Despite being the tiniest car in the Auto Union lineup, the Audi A1 still has those signature LED eyes, wind-sucking grille and R8-esque silver-rimmed greenhouse. However, unlike an R8, the MINI-fighter’s top-end engine ekes out a meager 122 HP.
The smallest Audi will officially go on sale in Europe with four drivetrains; two gasoline engines and two oil-burners putting power down through the front wheels via a seven-speed S-tronic transmission or six- and five-speed manual. The 1.2-liter or 1.4-liter TFSI either throws down 86 in wimpy form or 122 HP with a 0-to-62 MPH time of 9.1 seconds and EU test cycle 44 MPG. A larger 1.6-liter TDI stirs the pot a bit more with 185 lb-ft of torque, 105 HP and 60 MPG. If you really must, another version of the same TDI squeezes out 62 MPG.
Otherwise, the A1 incorporates the same details as every other Audi, including an MMI infotainment system on the inside and LED lights everywhere. In sportier-looking S-line trim, the A1 gets larger 18-inch wheels, sportier suspension, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and sport seats. So it may look the S-porty part, but somehow we doubt it’ll drive like one.
@Number_Six: The base (European) Mini has a 75 hp 1.4 (or a 90 hp diesel). The 85 hp A1 will certainly outperform that Mini.
duurtlang
My first car, MKII Jetta 16v, made that much HP. Wasn’t very reliable. Wasn’t cheap. But it wasn’t a Civic…
God I loved that car…
VeeArrrSix
@CJinSD: Why? Audi has always been a more expensive/luxury VW. So why shouldn’t they expand to other segments where luxury/expensive has become popular recently? It’s not like this is meant for the US, where owning a car this size means you’re broke.
duurtlang
Ooh, an overpriced Polo. Whoop-de-shit.
FromaBuick6
Nice LED light pipes in the headlights! Very Caddyish, unlike the unfinished look of the other cars in the line-up with the bare LED’s.
touchitgently
At least what it lacks in performance when compared to the Mini, it’ll more than make up for by being hideously unreliable and expensive.
Number_Six
I feel like maybe they should have split this off into another brand… or left it as a VW.
hmmcolor
I think it says everything you need to know about Audi that they slap their signature features on this coal cart and sell it to their customers. Says all you need to know about new Audi customers too.
CJinSD