The Audi A1 is a luxury supermini car launched by Audi at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Sales of the initial three-door A1 model started in Germany in August 2010, with the United Kingdom following in November 2010. The five-door model marketed as the Sportback was launched in November 2011, with sales starting in export markets during early 2012. The second generation was released in 2019; the three-door hatchback model was discontinued in 2018 along with the first generation.
Pre-production concepts
metroproject (2007)
The A1 was previewed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as the Audi metroproject concept car. The concept seats four and features a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. With this powertrain, a Turbo FSI engine drives the front wheels via a six-speed S tronic gearbox, while a electric motor provides power to the rear wheels. The electric motor is also capable of producing of torque.
The metroproject Quattro is able to travel at up to on one charge of its lithium-ion batteries, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 15%. Both power sources are available to use simultaneously. The concept also features MacPherson strut front and rear four-link suspension configuration, electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering with a low energy draw, Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping technology, and a acceleration time of 7.8 seconds.
Audi A1 project quattro (2008) At the 2008 Leipzig Auto Mobil International show, Audi again presented the metroproject quattro, renamed the A1 Project Quattro. The vehicle was designed by Audi AG Project Designer in Exterior Design Jürgen Löffler, who also presented the design during the car's Hong Kong debut.
A1 Sportback concept (2008)
The A1 Sportback concept is a five-door hatchback based on the Audi A1 project quattro, with longer body of , 1.4-litre TFSI engine rated at at 5,500 rpm and at 1,600-2,400 rpm, S tronic dual-clutch transmission, electric motor rated at and driving the front wheels, ESP-controlled active front differential lock, lithium-ion batteries, a two-part spoiler with a striking centre groove integrated into the rear window, Daytona Grey body colour, aerodynamically designed single-frame grille, LED three-dimensional main headlights, turbine-look air vents and air conditioning controls, drive select with dynamic and sport modes, contrasting white and red interior colour scheme, mobile phone WLAN connection, Audi drive select with efficiency mode, MacPherson front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension, 18-inch wheels with 225/35R18 tires, diameter brake discs, electromechanical steering with speed-sensitive power assistance, magnetorheological shock absorbers from Audi R8 and Audi TT. The concept's acceleration is 7.9 seconds, and average CO2 emissions are given as 92 g/km. The vehicle's electric-only range is .
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
First generation (8X; 2010)
The A1 three-door went on sale in most markets in late 2010, following the launch at Wörthersee Tour 2010, followed by the major public launch at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The car is aimed mostly at young, affluent urban buyers.
A1 Sportback (2012–2018) The five-door version of the Audi A1, called "Sportback" by Audi, was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.
Chassis and equipment The A1 uses a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension.
In the UK, the A1 trim levels are SE, Sport, and S line. SE is the base specification, while Sport and S line models also have sport seats, sports suspension and larger wheels, amongst other features.
Safety
Euro NCAP tested the Audi A1 supermini 3-door hatchback with front airbags, side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters as standard and scored it accordingly:
Engines Petrol enginesModelDisplacementSeriesPowerTorqueTransmissionYears1.0 TFSI999 cc I3CHZB5-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic2015–20181.2 TFSI1,197 cc I4CBZA5-speed manual2010–20181.4 TFSI 1221,390 cc I4CAXA6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic1.4 TFSI 1401,395 cc I4CPTA7-speed S tronic2013–20181.4 TFSI 1851,390 cc I4CAVG/CTHG2011–20181.8 TFSI1798 cc I4DAJB2014–20182.0 TFSI S11,984 cc I4CWZA6-speed manual2014–20182.0 TFSI 256 QuattroCDLH2012Diesel engines1.4 TDI1,422 cc I3CUSB5-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic2014–20181.6 TDI 901,598 cc I4CAYB2011–20181.6 TDI 105CAY/CAYC/CXMA5-speed manual2010–20181.6 TDI 116CAY/CAYC/CXMA5-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic2015–20182.0 TDI1,968 cc I4CFHD6-speed manual2011–2018 All engines will include a start-stop system and energy recuperation system except the versions with the 1.4 TFSI and the S tronic version of the 1.6-litre TDI with 90 HP. 1.4-litre TFSI () was sold as the 30 TFSI in China.
The production version of the A1 quattro was tested by Autocar magazine on MIRA's wet handling track alongside a Nissan GT-R; the A1 recorded lap time over five seconds faster than the GT-R. Autocar called the test a "giant-killing result".
Production The A1 was produced at Audi's Belgian factory in Forest, near Brussels. The A1 is based on the Volkswagen Group PQ25 platform, the same platform used in the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 and the VW Polo Mk5, and in its development Audi has collaborated with SEAT. As of 23 June 2011, the 100,000th A1 was produced at Audi Brussels plant.
A version of 2011 Audi A1 painted by Damien Hirst was sold for £350,000.
Limited editions
A1 Motto Vehicles (2010) A1 "Competition Kit" (Amalfi White) with 1.6 TDI engine, A1 "Follow Me" (Citrus Yellow) with 1.4 TFSI engine, A1 "Wasserwacht" (Suzuka Gray) with 1.4 TFSI engine, A1 "FC Bayern" (Misano Red) with 1.6 TDI engine, A1 "Pickerljäger" (Ibis White) with 1.6 TDI engine, A1 "Fashion" (Aubergine) with 1.6 TDI engine, A1 "Hot Rod" (Daytona Gray) with 1.4 TFSI were unveiled in Wörthersee Tour 2010.
A1 e-tron concept (2010) The A1 e-tron is a series plug-in hybrid (PHEV), with UQM PowerPhase Select 125 electric motor and controller rated continuous output and peak output of . A fully charged 12 kWh lithium-ion battery gives a maximum range of , after which a 254 cc Wankel engine is used to power a generator with a fuel tank. This is estimated to provide an additional range of . The company claims the car weighs , can reach in 10.2 seconds and a maximum speed of .
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, followed by the 2012 Taipei Motor Show.
A1 e-tron
A field testing programme of twenty A1 e-tron vehicles began in Munich in late 2010.
In June 2012, the UK's Car Magazine reported that Audi had put the production version of the A1 e-tron on hold indefinitely in order to slim down its future electric vehicles plan. It was reported that, according to the director of e-mobility and sustainability strategy at Audi of America, the A1 e-tron had never been scheduled for production.
In March 2013, at the New York Auto Show, Audi announced it will be expanding the testing of its A1 E-tron outside of Munich to other regions of Germany.
Production of the A1 e-tron was reported to be cancelled.
A1 Competition Line, Contrast Edition (2011–) Available in A1 1.4 TFSI (122PS) and 1.6 TDI (105PS), the A1 Competition Line is based on Sport trim (Sports seats, a leather multifunction steering wheel, Driver's Information System) for the UK market, inspired by the famous models from Audi's motorsport heritage, such as the Audi Quattro rally car. It included 18-inch 'Polygon' design alloy wheels, exterior styling package (front spoiler, double-blade roof spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser in gloss black, stainless steel tailpipe trims), roof line, shoulder line with 'Audi Sport' lettering, number '1' on the bonnet and doors, boot lid, front spoiler lip, side skirts, wheel arch; surrounds and double-blade roof spoiler, rear sills with Audi rings, centre console trim, door handles, floor mats, rear-view mirror trim (not available with auto-dimming mirror), air vent sleeves in high gloss white.
The Contrast Edition is based on Sport trim (Sports seats, a leather multifunction steering wheel, Driver's Information System) for the UK market, with 17-inch '5-arm' design alloy wheels, exterior styling package (front spoiler lip, double-blade roof spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser in gloss black, stainless steel tailpipe trims), roof contrast line, matching contrast on front spoiler lip, side skirts and double-blade roof spoiler.
The A1 Contrast Edition went on sale in mid-2011.
A1 clubsport quattro (2011)
The A1 clubsport quattro is a one-off concept version of the Audi A1 powered by a modified version of the Audi RS 3's 2.5 TFSI engine rated at at 2500–5300 rpm and . It features a six-speed manual transmission and quattro on-demand all-wheel drive from the Audi TT RS, as well as ventilated carbon fiber-ceramic front brake discs with six-piston calipers, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer roof and CFRP bucket seats from the Audi R8 GT. It is capable of accelerating from in 3.7 seconds.
Other features include 19-inch turbine alloy wheels with 255/30 low-profile tires, Glacier White matte body colour, side-exit tailpipe located on the left flank in front of the rear wheel, high-gloss black painted roof, solid aluminium four-ring front logo, black honeycomb grille, headlights with matted clasps with a red 'wing', air outlet vents in the hood, front fenders and doors and the rear side panels widened by in horizontal "blister" edges (from Audi Ur-quattro), exposed CFRP trim strips on the sills, Audi R8 side mirrors, roof spoiler with a double wing, darkly toned rear lights, and single closed rear diffuser.
To save weight, the Audi MMI monitor infotainment system and speakers were removed the rear seat was replaced by a crossbar, weight-optimized starter battery placed in the rear, rocker switches on the centre console replace switches on the control stalk and in the door panels, and interior door and storage compartment handles were replaced with fabric loops. The interior also has red four-point seat belts, matte-finished CFRP trim throughout the interior; CFRP open-spoked sport steering wheel upholstered in leather, oil pressure, boost pressure and voltage gauges; fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching, aluminium gear selector lever, and stainless steel pedal caps and footrest.
The concept was unveiled at the 2011 Wörthersee Tour.
Parts shown on the Audi A1 clubsport quattro were sold as part of the accessories program for the A1 family, with adhesive film decals in the contrasting colours Amalfi White, Ice Silver, metallic and Daytona Gray, pearl effect for the vehicles' shoulders available immediately. Other options included union square lifestyle kit (exterior decals and design elements for the interior, both with a diamond pattern), roof spoiler competition kit. The union square lifestyle kit are painted either in the body colour or in a contrasting colour.
2012 Audi A1 Contrast Edition, Black Edition (2011–) The A1 Contrast Edition is available for all engines in the A1 Sport range except 1.4 TFSI 185PS for the UK market, with contrasting colour for the roof line and aerodynamic body styling elements (optional double-blade roof spoiler in a contrasting colour), 17-inch 'five-arm' design bi-colour alloy wheels.
The UK version of the A1 Black Edition is a version of the A1 1.4 TFSI (185PS) S line and 2.0 TDI (143PS) S line with black styling treatment for the single frame grille surround and number plate holder, dark tinted rear privacy glass, 18-inch five-arm rotor design alloy wheels in a titanium finish, Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime-running lights, full electronic climate control, and a 180-watt Audi Sound System speaker upgrade.
The Taiwan version of the A1 Black Edition is a limited (40 units) version of the A1 Ambition with high gloss front fascia with black fog lamp shade, 17-inch 5-spoke aluminium wheels, turbine design air conditioning vent sleeves in aluminium.
A1 Samurai Blue (2011–12)