2009 Audi A1 Sportback review and pictures
Posted on Thursday, 2 October 2008 , 11:10:51 byVeronica
Filed under AudiConceptsHybridHatchbacks
German carmaker Audi prepared the new Audi A1 Sportback concept study for the Paris Motor Show. This is actually a concept for a 5-door 4-seat for the sub-compact class. It combines cutting-edge dynamic styling with optimum economy of space and supreme quality. At the same time efficiency, dynamism and motoring pleasure feel like home. Under the hood, the model hides a 1.4-liter TFSI engine capable of developing 150 horsepower which are then being sent to the front wheels through the S Tronic dual-clutch transmission. A 20 kW electric motor integrated in the drive train is able to deliver up to an additional 150 Nm of torque when the vehicle is accelerating. The electric motor is furthermore capable of powering the vehicle alone for zero-emission driving in residential areas, for example. The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries gives the vehicle a range of up to 100 km in pure electric mode. The motor can be recharged from any socket. Despite its sporty performance, with acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h, the Audi A1 Sportback concept requires only 3.9-liters of premium fuel per 100 km. The model features Audi drive select, which is also available as an option in the current generation of the A4 best-seller. The default setting is the efficiency mode. In this mode, the engine and transmission respond gently to use of the accelerator and shift paddles. This mode can be used for distances of up to 100 km in purely electric mode and it is quite fast, too. The powerful batteries enable it to reach a top speed of more than 100 km/h. The sport mode is designed to produce the dynamic yet comfortable driving sensation that is so typical of the brand and that Audi drivers have come to expect of their cars. In this mode, the electronics of the vehicle also harness the torque available from the electric motor to achieve extra-sporty acceleration along with excellent lateral dynamics.
