2011 Audi A1 Quattro

The 2011 Audi A1 Quattro may not find itself presented to North American buyers just yet.  Being a small car, it can easily join the ranks of other economical cars that unfortunately do not hold much attraction to the said buyers.  This is in direct contrast to the European scene where small cars have long been embraced by both the affluent and budget-conscious buyers.

The 2011 Audi A1 Quattro seeks to bring the subcompact hatchback form and all-wheel drive option together. It is a road car produced by Audi, which now forms part of the Volkswagen Group.  Quattro is derived from the Italian word meaning “4” but has also been used in direct reference to the four-wheel drive system.

As the latest addition to the growing Quattro family, the Audi A1 was created using the technology of the A3 and TT models.  An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch found in front of the rear axle is placed on its core to facilitate optimized distribution of weight.  Most of the engine’s power is sent to the front wheels by the clutch during normal driving.  Instant transfer of torque to the rear axle can be done by the clutch if the front axle loses grip.  The required oil pressure is developed through the combined efforts of the pressure reservoir and the electric pump.

The A1 is initially offered in four engine choices, all of which employ direct fuel injection and turbocharging.  First is the new 1.2 TFSI gasoline engine which generates 86 hp and produces 118 lb-ft of torque.  It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.  The 1.4 TFSI engine provides 122 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque.  It can be paired with a 7-speed S tronic or the standard 6-speed manual transmission.  The 1.6 TDI engine produces 105 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.  A second version of the 1.6 TDI engine generates 90hp and 169 lb-ft of torque and is again paired with the 5-speed manual transmission.  With these engine offerings, Audi opted to downsize and turbocharge instead of choosing displacement.

In the compact class, the A1 is probably the sportiest.  It proves itself in city and highway driving, while remaining steady on interurban roads.  Regardless of the engine choice, the A1 comes equipped with the ESP stabilization system.  Steering is direct while plenty of braking power is kept in reserve.

There are currently two trims available namely the Attraction Line and the Ambition Line.  While the former mainly concentrates on comfort features such as radio remote-controlled central locking system, the latter is inclined towards the sporty features such as sport seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel.  Optional equipment offered mostly come from the luxury class.