title: Audi A1
image: ../modimages/a1.jpg
description: 
Audi introduced the first generation of the supermini premium hatchback A1 in 2010, trying to compete in a segment where it had no contender while other car manufacturers enjoyed good profits there.

In 2007, the four-ring brand unveiled the metroproject quattro concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, which captured customers' imagination. The next year, the automaker released other prototypes, the A1 project quattro and the A1 Sportback concept, respectively. However, the automaker finally uncovered the production model of the 2010 Audi A1 at the Geneva Motor Show. The new product was based on the PQ25 platform shared with the Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, and SEAT Ibiza but was dressed more elegantly and featured more upscale features than its siblings.

While it seemed unlikely to see the singleframe grille on a supermini vehicle, the 2010 Audi A1 proved that possible. Furthermore, the carmaker's design department flanked it with a set of headlights that resembled those installed on the car's larger siblings, the A4 and the A6. They had integrated waved-shaped LED daytime running lights and available xenon brights. On the lower side of the bumper, a pair of round scoops with chromed rims housed the fog lamps, if fitted.

From its profile, the car's styling resembled the one from the A3, albeit shrunk down. Its tall waistline, related to the A1's overall height, ascended from the headlights to the C-posts. To make the 2010 Audi A1 look even bolder, the car manufacturer installed sculptured door panels, which were more expensive than flat or slightly curved ones placed on the Skoda Fabia or the Volkswagen Polo. Unlike its siblings, at the sales start, the A1 was available exclusively as a three-door vehicle. Customers could personalize their vehicles with one of four contrasting colors for the roof arch and A- and C-pillars. At the back, the raked forward tailgate sported the brand's badge below the rear windshield and standard rear wiper. The automaker also placed angular-shaped LED taillights. Lower, below the bumper, the car manufacturer added a diffuser, improving the vehicle's sporty look.

Inside, the 2010 Audi A1 had an airy cabin with plenty of room for the front occupants. They fronted a curved dashboard featuring round vents with silver encirclements. The three-spoke steering wheel framed a rounded instrument cluster that housed the large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, which integrated the gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. A TFT display took center stage on the instrument panel, showing data from the onboard computer. The center stack housed the controls for the HVAC system, which was available with a dual-zone climate control, and the stereo. In addition, Audi placed a center console between the front bucket seats that housed the gearstick, the handbrake, and a folding armrest with an integrated storage compartment. At the back, the A1 had a bench seat profiled for two with an option for two cupholders between them. There was hardly any legroom there, especially for grownups.

Under its skin, this supermini premium vehicle had a simple platform featuring McPherson struts at the front and a twisting beam in the back. At the same time, under the hood, the automaker offered a choice of gasoline and turbodiesel engines, ranging between 86 PS (84 hp) and 143 PS (141 hp). Despite being known for its all-wheel drive transmission, Audi offered the 2010 Audi A1 exclusively as a front-wheel drive affair. However, it still considered adding Tiptronic five-speed as well as seven-speed (dual-clutch) automatic transmissions besides the standard five- or six-speed manual gearboxes in the offer, depending on the version.
gasolineengines:
 1.2L TFSI 5AT FWD (86 HP)

 1.4L TFSI 6MT FWD (122 HP)

 1.4L TFSI 7AT FWD (122 HP)

 1.4L TFSI 7AT FWD (185 HP)

 1.4L TFSI CoD 6MT FWD (140 HP)

 1.4L TFSI CoD 7AT FWD (140 HP)

 1.4L TFSI ECO 7AT FWD (122 HP)

dieselengines:
 1.6L TDI 5MT FWD (105 HP)

 1.6L TDI 5MT FWD (90 HP)

 1.6L TDI 7AT FWD (90 HP)

 2.0L TDI 6MT FWD (143 HP)
