TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Audi A1 Sportback
Five-door version of tiny hatchback will reach Australia in under 12 monthsAudi has unveiled its A1 Sportback at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, along with further information about the five-door variants set to join the range here around the middle of next year.
As we recently reported, the A1 with the extra doors is very much an integral part of Audi's new product campaign in Australia over the next 18 months.
Globally, the A1 Sportback will be launched with a selection of three TFSI petrol and three turbodiesel engines — all four-cylinder units and some boasting the option of the seven-speed S Tronic (dual-clutch) transmission. Power output for the engines will range from 63kW for the 1.2-litre TFSI to 136kW for a 1.4-litre twincharged engine developing 250Nm of torque. A single-turbo 1.4-litre engine develops 90kW.
The turbodiesel (TDI) engines are 66kW and 77kW versions of the same 1.6-litre unit, and a 105kW 2.0-litre powerplant. Other than the 136kW petrol engine and S Tronic-equipped 1.6 TDI variants, all A1 models come with auto-stop/start for conserving fuel when the vehicle is idling at a halt. According to Audi, the fuel consumption for the A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI with manual transmission will use as little as 3.8L/100km of fuel. The cars are also fitted with electrohydraulic steering, another fuel-saving measure.
Attraction is the base level A1 Sportback, equipped with 15-inch steel wheels and the Ambition grade features 16-inch alloys. Vehicles powered by the 136kW engine come as standard with 17-inch alloys and 215/40 tyres. Audi hasn't revealed how the A1 Sportback will be priced or what specifications will apply once it reaches Australia; that information will have to wait until closer to the local launch.
The importer has advised, however, that the five-door model will be no longer than the three-door, but will be "several millimetres taller" and 6mm wider, thus providing roomier rear-seat accommodation, with the no-charge option of a fifth seat thrown in. Audi also claims the A1 Sportback's luggage capacity is 270 litres with the seats raised, or 920 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
