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Audi Downsizes
Audi A1 Quattro works it out in the snow
Audi has announced that the first Audi A1 quattro prototype has started testing on the snow-laden roads around Montreal. An Audi A1 quattro prototype currently undergoing baptism grappling with freezing conditions on Canada’s densely snow-packed roads. The one-off development car is one of the stars of the ‘Fascination of quattro’ event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its 30th anniversary in 2010. Packing a 182bhp 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine, along with four-wheel-drive traction, this is the fastest and most capable Audi A1 yet.
The latest member of the burgeoning quattro family uses technology very similar to that used in A3 and TT models. At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath.
During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure.
Following in the wheeltracks of the range-topping front-wheel- drive A1 1.4 TFSI – revealed at the Paris Motor Show in September and on sale later this year – the A1 quattro, which uses the same engine, is aimed at buyers who want maximum traction in all conditions.
And it certainly delivers. With the engine’s impressive power output going to every wheel, the car gives you so much more confidence than a regular front-wheel-drive version, even with ESP.
The A1 quattro uses the latest version of quattro all-wheel drive for smaller cars, first seen on the TT and hotter TT-RS, so it is a dynamic package. But in a smaller car, it’s even more fun.
Power and torque can be swapped 100 per cent front to rear instantly – and there was no time on either the cold, hard tarmac or on the snow-packed ice track when we felt out of control, the A1 behaving predictably and safely. The engine is very impressive, too. There’s a wide power band and really punchy performance all the way to the 7,000rpm red line. Audi quotes a rapid 0-62mph time of only 6.9 seconds, and it feels every bit as quick as the figures suggest, while 250Nm of torque available from only 1,500rpm makes for easy overtaking manoeuvres.
Beyond the performance improvements over the standard car, the body gets a sinister extended rear roof spoiler. On the inside, the backs of the seats are coloured the same as the exterior paintwork – rust orange in the case of our car. The cabin is also available in sporty S line trim. With Alcantara suede touches, it really is a smart place to be.
When the A1 quattro arrives in the UK next year, it will be available with 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 17- and 18-inch rims as options – the same as on the front-wheel-drive machine.
The quattro set-up is not solely planned for the 1.4 TFSI engine trim, but also for the 1.6 TDI. Expect to pay about a £1,500 premium for all-wheel drive. That’s certainly not cheap, but if you live in the wetter or colder parts of the country – or you simply want the security that quattro brings – this little machine comes highly recommended.
Audi Downsizes
While Mercedes plans to extend the wheelbase of the next GL to make even more room for a full-size third row of seats, Audi is toying with the idea to offer two distinctly different Q7 body styles: an XXL seven-seater for China, the Middle East, and North America and a relatively compact five-seater for Europe and the rest of the world. But as Q7 sales have dropped sharply in the course of 2009, Audi is carefully weighing the options.
An all-new aluminum space frame architecture could be up to 1100 pounds lighter, but would be significantly more costly to execute initially. Derived from Audi’s passenger car-biased MLB components set, an aluminum space frame would allow Audi to offer a high-end four-cylinder engine in the Q7.
Audi A3 2011 Lineup
Audi has freshened up the A3 for the 2011 model year. Audi’s A3 line is some of the best sellers for Audi, and the company has now unveiled the 2011 A3 lineup, starting with the A3 Sportback, A3 Cabriolet and S3. The new lineup doesn’t feature many major changes, but does feature a few small ones, like an updated front grill, updated side mirrors and new 18 inch wheels as standard. The car, which was fully facelifted in 2008, will see changes to the entire line, including the Sportback and Cabrio. The prices on the new models are expected to remain the same.
There is no shortage of A3 engine options for the 2011 model year, with nine on offer – five gas units and four diesel mills. The base 2011 A3 comes equipped with a supercharged 1.2L, making 105 horsepower and returning 42mpg. The 200 horsepower 2.0 TFSI is the most powerful gas version of the standard A3, with the S3 capping the range with a 265 horsepower version of Audi’s 2.0L.
Most 2011 A3 models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although six- and seven-speed versions of Audi’s S tronic gearbox are available.
Audi A3 TDI Clean Diesel
The 2010 Audi A3 TDI is only offered as a five-door model, in front-wheel-drive with a six-speed S tronic duel clutch automatic transmission. The A3 TDI’s 2.0-liter turbocharged clean diesel inline four-cylinder engine uses common rail direct injection, an intercooler, and four valves per cylinder to produce 140 horsepower (HP) and 236 foot pounds of torque.
The handsome Audi A3 is an entry-level luxury car with an array of distinctive features. Among these are 17 inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and a standard S line exterior sport appearance. Inside, the A3 TDI’s interior offers a driver-focused design with standard leather upholstery, aluminum accents, 10 speaker concert sound system with SIRIUS satellite radio, and split 40/60 fold-down rear seats. Easy load accessibility is provided with the A3’s rear tailgate.
Any car with sporting pretensions needs great interfaces between the human body and the vehicle. Specifically, the steering wheel and seats need to be comfortable and grippy. Since the A3 is meant as a sportier alternative to the Jetta, its seats have more aggressive side bolsters and are covered in a mix of leather and Alcantara that do an admirable job of keeping the driver placed directly in line with the wheel, gauges and pedals when lateral acceleration forces build up. The driver’s hands control the direction of the A3 through a thick-rimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters on the back side.
Everything else in the little Audi should remain the same. A superb interior, hatchback capabilities, and lively driving dynamics won’t be compromised by the diesel engine; you’ll just go a little farther on each gallon of fuel. As a luxurious and sporty competitor to the increasing number of hybrids on the market, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI is clearly worth a look for eco-conscious people who also enjoy driving.
Audi A3 TDI 2010
The Audi A3 is the entry-level model for the four-ringed brand here in the U.S. Until now, it has only been sold with a choice of a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.2-liter V6 engines running on gasoline. At the Detroit Auto Show, Audi announced that the A3 TDI would go on sale late this year.
Few would argue the Audi A3 is a very competent little hatchback, or that the current 2.0-liter turbo-four and 3.2-liter V-6 are fantastic gas engines, but the availability of an equally fantastic diesel engine can only increase the appeal of this little Audi. Americans will only be able to get the A3 TDI with the S tronic (DSG) transmission and front-wheel drive. Audi says this is because the A3 TDI exists solely for fuel efficiency, perhaps something to consider as a luxurious alternative to the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight which are also appearing at the 2009 Detroit auto show.
The driver and front passenger are protected by the A3’s 2-stage, next-generation front air bags and side air bags with seat occupant sensors. Audi’s Sideguard head-protection air bags for front and rear occupants are also standard, with rear side air bags optional. An Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is also standard equipment.
Audi won’t announce pricing of the A3 TDI until closer to its on-sale date late this year. The current A3 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with the S-Tronic runs $28,400 so the TDI is likely to run about $30,000. While that is a bit on the high side for a compact five-door hatchback, it’s quite competitive with the BMW 1-series with much better interior space. Since BMW doesn’t offer its 1-series diesel here in the U.S., you can’t get a direct comparison. With diesel now roughly back at parity in price with gasoline, the A3 will soon offer a premium compact with good handling and excellent fuel economy.
Until now, the Audi A3 has been offered for sale in North America only with gasoline engines. In 2010, Audi introduces the A3 TDI, equipped with a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter clean-diesel engine. It is expected in showrooms during the first quarter of 2010.
Everything else in the little Audi should remain the same. A superb interior, hatchback capabilities, and lively driving dynamics won’t be compromised by the diesel engine; you’ll just go a little farther on each gallon of fuel. As a luxurious and sporty competitor to the increasing number of hybrids on the market, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI is clearly worth a look for eco-conscious people who also enjoy driving.