undergone some subtle styling changes
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The A1 has undergone some subtle styling changes
Audi is offering six different engines with the updated A1
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Audi is offering six different engines with the updated A1
The German manufacturer claims economy is up to 10 percent better than that on the outgoing engines
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The German manufacturer claims economy is up to 10 percent better than that on the outgoing engines
Audi has sold over 500,000 A1 hatches since the car's launch in 2010
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Audi has sold over 500,000 A1 hatches since the car's launch in 2010
The Audi A1
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The Audi A1
The Audi A1
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The Audi A1
The A1 Sportback has been updated for 2015
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The A1 Sportback has been updated for 2015
View gallery - 19 images

Audi has sold over half a million of its A1 hatchbacks since the model's launch in 2010, so when it came to updating the small hatch, the German manufacturer hasn't messed with its winning formula. The updated A1 and A1 Sportback take their predecessors' sharp styling and add a pair of new three-cylinder engines into the mix.

The updated A1 will be offered with two new three-cylinder engines – a 1.0-liter petrol and 1.4-liter diesel. For people who prefer petrol power, the 1.0-liter motor will produce 70 kW (95 hp), while using just 4.3 L/100km (54.7 mpg) of fuel, allowing it to emit just 99 g/km of CO2.

Alongside the three-cylinder petrol is a 1.4-liter diesel engine, which generates 66 kW (90 hp) for a New European Drive Cycle economy figure of 3.4 L/100km (69.2 mpg) and an incredibly low 89 g/km of CO2, which is slightly less than the 92 g/km achieved by the 1.5-liter motor under the bonnet of the Mini Cooper D.

Audi's new three-cylinder petrol engine uses just 4.3 L/100km (54.7 mpg) of fuel
Audi's new three-cylinder petrol engine uses just 4.3 L/100km (54.7 mpg) of fuel

Audi is also offering a range of three petrol engines and one diesel alongside the three-cylinder motors that feature in the updated A1 range, and claims that the more conventional engines are up to 10 percent more efficient than those they replace.

As well as the new engines, Audi's supermini is also fitted with a new electromechanical steering system, which is light at low speeds before getting heavier at high speeds for a more stable feel. Audi also claims that the car's new sport line suspension is firmer than that on the outgoing car, but provides better ride comfort. If the car is fitted with the optional S Tronic gearbox and S Line suspension, Audi's drive select system can adjust the shift speed and suspension stiffness along with the engine's characteristics.

Customization is a key part of buying a small car these days, so Audi has prepared an extensive list of options for the new A1. Owners can choose everything from the color of the air vent surrounds in the interior, to special decals that will really make your car's paint job stand out. The color of the roof arch of the A1 or roof dome of the A1 Sportback can also be supplied in a contrasting color to the body. These options should (if chosen carefully) complement the A1's updated body, which is 2 cm (0.8 in) longer than that of the outgoing model.

Owners can even choose the color of the surrounds on the car's air vents
Owners can even choose the color of the surrounds on the car's air vents

For owners concerned with speed, the updated S1 will sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) thanks to its 170 kW (231 hp) 2.0-liter turbo engine that produces 370 Nm (273 lb.ft) of torque. This power is put down by Audi's quattro all-wheel drive, while the car sits on stiffer springs than those found in standard A1s.

There is no word on pricing for the new A1 yet, but expect prices to stay largely the same as those on the current car.

Source: Audi

View gallery - 19 images
7 comments
7 comments
Slowburn
Good tiny diesel engines; now if I could get 4 of them for my truck.
Freyr Gunnar
>For people who prefer petrol power, the 1.0-liter motor will produce 70 kW (95 hp), while using just 4.3 L/100km (54.7 mpg) of fuel
Considering Europe has to import 70% of its oil (and climbing, since the North Sea hit peak oil around 2000), cars still use way too much gasoline.
When will we have 1L/100km cars?
Mel Tisdale
@ Frey Gunnar
With the sanctions placed by Europe on Russia and resulting trade deals Russia has placed with China, it is quite likely that there isn't going to be the oil available for Europe to import (nor the gas for heating and cooking). Take into account the realities of peak oil and consequent diminishing oil supply and 'quite likely' becomes 'almost certain.' Further take into account the shale oil myth, re. http://www.peakprosperity.com/video/85825/crash-course-chapter-21-shale-oil, and 'almost certain' becomes 'definite.' So if we are ever going to get 1L/100km cars, it will be sooner than later. Or, worryingly, perhaps never, but that might be a touch too deep for most to contemplate.
Michael Wilson
i would love to see the S1 in the US
Abby Normal
why the drab ugly gray monochrome interior?
Cyndysub
I am not impressed, it still will run on gasoline or diesel. Audi quit wasting your money, the world needs electric cars not ones that drink gasoline. Our society as well as the rest of the world need to be responsible and quit the business as usual approach. Oh BTW we have another financial meltdown coming in 2016. Cheers and have a nice day.
Bob
Why were we given the mpg numbers for the tiny engines but no performance data and performance data for the turbo 2.0 but no economy data??? I want performance AND good mpg without buying two cars. And why after 25 years are diesel cars still only getting 50 mpg AND why did my 1989 Calais quad four get the same fuel economy as a new Camry or Accord???