Photo: Audi
It feels like Audi launched the second-generation A1 Sportback a bit half-heartedly, as some trademark elements will be missing. Most notably, the S1 performance version is looking increasingly unlikely.
While at the launch of the A1 in Spain, head of communication at Audi, Peter Oberndorfer, told CarAdvice that a successor to the S1 is not a priority, explaining that its development would not be easy with this platform.
He's reffering to the shortcomings of the MQB A0. All cars that are based on it don't have independent rear suspension or the option of adding an AWD transfer case. Of course, the old A1 also had this issue but was completely re-engineered at a tremendous cost.
"The S1 was also not easy to do because it was done later, it was not originally on the platform. It was quite an investment. It was a great car, I had one in my house, but nowadays we have to focus more and more [on other developments], and it’s getting more and more difficult. You drove the 200 horsepower version just an hour ago. It’s quite a fun car,” said the Audi official.
He is talking about one of three engines which are available. There's the 30 TFSI with a 1-liter making 116 HP, the 35 TFSI with a 1.5-liter pushing 150 HP and the 40 TFSI with the Polo GTI's 2-liter. 200 horsepower and 320 Nm supposedly pushes it to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, which is pretty brisk.
A further powertrain will be included next year according to the same report. The 25 TFSI will have a 95 HP version of the 1.0 TFSI. Diesel doesn't seem to be on the agenda. The A1 is primarily a city car for people with deep pockets. But many European capitals and large cities will ban diesel completely within a decade.
According to the communications boss, the A1 will have a "nice little derivative" next year. He's referring to a rugged "City Carver" model which was recently spied undergoing testing.
He's reffering to the shortcomings of the MQB A0. All cars that are based on it don't have independent rear suspension or the option of adding an AWD transfer case. Of course, the old A1 also had this issue but was completely re-engineered at a tremendous cost.
"The S1 was also not easy to do because it was done later, it was not originally on the platform. It was quite an investment. It was a great car, I had one in my house, but nowadays we have to focus more and more [on other developments], and it’s getting more and more difficult. You drove the 200 horsepower version just an hour ago. It’s quite a fun car,” said the Audi official.
He is talking about one of three engines which are available. There's the 30 TFSI with a 1-liter making 116 HP, the 35 TFSI with a 1.5-liter pushing 150 HP and the 40 TFSI with the Polo GTI's 2-liter. 200 horsepower and 320 Nm supposedly pushes it to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, which is pretty brisk.
A further powertrain will be included next year according to the same report. The 25 TFSI will have a 95 HP version of the 1.0 TFSI. Diesel doesn't seem to be on the agenda. The A1 is primarily a city car for people with deep pockets. But many European capitals and large cities will ban diesel completely within a decade.
According to the communications boss, the A1 will have a "nice little derivative" next year. He's referring to a rugged "City Carver" model which was recently spied undergoing testing.
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