A1 Sportback Sales Begin | Audi

Audi A1 Sportback | Audi A1 Sportback

A1 Sportback Now On Sale

Audi Japan announced on June 4th the Japanese launch of the "Audi A1" 5-door model, theAudi A1 Sportback".
This is a highly anticipated model that combines functionality, practicality, and Audi's signature quality in a compact package.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
Photographs by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

Slightly More Family-Oriented

At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show,world premierethe 5-door version of the "Audi A1," the "Audi A1 Sportback," which had its world premiere and awaited release, has finally begun sales in Japan.

At the launch event, announcer Kyoko Uchida and actress Asaka Seto attended as guests. Both are fond of driving and are mothers with young children. Uchida commented that women also seek "coolness" in cars, praising the "A1" for not being "cute" despite its compact size. Seto emphasized the importance of safety and peace of mind in addition to appearance.

Following this, Hiroshi Okita, President of Audi Japan, introduced the product, emphasizing that it is slightly more family-oriented than the conventional "A1." While the basic line of the "A1" remains unchanged, targeting those new to Audi, younger demographics, and families whose children are becoming more independent and no longer require larger vehicles, Okita stated that families with more members are the primary target for the "A1 Sportback."

Audi analyzes that demand for compact yet highly practical cars is increasing amidst ongoing urbanization. The "A1 Sportback" is characterized by its ability to satisfy users who have already experienced higher-class vehicles in terms of quality, design, safety, and comfort, despite its compact size. Okita referred to this as "Best in Class," meaning the best in its segment.

Specifically, while pursuing practicality and functionality, the design has not been compromised. The dimensions are nearly identical to the 3-door "A1" at 3,970mm in length, 1,745mm in width, 1,440mm in height, and a 2,465mm wheelbase, with only a 5mm increase in width. However, by extending the roofline by over 80mm while maintaining a profile similar to the 3-door model, the rear seat space has been expanded.

To target individuals who value individuality and self-expression, customization options are extensive. In addition to nine body colors, the roof color can be set to a different shade than the body. Inside, the air vents, designed to resemble jet engines, can be chosen from five colors, and seats are available in seven types.

For infotainment, it is equipped with the MMI (Multi Media Interface) equivalent to that found in higher models such as theA4andA6. The audio system is particularly comprehensive, with features like連携 with portable media players and CD ripping. It comes standard with 10 speakers, and an optional 14-speaker BOSE surround sound system is available.

In terms of safety, it achieved the first 4-star rating in its class from JNCAP and a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP.

The powertrain is a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder TFSI engine, producing a maximum output of 90kW (122ps) at 5,000rpm and a maximum torque of 200Nm from 1,500-4,000rpm. It accelerates the 1,220kg vehicle from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.0 seconds. The transmission is a 7-speed S tronic, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Equipped with a start-stop function and an energy recovery system, it achieves a fuel economy of 17.8km/ℓ under the JC08 mode.
CO2 emissions are 122g/km. The selling price is 2.93 million yen. It is eligible for eco-car tax reductions and subsidies.

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