Design

Exterior

The concept car's styling is simple and coherent, making it look as if it has been cast from a single mould. The basic proportions, with a high vehicle body and a flat window area bordered by a coupé-like roof line, produce a virtually classic look for a vehicle bearing the four rings. Tracing the roof's silhouette are two striking, sturdy aluminium arches which run along the top edge of the windows to connect the A and C-posts, further emphasising the dynamic appeal of the powerfully built, compact vehicle body. The tail is rounded off by a spoiler integrated into the rear window.

The side-on view presents another typical coupé attribute in the form of doors with frameless windows and no visible B-pillar. The bold segmentation of the study's side panelling with its gently rising shoulder line accentuates the styling.

The shoulder line of the Audi A1 project quattro with its Racing Red paint finish is a new interpretation of yet another trademark feature of the current Audi design. Here, the prominent double lines continue around the entire vehicle as a curvaceous band that links the front end – from which it seems to emerge – with the vehicle's tail, that rises to create a slightly wedge-shaped effect. At the front, the A1 project quattro's lowered bonnet that is virtually embedded into the shoulder line forms a novel styling element.

The single-frame grille with its chequered-flag look and four interlinking rings leaves no doubt as to the study's sporty temperament, an impression that is further underlined by the aluminium finish on elements such as the grille, mirror housings, door handles, fuel filler cap and tailpipes.

The design of the three-dimensional main headlights in innovative LED technology is especially eye-catching. The reflectors focus the light emitted by each diode to create a powerful, uniform beam whose white light colour barely places any strain on the driver's eyes, even when driving for long distances at night.

The daytime running lights are also based on LED technology, which promises extra-low energy consumption in addition to its design benefits.

The two-tone multipiece wheels that have been embellished by the addition of V-shaped polished aluminium elements lend further emphasis to the vehicle's sportiness and exclusiveness.

The wraparound tailgate joins the sides with the tail. The sculpture-like tail lights with their three-dimensional glass lens design extend far into the vehicle's flanks. When the tailgate is opened, the discreetly illuminated electric motor can be viewed through a glass panel, in similar fashion to the R8's engine. The luggage compartment itself holds a respectable 240 litres.

The body of the Audi A1 project quattro makes optimum use of the modest-sized footprint of a premium compact-class car. Measuring 3.91 m long and 1.75 m wide with a wheelbase of 2.46 m, it succeeds in combining sporty looks with impressive economy of space thanks to its short overhangs. The transverse installation of the engine also has a significant role to play in this respect. Meanwhile, the vehicle's height of 1.40 m means there is plenty of headroom in the rear too.

Interior

The interior, with its four individual seats and a surprisingly generous amount of spaciousness for this class, has a tidy, no-frills appearance. The curving wrap-around element merges the doors and the sporty cockpit into a single whole. The dashboard and centre console are designed entirely around the driver. Ergonomics and aesthetics unite to create an ambience of clear-cut architecture and high-class appeal. This impression is further enhanced by the two-tone colour concept. The instrument cluster shroud, the wraparound and the centre console are trimmed in a contrasting colour to inject the interior with added dynamism. Details such as the air vents and air conditioning controls seem to be straight out of a jet plane. This same thinking was behind the soft finish of the interior's surfaces. The round dials and the air vents, which are also circular, are reminiscent of a classic sports car cockpit à la Audi TT.

The aluminium insert in the centre console comprises the Audi mobile device as well as the start/stop button behind the gear lever. In the rear portion of the centre console can be found a thermos flask featuring an innovative cooling and heating system.

The sporty seats with integrated head restraints offer levels of comfort and ergonomics that far exceed the customary standards in the sub-compact class and live up to the expectations of a typical Audi.

The materials used for both the seat upholstery and the interior trim appeal with their high-class looks and feel. The contrasting colour scheme featuring dark panels and red stitching adds substance to the car’s overall sporty character.

Audi mobile device – form and function

The centre console houses a new, innovative technology: the removable Audi mobile device. This portable unit functions as an access authorisation system for the vehicle, mobile phone, navigation unit and audio and video player all in one. Plus, it serves as the control unit for numerous vehicle systems which can also be set from outside the Audi A1 project quattro. The mobile device offers the entire range of functions and exact same menu navigation as the MMI system and integrates a host of communications devices that were previously only available separately into a single, extremely space-efficient unit.

This allows the driver to use the compact device as an MP3 player, for example, or as an address database and input tool for the navigation system. What's more, he can switch on the vehicle's heating if required and program the sound system to suit his personal preferences, all from the comfort of his own home. Access and start authorisation for the Audi A1 project quattro is also provided by the Audi mobile device, dispensing with the need for a key.

The unit is operated using a touchscreen, whose architecture replicates the MMI standard. The touch-sensitive screen is capable of recognising both Latin and Japanese characters, and is even able to decipher handwriting. The Audi mobile device and vehicle communicate via a WLAN connection.

The Audi mobile device also offers the vehicle owner an extra security function: images from a camera in the vehicle interior can be received on the device's display in real time. If the vehicle alarm is triggered, the system activates itself and warns the owner. Should the vehicle be stolen and move out of the WLAN connection's range, the electronics automatically switch to the car phone's UMTS transmitter to keep the owner informed of the vehicle's current location.

The MMI control unit is an advanced version of the tried-and-trusted MMI design whose haptics make it easier to operate whilst on the move. Grouped around the central control button are four fixed-function hardkeys for the Navigation, Telephone, Car and Media basic menus. Four additional, backlit softkeys have variable functions which change within the individual menus.

The projected softkey labels combine with the bold softkey colours that identify the corresponding menus to ensure swift, intuitive user orientation.

Compared to the series-production variants, the system's display seems relatively small at just 1.5 inches high. This is because all system information additionally appears in the central display in the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster has a hybrid design, featuring both TFT modules as well as analogue gauges for the large speedometer and rev counter dials. Superimposed glass elements make the graphics stand out with a three-dimensional look, producing a level of depth which could never be attained using a standard display.

The layout of the MMI display likewise features a new element. The selectable functions are arranged in a semicircle as icons. As the driver turns the central MMI control button, the icons mimic the movement until the desired function is selected by pushing the button. Content can therefore be communicated by means of a distinctive visual language, allowing it to be grasped faster and more intuitively than with pure text.

The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.