Audi A1 citycarver

The second generation Audi A1 takes pride for being the most affordable Audi ever offered and with its stubbier appearance, more fashionable interior, performance, tech, and bang for the buck, the "next big thing" gets even better and it's hard to make an argument with it. However, the latest-generation A1 makes a house call on the crossover department and after intense nursing and doctoring with some ruggedness, the first-ever A1 citycarver is born.

2020 Audi A1 citycarver

2020 Audi A1 citycarver interior

Starting at 25,680 Euros plus on-road costs, the citycarver is what happened when the latest-generation A1 makes a house call with the crossover experts and what just did is they give it a slightly higher ground clearance, rugged cladding, unique interior theme, and that's about it.

Citycarver rhymes with caregiver, making it the perfect crossover hatchback for anyone who's got a nursing degree and paid for making house visits to the elderly so the next time when a nurse makes a house visit, rest assured that the car your nurse drives is basically an Audi A1 citycarver, the caregiver's choice, some say.

Despite its crossover looks and the slightly added height, it still behaves like an A1 and it's offered only in front-wheel drive, therefore not fit to play the role of the elephant invading another nation through the mountains, but on the upside, with the available dynamic package, it behaves like a hot hatch despite the crossover looks. Now that's a house call with a twist.

Even the range of engines are similar to the normal A1 as well, with the most powerful version bearing 1.5L TFSi engine producing 150PS of power and 250Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed S tronic double clutch gearbox, it goes from 0-100kph in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 220kph. Any Japanese compact crossover hatchbacks can't do that, you know, so that's a plus for the citycarver.

As for tech, the citycarver offers all of the same tech stuff as the normal A1, meaning it comes with e fully digital instrument cluster, MMI, Audi connect, and a wide array of driver assistance systems, giving them plenty of reasons to get to know the citycarver better.

The citycarver can be easily joked as the caregiver's car, hence the name, but despite its nearly rugged looks, it still works just like an A1 and there's no arguing about that reasonably priced Audi crossover hatch.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi A1 Sportback GB

About eight years ago, the Audi A1 was labeled as their "next big thing" and with stubby appearance, fashionable interior, performance, and bang for the buck, the A1 really says it all, and with the arrival of the all-new second-generation model, the all-new A1 elevates the city car stakes to the turning point whee everything's a revelation to know about the little tykes. So, what's what with Audi's all-new A1 Sportback?

2019 Audi A1 Sportback

2019 Audi A1 Sportback

Starting at 21,150 Euros, the new Audi A1 still delivers some more bang for your buck even though the appearance becomes even stubbier than the old A1, more fashionable on the inside, more lively than before, and above all, more accessible for first-time buyers. Despite its all-new appearance on the outside, it still looks pretty much the same as the old A1 it replaces and above all, it's still a small car fit for the urban chaos lies ahead.

2019 Audi A1 Sportback interior

2019 Audi A1 Sportback interior

The interior of the Audi A1 is all new and on the driver's side, the list of connectivity features ranging from the available MMI Navigation Plus, Audi connect, smartphone interface, DAB tuner, and other features that will keep them entertained on the go. It maybe a small 5-door car but the new platform it uses makes it even more roomier at the back and more space at the boot for more stuff to fill in, especially those from your grocery-shopping list or from your trips to the mall. Now that's logic get information and the new A1 is worth a surprise for owners.

2019 Audi A1 Sportback

As a small car, the new Audi A1 deserves a very compact engine and the engine that powers it is a 1.0L TFSi engine that produces up to 116PS of power and 200Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. A range-topping variant can get from 0-100kph in 9.4 seconds and onwards to just 203kph. 

That's not the case because being small, the dynamics of being a front-wheel drive little car is pretty impressive thanks to its sporty suspension setup and with the Performance dynamic package armed, it gets even crazier for the little car to be so upbeat like a Benny Hill comedy show. The way it handles for a little car of this size is a riot to drive and for the journey home, the new A1 comes with a wide range of driver assistance systems so you don't have to worry about a thing or two.

There's so much to talk about the new Audi A1 Sportback but whether you like it or not, it's starting to take shape for the most affordable Audi ever offered and with its stubbier appearance, more fashionable interior, performance, tech, and bang for the buck, looks like the "next big thing" gets even better and it's hard to make an argument with it.

Photo: Audi AG

FH3 Blizzard Mountain: S1 on ice

Audi's S1 may be a semi-hot A1 for the 50%, but for a small-sized compact, it tries so hard to become the super hot hatch it deserved.

Although this is classified as a super hot hatch that competes against the Astra VXR, A45 AMG, and the RenaultSport Megane, its short on power is a big disadvantage in the straights but thanks to its size, it can squeeze into corners squeaky clean as a thief in the night, as if drivers know how to watch their backs and blind spots for sudden overtakes.

Some people claimed that the S1 has the blessings of the legendary Audi Quattro but upon checking out its driving modes, it all feels wrong. Like the Sport mode, for example, which solidifies the suspension rather than sharpens it, making this car too mild to handle in the bends. It maybe small and nippy but the way the S1 behaves is...just plain mild as an Ivory soap with a point I made moments later.



As you can see, I am rejoined here with my special S1 I drove back in FH2's Storm Island years ago. It's got the same Cinderella Girls Miria design as last time, but it's been updated to handle Blizzard Mountain. With the car set, the S1 faces the harshest challenge yet under extreme icy conditions. When I say extreme, I really do mean it.



It's true. It was the harshest challenge ever faced under extreme icy conditions but the S1 managed to win the race for me, although I wouldn't want to do it against because as the Blizzard Mountain challenges get even tougher, it takes the right strategy and the right car to do such things in order to achieve the full three-star result. Winning the race is easy but winning the race while completing a specific task is a tough act to follow.

FH2 Storm Island: Second Drive with the Audi S1

Previously, I once took a drive with the Audi S1 hot hatch in Forza Horizon 2 and even though this isn't a hot hatch I was hoping because the dynamics seem to be all wrong despite its small sizing, it managed to clench a win against the foreign Johnnies. Looks like the S1 wanted me another challenge because racing on normal roads is not enough and now it wants to take on another challenge, this time in Storm Island.

Yes, Audi did name this thing well, I'll give them that, but because this is Storm Island, some necessary modifications have been made to survive the harsh terrain this pocket rocket will be traversing. As for designing this hatchback for the modification, I'd decided to ditch the old Indigo stuff and instead doing this...



Now, some of you may ask, "why did you have an image of a little girl in your Audi?" This little girl in my Audi is Miria Akagi from THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS and she fits perfectly on my little pocket rocket as I please. With the ingredients set, the Audi S1 faces the inevitable as it survives Storm Island's worst.



The S1 managed to survived the worst locations in Storm Island despite its small size. It's a good job Audi name this one after their Quattro rally car and even though this S1 wasn't made to be a rally car but rather a city car spiced for the occasion, it's not half bad driving through the rough terrain with the proper equipment installed.

Speaking of which, I got enough trophies to take on another Gauntlet before continuing my quest to the Island Finale.

Forza Horizon 2: Driving the Audi S1

See this one? That is the Audi S1, one of the cars you can drive in Forza Horizon 2's IGN Car Pack, on sale now, and notably one of the hottest hot hatches you can buy today. So, what is it then?

Back in the old days, there was the almighty Audi Sport Quattro S1, which is famed for dominating the World Rally Championship in 1982 and 1984. Now, the S1 name from the legendary rally car was been reborn, this time as a pocket rocket equivalent of the Audi A1.

It has a 2.0L TFSi engine producing 228HP of power output while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox, that sounds like more enjoyable to have than the Renault Clio RS EDC I drove months ago. Because it has four-wheel drive, most of the power has been distributed to all four wheels if necessary but unlike the normal A1, the S1's rear suspension features a four-link setup rather than the torsion beam, resulting to a redesign to the entire rear end of the car.

You may remember back in 2014's Top Gear original video, The Perfect Road Trip 2, Jeremy Clarkson tries to make full use of the Audi S1's dynamics while racing through the Campo in Siena, Italy but as it turned out, the S1 is a lot bouncy to drive in Dynamic mode and a lot bland to drive in Auto mode. As stated, the S1 maybe a small hot hatchback but it doesn't feel any faster than any other hatchback, and that's quite a downfall for Audi's smallest hot hatch....or is it?

To find out, I pit this one to a championship made exclusively for hi-po hot hatches like these but first...



Some internal improvements have been made to make it faster and sharper than in stock form and if you might think that it's wearing a Finnish flag, no way. The design I made is heavily inspired by Ace Combat Zero's Indigo Team, just to add some flamboyant taste to its small size. With preparations complete, my S1 is ready to take on Montellino against the best hot hatches.



Hmmm, even with some improvements, the S1 doesn't feel sharp for that size and that's very odd for such small hot hatch but despite the S1's all wrong, it still managed to win a championship and its day job here at Forza Horizon 2 is done. Job done for Audi but it needs to keep up next time.

Audi S1 and S1 Sportback

2015 Audi S1

2015 Audi S1 Sportback

The Audi A1 city compact has spawned itself a hotter version called the S1 and no, it doesn't have to do with the S1 you rally fans know about. This is way different than that, ladies and gents. The S1 joins the hot hatch fray and you can think of it as a civilized version of a limited-edition Audi A1 quattro a couple of years ago because unlike the A1 quattro, the S1 looks like a regular Audi A1 but it's been sprinkled with too much sugar on it so it makes it feel like it's in a "sugar rush" right now, wondering what might have been.

The S1 is available in both the 3-door and the 5-door Sportback model and whichever S1 you're choosing, you will be greeted by the sound of its 2.0L TFSi engine. It may not be flashy but the engine that powers it delivers a modest 231PS of power output and 370Nm of torque output while mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. That sounds like fun to us but how does it behave like what every hot hatch in the world should?

Well, at that size, the S1 is worth crippling to our facial muscles but once you get this one right, it's not half-bad. Like most S-badged models, it comes with a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system that lets you have fun without crashing into something even on a rainy day in Europe. There's more in the driving dynamics because the compound link rear suspension used on the A1 has been thrown away and replaced with a four-link design, meaning that when you face it round the corner at a right speed, it feels surgical and clinical as every hot hatch should. This is somewhat more enjoyable to have than the hot Renault Clio that relies on double-clutch nonsense and the special party piece but even though this comes with a 4WD layout and a compact body, I'm afraid there's been some constraints because even with quattro, understeer can be a bit of a issue and if you mess this up, then you've been out of bounds for no reason.

2015 Audi S1 Sportback interior

2015 Audi S1 interior

So, while it maybe a decent track-day car when treated right, driving on normal roads can be somewhat not nice at all because even with quattro, the stiffened suspension really baffles you every time and when it encounters a bump, things get nasty. However, the real fun is when you stopped, you can enjoy what's inside on the S1 judging the fact that it comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot where you can spend some time surfing the net with your smartphones while on a stopover. This hot hatch can make you feel as busy as a Yuppie who yips a lot with his fellow yuppies.

So, should you buy one? The three-door S1 starts at 29,950 Euros while the 5-door Sportback is priced at 30,800 Euros so in terms of pricing, that's more affordable to own than the A45 AMG but more expensive than the Renault Clio RS or the Peugeot 208 GTi. Despite that, it's a smart buy for those who are looking for some hot hatches that does everything you want in a car that makes you smile. Treat this car with the respect and you can be good mates on the road ahead.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi A1 Sportback

2012 Audi A1 Sportback

Two years ago, Audi wants to spice things up to the compact car craze by presenting the Audi A1. It started only as a 3-door compact designed for the urban egoists and it uses the platform derived from its VW cousins such as the VW Polo, Skoda Fabia, and the Seat Ibiza. Now this time, the Audi A1 gets even more even because additional two doors are added to the A1 and this is known to be as the AUDI A1 SPORTBACK. It may be the same as the original A1 but it comes with 5-doors. 5 DOORS! Well, yeah but on the inside, it can accommodate up to 4-people. However, you can have a maker option to provide you an additional seat in order to accommodate five people, which sounds convincing if you know what I mean.

Joy of joys, it comes with an array of technological features to keep you interested such as Audi connect, MMI navigation plus, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WLAN hotspot to surf the internet while stuck at traffic.

Available engine types for the Audi A1 Sportback includes the 1.2 TFSi, 1.4TFSi, and the 1.6 TDi engine, which all of these are Euro V Compliant. Depending on the variant, you might be getting a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, or even the 7-speed S tronic transmission. Because that's a lot of engine types offered on the new A1 Sportback, let's choose from the most economical to the most powerful. Okay, so the most economical A1 Sportback model is the one with the 1.6 TDi engine that provides a fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km and 99g/km of CO2 emissions. The most powerful A1 Sportback variant (as of now) is the one with the 1.4 TFSi engine that produces 185PS of power and 250Nm of torque. It will go 0-100kph in 6.9 seconds and flat-out, it would go up to 227kph.

The Audi A1 Sportback is available in several color variations such as Brillantschwarz, Amalfiweiß, Kumulusblau, Eissilber Metallic/Brillantschwarz, Eissilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic/Daytonagrau Perleffekt, Scubablau Metallic, Scubablau Metallic/Eissilber Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic/Eissilber Metallic, Sphärenblau Metallic, Sphärenblau Metallic/Eissilber Metallic, Teakbraun Metallic, Teakbraun Metallic/Eissilber Metallic, Samoaorange Metallic, Samoaorange Metallic/Daytonagrau Perleffekt, Daytonagrau Perleffekt, Daytonagrau Perleffekt/Brillantschwarz, Misanorot Perleffekt, Misanorot Perleffekt/Brillantschwarz, Phantomschwarz Perleffekt, and Phantomschwarz Perleffekt/Eissilber Metallic. That's a lot of color combinations to choose from, to single color and two-tone!

My Comment:
The same Audi A1 fun for the youth now with two additional doors to fit your barkadas. This Audi A1 Sportback is somewhat a good alternative to the 3-door variant and it's cool if you're a fashionista who want to bring your friends to the mall for some shopping spree. I couldn't help it but that was somewhat an interesting vehicle that we wish to have. With the starting price of 16,950 Euros, the Audi A1 Sportback seems to be somewhat reasonably priced but you may need 25,100 Euros for the powerful A1 1.4 TFSi S tronic variant.

Photo: AUDI AG

Celebrity Samurai

Audi A1 Samurai Blue

As seen in 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the special Audi A1 Samurai Blue is the luxury German brand's commemoration of the Japan National Football Team. That's why, it was named after the "Samurai Blue" nickname that became the identity of Japan National Football Team.

Hey! How come there's no such thing as a "Nadeshiko Japan" special? They did the credit too but why the Audi A1 Samurai Blue is a tribute to the boys who pushed Japan through the ranks of the soccer world? Still, this concept is the PRIDE OF JAPAN. Remember, that Audi is the sponsor of the Japan National Football Team, they deserve the credit.

Looks like this one's a CELEBRITY SAMURAI, ready to play some ANGRY BALLS!

ICHI! NI! SAN! GO! KABUTE!

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2011/11/30/tokyo-2011-audi-a1-samurai-blue-slices-its-way-in/

Audi Japan to provide 22 units of Audi A1 for the winning Nadeshiko Japan

Nadeshiko Japan at the Audi Forum Tokyo!

You guys remember Nadeshiko Japan right? They're the team who gloriously won the Fifa 2011 Women's World Cup. By honorable mentions, Audi will be the supporting company for the Japan Football Association. The winning team had received 22 units of the Audi A1 compact car. The Nadeshiko Japan members, even team captain Homare Sawa, even get to put their own signatures on the bonnet of the Audi A1 as well.

A luxury German car maker collaborated with the winning team is just one of the many reasons why a wonderful partnership is involved.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/audi/a1/launch-826386/

Scoop (2): http://www.audi.co.jp/jp/brand/ja/company/news.detail.2011~08~PR-11-079.html

Audi A1

Attempting to recreate the web movie "The Next Big Thing,” starring Justin Timberlake, by yourself with the new Audi A1 is just one thing why you really like this hottest hatch built for the next big thing, but doing that is just the beginning.

Following several months of research and development from Volkswagen Group's luxury marque, nobody does it like how the Audi A1 made exclusively for the next big thing in Europe. At its first glance, the exterior of the A1 seems perfectly well designed but stubby as it looks. There could be a love-hate decision on the A1's decent design but it depends on what would their reactions be. It can be set by a single color or dual-tone to make the A1 look at its best appearance.




Following from its stubby exterior is the stylish interior. What you will experience from the A1's interior is its stylish two-tone seats. There are eight interior colors to choose from including the wasabi green interior, which gives a strong and spicy taste just how you taste the wasabi and retreat to drink plenty of water.

The Audi A1 features a wide array of engines only suitable for the next big thing. From the 1.4 TFSI engine that has 122PS of power output, and the 1.6 TDI diesel engine with the lowest carbon dioxide emission of 103 g/km, the A1 was made to be the next big compact car without sacrificing performance. It even has a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or an S-tronic transmission. The A1 is also equipped with ESP for good stability that is suited for the next big thing.

My thoughts about the A1:
After watching all six-web episodes of The Next Big Thing with Justin Timberlake, and if you manage to get your hands on the Audi A1, then you are ready to recreate the entire Next Big Thing story by yourself, if you are in a safe environment, the lady, the bad guys, and the adventure you have on this compact.

Considering its stubby appearance, fashionable interior, powerful engine, and a budget worthy contender in this category, the A1 is a quick fire thing that makes us begging to PGA Cars to distribute it so we can do The Next Big Thing - Pinoy Version. The base A1's pricing can be cheaper than the Mini Cooper, but expensive than the Citroen DS3. When it lands in the Philippines, trust me, it would be an overpriced compact with just 2-3 million pesos. Only a bunch of UAAP players would try it for its looks and performance.