Audi's revised A1 1.6 TDI has broken two important "green" barriers - in Europe anyway - with EU combined-cycle ratings of less than four litres/100km and 100g/km of CO2.
Thanks to remapped fuel and engine management systems, engine stop-start function and energy recuperation, the direct-injection, common-rail, turbodiesel A1's fuel consumption has been reduced from the previous 4.02 to 3.82 litres/100km and from 103 to 99g/km of CO2.
Performance hasn't suffered, however; Audi quotes 0-100km/h in 10.5sec and a top speed of 188km/h.
And this is no bare-bones, lightweight version either: the A1 1.6 TDI can be ordered in all three trim levels (SE, Sport and S line) and standard kit across the range includes alloy rims, ESP with electronic differential lock, 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 165mm retractable display.
According to Audi SA the 99g/km A1 TDI will be released in South Africa at the A1’s next model update, but the timing on this has not been established yet.