Photo: CarPix
Starting with the Skoda Fabia in 2008, Volkswagen has introduced a number of superminis based on the PQ25 (also known as the A0) platform. The last one was the Audi A1, the most premium model which in 2012 received a five-door version as well.
After the Polo facelift just launched in Germany, the A1 is also getting a major facelift to carry it through three more years of service. Design changes have already been previewed by the new S1 and will include a new set of headlights, taillights, a new grille and bumper, plus trapezoidal daytime runners inspired by the A3 range.
The A1 is also a more expensive model than the Polo, which means it should at least match it in terms of equipment. Of particular interest to us is the Front Assist safety system. This has just been added on the Polo and include City Emergency Braking and Automatic Cruise Control. A camera installed right under the front number plate drastically reduced the chance of a crash during during city driving.
It's not always easy to keep track of all the fellow road users. A radar system developed by VW and fitted to many compact cars, including the A3 range, monitors the traffic ahead. If an impending crash is detected, the system alerts the driver and if doesn't react it activated the brakes for him. If it doesn't prevent the crash altogether, it will at least reduce the damage to your precious premium supermini.
Interestingly, the test prototype we spotted in Sweden doesn't seem to have a cutout in the bumper under the number plate, which likely means Front Assist is an option. Since even the non-premium Ford Fiesta has such a function, we very much doubt the Audi can do without it.
Moving on to the engines offered on the "New A1" later this year, these will include retuned 1.2 TFSI base units with 90 and 110 PS, a new 1.4 TFSI with 125 PS instead of 122, a 150 PS version of that engine and likely a 1.8 TFSI. We've speculated about this in the past, since the twin-charger 1.4 TFSI/TSI is being phased out.
The A1 is also a more expensive model than the Polo, which means it should at least match it in terms of equipment. Of particular interest to us is the Front Assist safety system. This has just been added on the Polo and include City Emergency Braking and Automatic Cruise Control. A camera installed right under the front number plate drastically reduced the chance of a crash during during city driving.
It's not always easy to keep track of all the fellow road users. A radar system developed by VW and fitted to many compact cars, including the A3 range, monitors the traffic ahead. If an impending crash is detected, the system alerts the driver and if doesn't react it activated the brakes for him. If it doesn't prevent the crash altogether, it will at least reduce the damage to your precious premium supermini.
Interestingly, the test prototype we spotted in Sweden doesn't seem to have a cutout in the bumper under the number plate, which likely means Front Assist is an option. Since even the non-premium Ford Fiesta has such a function, we very much doubt the Audi can do without it.
Moving on to the engines offered on the "New A1" later this year, these will include retuned 1.2 TFSI base units with 90 and 110 PS, a new 1.4 TFSI with 125 PS instead of 122, a 150 PS version of that engine and likely a 1.8 TFSI. We've speculated about this in the past, since the twin-charger 1.4 TFSI/TSI is being phased out.
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