Internal Designation and Production Timeline
The first Audi A1 rolled off the production line in 2010 with the factory designation 8X and was manufactured until 2018. This marked the brand's strategic entry into the compact segment previously dominated by the Mini Cooper and Alfa Romeo MiTo.
Construction and Body Styles
The model was built on the PQ25 platform (shared with the Volkswagen Polo V) but featured Audi-specific suspension tuning, a reinforced body structure, and premium interior finishes. Customers could choose between:
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3-door hatchback (2010-2018) - the original sporty version
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5-door Sportback (from 2012) - more practical configuration
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Cabriolet (2014-2018) - featuring a soft-top roof and unique rear light design
Model Range
Base versions:
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Attraction - entry-level with 1.2 TFSI (86 HP) or 1.6 TDI (90 HP)
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Ambiente - upgraded interior materials and climate control
Sport versions:
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Sport - 17-inch wheels, stiffer suspension, sports seats
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S line - RS-inspired exterior styling, aluminum pedals
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S1 (2014-2018) - top model with 2.0 TFSI (231 HP), quattro all-wheel drive, and 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds
Special editions:
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A1 quattro (2012) - limited production (333 units) with all-wheel drive and 256 HP
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Competition (2011) - orange accents and 18-inch wheels
Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP/EPDM TV20<
Front Bumper Removal Guide
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Open the hood
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Remove three screws (inserted top-to-bottom) securing the upper part of the front bumper
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Turn wheels left/right depending on which side you're starting with
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Remove three screws per side in wheel arches (securing front fender liners)
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Move fender liners aside and remove one push-pin fastener per side (connecting bumper corners to fenders)
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Release bumper edges from fender clips (pull downward and toward yourself)
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With assistant's help, pull bumper forward (mind the wiring)
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Disconnect electrical connectors
Rear Bumper Removal Guide
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Open the trunk
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Remove two screws in trunk opening
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Remove rear panel trim (secured with clips, pull upward)
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Behind trim, remove four nuts through rear panel access holes (requires socket wrench; caution: nuts may fall into cavity)
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Remove two screws per side in wheel wells (securing rear fender liners)
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Under vehicle, remove four screws (inserted bottom-to-top)
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Release clips in fenders (pull corners downward and toward yourself)
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Pull bumper rearward (check wiring)
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Disconnect parking sensor connectors (if equipped)
Technical Specifications
Engines:
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Gasoline: 1.2 TFSI (86-105 HP), 1.4 TFSI (122-150 HP), 1.8 TFSI (192 HP), 2.0 TFSI (231 HP in S1)
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Diesel: 1.6 TDI (90-116 HP), 2.0 TDI (143 HP)
Transmissions: 5- and 6-speed manual, 7-speed S tronic
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear (multi-link only on S1 and quattro)
Interesting Facts
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Concept predecessor: The 2007 Metroproject Quattro prototype already featured the recognizable design with hybrid powertrain
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Racing heritage: Audi developed the 560 HP A1 quattro Rallycross for WRX championship in 2012
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"Invisible" cabriolet: European market exclusive, never offered with powerful engines
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Signature design: Two-tone roof paint became a hallmark, with customization options including yellow pearl
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Legacy: The A1 8X remained the last PQ-platform Audi, as all subsequent models switched to MQB
Conclusion
The A1 8X proved premium cars could be compact. Its successful design, diverse engine range, and build quality made it popular in Europe (though never sold in US/Asian markets). Today it's already a classic, particularly in S1 and quattro versions.