The Audi A1 has been refreshed for 2015 which includes the introduction of the German carmaker’s first ever three-cylinder petrol to the range. There are also updates to existing engines offering improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions as low as 92g/km.
Petrol choices comprise of two versions of the turbocharged 1.4-litre TFSI unit: one with 123bhp and CO2 emissions down 9g/km to 115g/km, the second featuring Audi’s Cylinder on Demand technology, producing 148bhp yet emitting only 112g/km, good enough for the 17 percent BIK band for 2015/16.
When it comes to running costs the 1.6-litre TDI is likely to be the pick of the range for company car drivers with CO2 emissions reduced from 99g/km to 92g/km in both body styles meaning a 16 percent BIK tax band for the 2015/16 tax year. Fuel economy has increased from 74.3mpg up to 80.7mpg on the official combined cycle.
Stealing most of the headlines though is the arrival of Audi’s first three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which will be available to order early next year. Expected to be capable of returning at least 60mpg with CO2 emissions of only 99g/km, meaning only a 14 percent BIK tax band for the 2015/16 tax year, this new engine could prove as efficient and cheap as its diesel counterpart, plus with the added bonus that the new engine is more powerful than the 1.2-litre TFSI that it replaces with 94bhp available.
All engines will be linked to either a five- or six-speed manual transmission as standard, and for the first time all will be available with a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission as an option.
Range revisions
It’s not all about engines and CO2 emissions though, the new Audi A1 has also received some styling revisions inside and out as well as new kit across the familiar SE, Sport and S line specification levels.
Among the exterior styling tweaks on both the three-door and five-door Sportback include a new flatter and wider singleframe grille, new bumpers, a refreshed selection of alloy wheel designs and an updated choice of colours.
Inside has also been revamped by additional chrome and high gloss black detailing, new upholstery choices including an Alcantara and leather blend and different trim colours, such as Laser blue for Sport models and Rotor grey for S line models.
Standard kit in the A1 includes alloy wheels, remote central locking, air-con, electric front windows and mirrors and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display. A secondary collision brake assist system is also standard for the latest range, which can initiate automatic braking to reduce the risks of skidding and additional collisions during an accident.
The latest Sport models now include Audi drive select plus the Audi Music Interface and preparation for sat-nav, 16-inch wheels, sports suspension, sports seats and Bluetooth connectivity.
On top of this, S line versions now benefit from standard xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, exclusive S line exterior and interior detailing, S line sports suspension and leather and cloth combination upholstery.
Audi’s option packs have also been revised, the Tech Pack now includes Audi connect to bring numerous internet-based services to the car, and the Comfort Pack adds a Driver’s Information System and high beam assistant to cruise control, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and rear parking sensors.
Available to order at the end of this month with prices starting from £15,390, UK deliveries are expected to start in spring 2015.
