For my third instalment of Audi's Electromobility Strategy, I was given the opportunity to briefly drive the very enticing Audi A1 e-tron. For starters, the A1 is an all-new subcompact product from Audi and it is making some serious waves. It's really no mystery as to why this little car has many excited; it's quite the looker, it's got Audi DNA flowing through its veins and, from what I can tell, will be a fine drive as well.
For those that think that Audi does not build subcompact cars, know this: The Audi A1 is nowhere near as bold a move on Audi's behalf as you might envision. Ingolstadt has long since offered small cars, nearly everywhere except, of course, North America. Remember the A2? A few years back, Transport Canada had taken one across our great land for a fuel economy test. Shortly thereafter, Auto123.com got to drive the A2. It was an inspiring experience.
As was this, regardless of how short the experience was. Before I get into what makes the A1 e-tron tick, a little history: the A1 was unveiled as a concept at the 2007 Tokyo auto show and again at the 2008 Paris auto show and finally, as a production car in March of 2010 at the Geneva auto show. The latest news has a 5-door variant expected sometime in mid-2011.
The A1
This is no bottom-end Audi. Upon first look, there are many new A8 styling cues, including the cut off corners on the massive single-frame front grille. Obviously, they differ largely in size but the aura of the flagship is clear around this little car. Depending on the trim and selected options, the A1 can be plainly dressed or decorated with tasteful and ornate alloys, from the wheels to the mirrors.
One of my favourite points is the wrap-around tailgate, first seen on the Q7. When open, the inner ends of the fenders have position lights for traffic. As well, the A1 sports all matters of LEDs in the light housings. All I can say is that LEDs rule! Overall, this is a great-looking car.
Many manufacturers are trying hard to dissimulate the charging ports on their rechargeable cars. Audi has had a solution to that conundrum for decades; push on the four ring logo on the front grille and voilà, it pops open to reveal a socket as well as a small digital screen. Brilliant!
 |
| For my third instalment of Audi's Electromobility Strategy, I was given the opportunity to briefly drive the very enticing Audi A1 e-tron. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
For those that think that Audi does not build subcompact cars, know this: The Audi A1 is nowhere near as bold a move on Audi's behalf as you might envision. Ingolstadt has long since offered small cars, nearly everywhere except, of course, North America. Remember the A2? A few years back, Transport Canada had taken one across our great land for a fuel economy test. Shortly thereafter, Auto123.com got to drive the A2. It was an inspiring experience.
As was this, regardless of how short the experience was. Before I get into what makes the A1 e-tron tick, a little history: the A1 was unveiled as a concept at the 2007 Tokyo auto show and again at the 2008 Paris auto show and finally, as a production car in March of 2010 at the Geneva auto show. The latest news has a 5-door variant expected sometime in mid-2011.
The A1
This is no bottom-end Audi. Upon first look, there are many new A8 styling cues, including the cut off corners on the massive single-frame front grille. Obviously, they differ largely in size but the aura of the flagship is clear around this little car. Depending on the trim and selected options, the A1 can be plainly dressed or decorated with tasteful and ornate alloys, from the wheels to the mirrors.
One of my favourite points is the wrap-around tailgate, first seen on the Q7. When open, the inner ends of the fenders have position lights for traffic. As well, the A1 sports all matters of LEDs in the light housings. All I can say is that LEDs rule! Overall, this is a great-looking car.
Many manufacturers are trying hard to dissimulate the charging ports on their rechargeable cars. Audi has had a solution to that conundrum for decades; push on the four ring logo on the front grille and voilà, it pops open to reveal a socket as well as a small digital screen. Brilliant!
 |
| Push on the four ring logo on the front grille and voilà! (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |