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TIGER PRODUCTIONS
Seemingly not hitting sales targets as a straight-up Mini competitor, Audi has now launched a traditional 5-door version of their 3-door A1 supermini hatchback, dubbing it the Audi A1 Sportback.
Buyers in Europe can choose between three TFSI gasoline and three TDI diesel engines, producing between 86 hp and 185 hp, some equipped with a manual gearbox and some with a 7-speed automatic.
Expect the new model to join the GCC line-up in a year or so.
At just a shade below 13 feet in length, the A1 is quite small-it's about 13.5 inches shorter and 10 inches thinner than the A3 hatchback. Interestingly, it's not really bigger than the standard A1 itself -- the Sportback is about the same length, and only about a quarter-inch taller and wider than the three-door.
As a result, the five-door car is mechanically and cosmetically identical to the base A1. Up front, Audi's design DNA dictates full LED running lamps and the brand's traditional hexagonal grille. Behind that grille rests one of five engine choices. The top-spec gasoline engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, uses Audi's TFSI setup-which includes turbo and supercharging-to boost the motor to 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The other gas engines range in size from 1.2- to 1.4-liters and make between 86 and 122 hp. The A1's diesel offerings range in size from 1.6 to 2.0-liters and in power from 90 and 143 horsepower, while returning 62 mpg on the EU combined cycle.
Inside, the options range from mild to technologically sophisticated. Although base models make do with five-speed manual transmissions and cloth trim, top-spec models are available with seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions (depending on the engine), panoramic sunroofs, a navigation system with Google Earth capability, a 465-watt sound system, and WLAN hotspot Internet connectivity.
The diminutive Sportback might be little more than a European A1 with a couple more doors on it, but with the premium small hatchback game pretty much belonging to Mini, it could be time for America to see this model for itself. Audi still has no plan to bring the A1 range here, but we'd love to know what you think: Is there room for a Mini-fighter in the four-ring stable?
The modified roofline makes for extra headroom in the rear, and this 6’4” writer can attest to the fact that it is spacious enough to be comfortable—as long as the front passengers are cooperative. The A1 comes standard with two rear seats, but a three-passenger bench is available at no cost. It seems theoretically possible to seat three in the rear, but don’t think we know many people who would enjoy being one of those three.
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Like the regular A1—and the VW Polo, Škoda Fabia, and SEAT Ibiza, with which it shares its platform—the Sportback is one of the most agile, capable offerings in its class. The Sportback weighs just 50 pounds or so more than the three-door, so we don’t anticipate a discernible difference in the dynamics of the two. The engine lineup is identical: 1.2- and 1.4-liter gasoline engines with up to 185 hp and 1.6- and 2.0-liter diesels offering up to 143 hp. In 140-hp trim, the turbocharged 1.4-liter gas engine will offer cylinder deactivation, running on just two cylinders under low load. Color us interested.
The A1 Sportback commands a premium of €850, around $1000, over the regular A1. That’s not too much, considering the added flexibility and convenience. The rear doors also are useful in tight European cities, where the long doors of the three-door make ingress and egress more difficult. They should also come in handy when buyers are trying to place shopping bags on the rear seat without dislocating their shoulders.
There isn’t much competition for the Audi A1 Sportback. The Citroën DS3 is only available as a three-door, and the Mini only comes with five doors if you opt for the ungainly Countryman. We think the A1 Sportback will do well in Europe—and we wish Audi would decide to offer it here as well.
2012 Audi A1 Sportback will become available in the UK later this month and will reach its first customers here in the spring of 2012. The 5-door city car is priced at just £13 980 OTR.
2012 Audi A1 Sportback in 2 sexiest car colors, red and yellow-orange mix up photo gallery (+ WALLPAPERS) from latest car auto-shows from the world:
Hot looking sports 2012 Audi A1 Sportback car with standard luxurious black interior, and in RED and YELLOW mixture with black inside private interior looks(front side and seats) of latest 2012 Audi A1 Sportback pictures gallery:
2012 Audi A1 Sportback Great Grey Silver color photo gallery from Paris auto show:
2012 Audi A1 Sportback in White Color latest pictures and wallpapers:
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