Neat little Audi with big car technology

GOOD news to Audi lovers. TCY Motors, the distributor of the Audi in the Sultanate, says that the official launch of the new MINI-sized A1 the German firm's most important compact car ever is planned for early 2012.

After less then a year and a half on the global market, the Audi's little A1 has already won numerous awards, including the Auto Trophy from Auto Zeitung, the "Golden Steering Wheel" from Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag and the "Car of the Year Award" from What Car. It was also voted as one of the "Best Cars of 2011" by the readers of auto motor und sport. The A1 also received the top five stars rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.

The compact A1 unites all of the strengths of the Audi brand a progressive design, uncompromising quality and groundbreaking efficiency in a space measuring 3.95 metres (12.96 ft) in length.

The design with the encircling shoulder line is cutting-edge and integrates the Audi A1 into the large model family. The front end with the dominating single-frame grille, the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupé-like C-pillars and the large wheel arches are among its defining style elements. The hood and the rear hatch wrap around the body. Audi offers the xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running light strips and LED tail lights. The tail lights are already three-dimensionally styled in the base model and are unmistakable, day or night.

High- and ultra high-strength steels comprise two-thirds of the compact models body. The strongest of these are the hot-shaped steels, which draw their extremely high tensile strength from a dramatic temperature increase during the shaping process. Hot-shaped steels are used primarily within the passenger cell. They provide the basis for the precise, sporty handling, the good comfort, the quiet interior, the excellent passive safety and the low base weight.

The interior of the Audi A1 is spacious, bright and airy. The instrument panel bears hints of an airplane wing; its four round air vents are reminiscent of jet engines. The clean, clear controls are every bit a classic Audi strength as the superior workmanship. Many lovingly designed details underscore the premium character of the A1.

The Audi A1 is available for Brunei with the 1.4 TFSI engines with an output of 90kW (122 hp). All of the engines follow the downsizing principle they substitute turbo charging for displacement and draw their fuel through direct injection units.

At Audi, efficiency always means high-tech. The A1 1.4 TFSI with 90 kW (122 hp) is available with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. The dual-clutch transmission shifts extremely quickly, comfortably and with no perceptible interruption to the flow of power.

It can be operated as an automatic or manually, with paddles on the steering wheel available. Thanks to its high efficiency and the intelligent control system, the S tronic also helps to reduce fuel consumption.

Whether in the city, on an interurban road or on the expressway the small compact is always great fun to drive thanks to its sporty setup, the favourable weight distribution and the direct-ratio steering.

The Audi A1 can sprint from zero to 100km/h (62.14mph) in 8.9 seconds and features a particularly sporty setup.

The ESP stabilisation programme with electronic limited slip differential, which comes standard on all models, makes the handling even more precise while also enhancing driving safety.

Six versions will be available for Brunei: Audi exclusive line, Media style package, Lifestyle kit union square, S line sports package, Competition kit and even a Wasabi green interior package.

The Brunei Times