Starting from €16,000 (approx. ¥1.98 million)

The target for this new car is said to be younger demographics that Audi has not been able to reach before. With prices starting from €16,000 (approx. ¥1.98 million) in Europe, its seriousness is evident.

Furthermore, only a 3-door hatchback body will be available for the A1 this time. Its dimensions are 3,950mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 1,420mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,470mm, making it slightly smaller than the A3 Sportback.

The exterior design incorporates Audi's trends such as the Singleframe grille and daytime running lights, while exuding a sense of power that belies its compact size. The chrome arches extending from the A-pillar to the C-pillar give it a pop and fresh finish.

Looking at the interior, the dashboard, inspired by aircraft wings, and the four air vents installed on it emphasize a sporty atmosphere.

For trim levels, there is the luxurious 'Attraction' with black or titanium gray seat colors, and the sporty 'Ambition' available in titanium gray or wasabi green. Additionally, three leather options are available for the Ambition as an option.

Scheduled for sale in Europe from this summer

The engines offered are a total of four types: two gasoline and two diesel. The 1.2-liter inline-4 turbo gasoline engine (86ps, 16.3kgm), combined with a 5-speed manual transmission, achieves 0-100km/h acceleration in 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 179km/h. The European combined fuel economy is 19.6km/l, with CO2 emissions of 119g/km. The 1.4-liter inline-4 turbo (122ps, 20.4kgm) is available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed S tronic, achieving 0-100km/h acceleration in 9.1-9.2 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h. Its European combined fuel economy is 18.5-19.6km/l.

Two tuning options are available for the diesel '1.6 TDI'. Combined with a 5-speed manual transmission, the '105ps, 25.5kgm specification' achieves 0-100km/h acceleration in 10.8 seconds, a top speed of 187km/h, and a European combined fuel economy of 25.64km/l. The '90ps, 23.5kgm specification' achieves 0-100km/h acceleration in 12.2 seconds, a top speed of 179km/h, and a European combined fuel economy of 26.32km/l, with CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

Both gasoline and diesel engines are direct-injection turbochargers and incorporate an idling stop function, resulting in high environmental performance. The drive system is front-wheel drive only.

The new Audi A1 will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and is scheduled for sale in Europe from this summer.


BRAND HISTORY
Audi's emblem is the 'Four Rings'. As you may know, each ring represents the car manufacturers Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. All were based in Saxony and were leading brands in the German automotive industry at the beginning of the 20th century. However, affected by the Great Depression after World War I, the four companies, in order to survive, formed Auto Union in 1932. DKW specialized in motorcycles and small cars, Wanderer in mid-size cars, Audi in premium mid-size cars, and Horch in luxury cars.

However, due to the defeat in World War II, Saxony in East Germany fell under Soviet occupation, and Auto Union ceased to exist. Anticipating this, the new Auto Union was established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, in West Germany. Unlike BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union faced a difficult start without any factories, but gradually gained strength through the production of vehicles like the DKW delivery van.

In late 1964, Auto Union was acquired by Volkswagen, and soon after, new cars bearing the Audi name were introduced to the world. In 1969, they merged with NSU (known for developing the Wankel engine), based in Neckarsulm, becoming Audi NSU Auto Union, and from 1985 onwards, it has continued as Audi to the present day. Technologies such as quattro, dynamic performance backed by motorsport activities, elegant design, and high-quality finishes are driving Audi's popularity.