As its name suggests, the A1 Sportback features a five-door bodystyle and a sloping rear hatch design. Other features are shared with the previous Metroproject, although the Sportback features a longer wheelbase, a new grille and unique bumpers. At 13.09ft (3.99m) long and 5.74ft (1.75m) wide, the car is still fully within the compact class, however.
Under the hood sits the same 1.4L TFSI engine as the Metroproject and is mated to a S-tronic seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The 150hp (110kW) petrol engine is also mated to a 27hp (20kW) electric motor, which can drive the vehicle for short distances on its own or assist the internal combustion engine during high loads. The electric motor adds an additional 110lb-ft (150Nm) of instantaneous torque and is powered by an array of lithium-ion batteries. A true plug-in hybrid which can be charged from any standard power outlet, the car also has an electric-only range of 62mi (100km) at up to 62mph (100km/h).
[INLINE1]The car's sole focus isn't efficiency, however, as the combined power of the combustion engine and electric motor result in a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is still important, as it is with all future-oriented cars, and sits around the 60mpg (3.9L/100km) mark. The vehicle’s carbon-emission rating is a correspondingly low 92g/km. The car also features an engine stop-start feature to save further fuel.
Audi's Drive Select system also enables the driver to choose between sporty or efficient driving modes, which alter throttle and gear-shifting response parameters to suit the driving styles associated with each. A dynamically adjustable magnetic ride suspension system co-opted from the Audi R8 and TT ensures the car is ready for whatever the driver or road can throw at it.
Eighteen-inch wheels and large four-wheel disc brakes ensure good grip and stopping power for the car's sportier moments, while the aerodynamic design and low profile enhance both efficiency and speed.
Reader Comments
Wed Oct 1 2008 11:09 AM
NoNameDenton says
Like it better then the 3 door concept from awhile back.
Wed Oct 1 2008 1:44 PM
TaeKwonDonkey says
It looks like a GTI hunter to me...
Wed Oct 1 2008 3:28 PM
bradley says
what is the difference between this and an a3, i dont know the specs by the looks of it it looks like it has less trunk room. they will probably put their award winning 2.0t engine in it, so pretty much it will be an a3
Wed Oct 1 2008 3:36 PM
NoNameDenton says
The 2 liter would be a top level engine this will have smaller engines
Wed Oct 1 2008 6:05 PM
NaBUru38 says
Bradley, the A1 is a subcompact car (B segment), that is one segment below the A3. It won't need more than the new Ibiza Cupra's 180PS 1.4 TSi gasoline engine or 1.6 TDI diesels.
Wed Oct 1 2008 7:20 PM
azlan says
this thing looks fun i lke it better than any 500 or mini..id buy it
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