Audi A1 Sportback concept - Compact five-door model with hybrid drive

At the Paris Motor Show (October 2-10, 2008), Audi is unveiling the A1 Sportback concept study: following on from the Audi A1 project quattro, the three-door show car presented in 2007, this is a concept for a five-door four-seater for the sub-compact class – once again exhibiting all the characteristics of a genuine Audi.

The 3.99-meter long (13.09 ft) and 1.75-meter wide (5.74 ft) vehicle combines cutting-edge, dynamic styling with optimum economy of space and supreme quality

. At the same time, a series of visionary technical solutions take efficiency, dynamism and motoring pleasure into new territory as only Audi knows how.

Compact five-door model with hybrid drive

Audi is presenting another version of the innovative hybrid technology in the drive unit for the A1 Sportback concept. At work under the hood is a 1.4-litre TFSI engine developing 110 kW (150 hp), whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. A 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor integrated in the drive train is able to deliver up to an additional 150 Nm of torque (110.63 lb-ft) when the vehicle is accelerating.

During the boosting phase, i.e. when the TFSI engine and electric motor operate simultaneously to enable a sporty driving style, the two power packs deliver impressive propulsion. The tried-and-tested front-wheel drive – supplemented by the newly developed, ESP-controlled active front differential lock – ensures optimum transfer of power to the road.

The electric motor is furthermore capable of powering the vehicle alone for zero-emission driving in residential areas, for instance. The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries gives the vehicle a range of up to 100 km (62.14 miles) in pure electric mode; the motor can be recharged from any power socket. The automatic start/stop facility, energy regeneration and phases of purely electrical operation reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of the Audi A1 Sportback concept by almost 30 percent compared to when it is running on the combustion engine alone.

Despite its sporty performance, with acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph), the Audi A1 Sportback concept requires only 3.9 liters of premium fuel per 100 km (60.31 US mpg); CO2 emissions are an efficient 92 g/km (148.06 g/mile)

The equipment, data, and prices specified refer to the models offered in Germany. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.

- Josef Schloßmacher - photo Audi