|
|
|
|
06/06/2011
By MURRAY HUBBARD
|
|
|
Audi has added more depth to its A1 menu with a feisty A1 TFSI Sport launched last week to be followed later in the year by a 1.6 litre turbo diesel variant. The A1 was launched earlier this year with a single 1.4 litre FTSI model taking on the might of BMW’s Mini that has five variants in the exclusive premium compact segment. Since launch the A1 and Mini have gone neck-and-neck in the sales race with A1 slightly in front. The new Audi A1 Sport is in direct competition with Mini Cooper S.
At the heart of the A1 Sport is a ‘hot’ version of the 1.4 litre TFSI engine similar to that found in the Volkswagen Polo GTi and Golf Trendline and Comfortline. Audi has boosted output in the front wheel drive A1 Sport to 136 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque, well up on the 90 kW found in the standard A1. This power is channelled to the ground via a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, commonly known as a DSG, that features a super-rapid dual-clutch system.
The secret to the engine’s high-performance is a combination of two forced injection systems: supercharging and turbo charging. From engine idle speed the mechanical, engine-powered supercharger delivers more than 1.0 bar of relative boost pressure. The supercharger is situated upstream of the exhaust-driven turbocharger. The transition between the two systems is seamless.
Where this engine is really clever is in economy: Audi claim just 5.9 litres/100 km. However, it is unlikely at launch we came anywhere near this as Audi allowed us to put the A1 Sport through its paces on specially-prepared airport tarmac as Melbourne’s Moorabbin Airport, similar to that used by TV show, Top Gear. In fact the layout was designed by Australian Top Gear presenter, Steve Pizzati.
In addition to the tight circuit we also put the A1 Sport through its paces in a gymkhana exercise through witches hats as well as a drag race over 200 metres. With a 0-100 km/h rating of 6.9 seconds and top speed of 227 km/h, the A1 Sport is no slouch. The A1 Sport is based on the A1 1.4 TFSI, but offers a lot more in standard features.
The suspension has been sport-tuned and what visually sets the A1 Sport apart from its garden-variety sibling A1 is the S line bodykit. This adds lower and deeper front and rear bumpers as well the S line roof spoiler and rear diffuser. The overall impression is of a more muscular hot-hatch. Some of the extras on the A1 Sport have filtered down from larger luxury Audi models: xenon plus headlights and the popular LED daytime running lights, LED tailights, and LED interior lighting. There’s also a 6.5 inch full-colour screen, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity and rain sensor.
Audi is also offering optional MMI navigation systems and 465-watt Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers. The A1 Sport has three main target groups as potential buyers. These are 29 to 39 year olds, male and female, living in the urban environment and into fashion. The second is 26 year-plus males who are professionals and lastly males who are into performance and infotainment.
As we found on our trio of exercises at Moorabbin Airport, the A1 Sport delivers performance by the bucketful. The steering is direct and highly responsive to every driver movement. Like all front wheel drive vehicles there is some understeer and if you go into a corner over-cooked it could be embarrassing. We are talking here of track work, not in the urban environment. The DSG works best when pushed and there’s still a slight hesitation when trying to get off from the lights quickly. Where the car comes into it’s own is on tight bends where it is possible to throw the car around while remaining in full control. The A1 TFSI Sport is available now in Audi dealerships starting at $42,500 not including dealer delivery and government statutory charges. |
|
|
|
|
|
Print Article
Submit Feedback
Email This Article
