Audi A1 – Australian pricing & specs

Audi Australia previewed the A1 at the Australian International Motor Show in October. Now, they have released full details on the local specification. Dealers around the country have been receiving stock over the last couple of weeks, as well.

To refresh, Audi will be kicking off the A1 with two offerings, both fitted with a fuel efficient 90kW/200Nm 1.4 TFSI. The entry level Attraction, with 6-speed manual, starts at $29,900 and the Ambition model is priced from $32,650. Buyers wanting the 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission will need to cough up an extra $2350. A 66kW 1.6 litre TDI will be joining the range in the middle of 2011.

Audi Australia has been a bit light on with images of its next big thing, so you’ll have to make to do with AUSmotive’s images from AIMS to start with. Following the Audi Australia press release is a gallery of images sourced from Audi UK. Keep in mind some of the details and specs in these cars may not translate directly to our market, but they do give a good feel for the A1 in right-hand drive.

A closer look at specifications and options pricing for the Australian market is available via two PDFs, which can be found following the presser.

The New A1 – The Next Big Audi Has Arrived

• $29,900 entry price brings premium motoring to a whole new cross-section of Audi customers
  
• 1.4 TSI engine develops a muscular 90 kW and 200 Nm, yet consumes just 5.3 litres per 100km, making the A1 the most fuel efficient petrol-driven car in its class
• Class-first infotainment system sets new standards in this vehicle segment

The Next Big Audi has landed in Australia. The compact A1 condenses all of the virtues of the four-ring brand – a progressive design, uncompromising quality and groundbreaking efficiency – into a fresh new premium compact package. Its muscular engine and the agile chassis make it the sportiest car in the segment.

“The success of the A1 will drive our ongoing growth in Australia and will bring premium Audi motoring to a whole new audience,” said Audi Australia managing director, Uwe Hagen.

“This car brings all of the Audi principles of design, quality and engaging performance to a new segment of customers who don’t wish to compromise on a premium driving experience.”

As the newcomer in the segment, the A1 appeals to a modern customer group – urban, lifestyle-oriented, and seeking a premium driving experience. The A1 is both a modern city car and a sporty all-rounder for an active lifestyle. It is the first premium car in the subcompact segment – a true, fully-fledged Audi.

Its agile chassis and the muscular engines immediately move the A1 to the head of its class, and the A1’s character is evident from the very first glance. Its highly modern design perfectly integrates the A1 into the Audi family. The front end with the large single-frame grille, the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupe-like C-pillars and the large wheel arches are among its defining style elements. The bonnet and rear hatch encompass the body; the tail lights are three-dimensionally moulded and are unmistakable by day or by night.

Safety first

Because an Audi will never compromise on safety, the A1 offers outstanding crash protection with a 5-star EuroNCAP crash rating, plus a raft of active safety technology as standard. The lightweight bodyshell is infused with a large mix of high- and ultra-high strength steel for optimum crash protection. Six airbags protect occupants, while ESP with electronic cross-axle differential lock is also standard across the range.

The interior: spacious and sophisticated

The interior of the A1 is spacious, bright and airy. The instrument panel resembles an airplane wing; its four round air-vents are reminiscent of jet engines. The clean, clear control layout is just as much a classic Audi strength as the high level of fit and finish. The attention lavished on numerous details underscores the premium character of the A1. In addition to the Attraction and Ambition trim lines, Audi also offers a media style package focused on infotainment and interior design.

Innovative materials and modern colours emphasise the youthful character of the A1. Whether coloured air vents, LED interior lights or seat covers in expressive colours – customisation is the key. The equipment program offers countless opportunities for matching the A1 to the driver’s own personal style. There are even a variety of paint finishes from which to choose for the roof arch. Customers can also order many features after the initial sale to follow a trend or a personal style.

The available infotainment and multimedia systems come directly from the luxury class. The top of the line is MMI navigation plus, a media centre that sets new standards in the compact segment. It borrows from the system used in Audi’s new A8 flagship, including the monitor that folds out from the instrument panel and the control unit, which uses MMI logic.

The 465 watt Bose surround sound system is just one example of the high-end options available.

A bundle of fun: the sportiest car in its class

The agile chassis elevates the A1 to the head of its class. Whether in the city, through corners or on the freeway – the latest Audi is always rewarding to drive thanks to its sporty suspension tune, favourable weight distribution and direct steering. The ESP stabilisation program with electronic limited slip differential – which is standard on all models – makes the handling even more precise while also enhancing driving safety.

1.4 TFSI: Efficiency melded with performance

The new A1 also sets new efficiency standards with its 1.4 litre TFSI petrol engine. This engine embodies Audi’s downsizing principle: substituting turbocharging for engine displacement and utilising direct fuel injection. This 90 kW TFSI engine combines strong performance with excellent efficiency. Rated at 5.3 litres per 100km, this advanced engine makes the A1 the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered vehicle in its class.

In mid-2011 the ultra-efficient 66kW 1.6 TDI will join the A1 range. Paired with 5-speed manual transmission, it emits just 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre (European figures). A start-stop system and a recuperation system, which recovers energy during braking, is standard on the manual transmission-equipped 1.6 TDI 66kW and helps to ensure levels of fuel efficiency that will make the A1 a class leader. Audi’s 7-speed S tronic transmission will also be available from launch.

High-tech and efficiency: the seven-speed S tronic

At Audi, efficiency means high-tech. The A1 is available with the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, which shifts extremely quickly, comfortably and with no perceptible interruption to the flow of power. It can be operated as a full automatic transmission or can be shifted manually, with paddles on the steering wheel available as an option. The 7-speed S tronic provides for tremendously fun driving and also further reduces fuel consumption – typical Audi features.

Audi A1 Manufacturers List Price:
(MLP excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Attraction 6-speed manual: $29,900
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Attraction 7-speed S tronic: $32,250

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Ambition 6-speed manual: $32,650
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Ambition 7-speed S tronic: $35,000

Downloads

• Audi A1—Australian specs & options pricing (510kb PDF)
• Audi A1—Australian press kit (190kb PDF)