VAG Division – Volkswagen Group Car Club

Advanced recognition software allows customers to fully explore a three-dimensional virtual A1 in Audi Centres and at home

Audi Centres nationwide take delivery of ‘Augmented Reality’ kiosks that enable customers to closely examine the A1 before ‘physical’ showroom demonstrators arrive in the autumn
By downloading special software from www.audi.co.uk and printing out a ‘MagicSymbol’ the same special effects can be replicated at home on webcam-equipped computers.
Followers of the eagerly anticipated Audi A1 compact hatchback are now free to explore miniaturised 3D ‘virtual’ versions of the car in near ‘photo real’ quality in Audi Centres across the country, and even at home, long before the first full size cars hit showrooms.

Bringing to life the next best thing to the ‘physical’ A1, the first examples of which will reach the UK in the autumn, the innovative ‘Augmented Reality’ web-based recognition technology enables customers to interact with a 3D ‘photo-real’ version of the car. Users simply hold up a special ‘MagicSymbol’ printed in the A1 brochure or downloadable from the internet, and the technology recognises this and merges an A1 model into real footage in real-time. The technology has been developed by interactive 3D content specialist Inition, and is delivered via touch screen installations positioned in every Audi Centre.

The campaign is supported by an online version which enables users to download the application at home, print out the ‘MagicSymbol’ and use a webcam to interact with the A1. Users can rotate the car, expand or contract it, roll it forwards and backwards and pan right into the interior by simply moving the magic symbol pad in relation to the web cam.

The technology will enable customers to get a real ‘feel’ for the A1, which has been designed to deliver all that the Vorsprung durch Technik brand stands for in a concentrated form. The more compact and city-friendly three-door premium hatchback benefits from the same world renowned quality standards, sophisticated design details and leading edge technological advances found throughout the Audi range. SE, Sport and S line versions became available for UK order on May 6 priced at between £13,145 OTR and £18,280 OTR, and the first examples will reach Audi Centres in October.

Inside, as out, the look and feel of the A1 uses larger Audi models as a template, and it also employs much of their on-board technology. This includes the latest, ultra-efficient TDI and TFSI engines backed up by start-stop and recuperation systems, state-of-the-art ESP with a new electronic differential lock and convenience features such as the optional Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system.

Smallest Audi comes to market with all the requisite premium sector attributes including an impressive equipment list

• UK A1 pricing will range from £13,145 OTR to £18,280 OTR – ordering will be possible from May 6 and first deliveries are expected in late 2010
• SE, Sport and S line specification levels available in conjunction with 1.2 TFSI petrol and 1.6 TDI engines, 1.4 TFSI petrol engine offered with Sport and S line options
• 1.2 TFSI petrol – 86PS, 160Nm, 55.4mpg, CO₂118g/km*
• 1.4 TFSI petrol – 122PS, 200Nm, 54.3mpg, CO₂ 119g/km (with optional S tronic transmission)*
• 1.6 TDI diesel – 105PS, 250Nm, 70.6mpg, CO₂105g/km*
• Standard features include engine start-stop function, energy recuperation, alloy wheels, air conditioning, single CD audio system with MP3 compatibility, ESP with latest differential lock system

The Audi A1 becomes available to order today (May 6) with a UK specification that further emphasises the fact that its more diminutive dimensions are its only half measure. Priced at between £13,145 OTR and £18,280 OTR, the latest, more concentrated embodiment of Vorsprung durch Technik combines the trappings that befit a premium sector hatchback with the technological sophistication and quality of finish that mark out every Audi.

Features common to the SE, Sport and S line options available for UK A1 models will include alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display.

Sport model additions include larger diameter wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a Driver’s Information System, while S line versions upgrade with extras such as an exclusive S line exterior treatment including larger 17-inch alloy wheels, S line sports suspension and leather and cloth combination upholstery.

In the initial launch phase the generous specification is combined with three ultra-efficient TDI and TFSI engines, all of which compensate very effectively for their relatively small displacements with the latest turbo charger technology, and benefit from engine start-stop and recuperation systems.

The new 1.2 TFSI petrol engine linked exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission kicks off the range, its 86PS and 160Nm peak power and torque outputs enabling a 0-62mph time of 11.7 seconds and a 112mph top speed, delivered with 55.4mpg capability and low CO₂ of 118g/km*.

S tronic twin-clutch transmission also for A1
The more familiar 1.4 TFSI power unit is next in line, and delivers its 122PS and 200Nm via the standard six-speed manual gearbox or the optional seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Equipped with S tronic it takes the A1 to 62mph in 8.9 seconds, and on to 126mph where conditions allow, and in this form comes impressively close to matching its smaller counterpart on economy and emissions, delivering up to 54.3mpg with CO₂ output of 119g/km*.

The 105PS 1.6-litre diesel is the third engine option, and via a five-speed manual gearbox uses its impressive 250Nm torque output to power the A1 to 62mph in 10.5 seconds and on to a 118mph top speed, while retaining the potential to achieve 70.6mpg economy with emissions of 105g/km*.

Latest generation ESP with electronic differential
All engine options are backed up by the latest generation ESP system with electronic differential, which initiates brief, controlled braking of the inside front wheel while cornering and transfers the excess torque to the outside wheel, which can apply more power to the road. This helps to further boost the impressive handling agility and neutrality delivered by the sophisticated front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension by minimising understeer and improving traction.

Xenon headlamps with trademark LED daytime running lights will be available at extra cost exclusively for S line models, but all versions will offer the option to upgrade with premium segment specification enhancements such as a BOSE sound system including LED-lit woofers, DAB radio, the Audi Music Interface for iPod connection, cruise and parking distance controls and the Multi Media Interface (MMI) navigation plus system. Based on the system used by the latest Audi A8, MMI navigation plus incorporates a 60 gigabyte hard drive, 20 gigabytes of which can be devoted to music files.

The A1 will also offer a choice of equipment packages, as well as numerous customisation options for both exterior and interior using an array of colours, materials and equipment options designed to make each car feel as unique and personal as possible.