ESP increases the car's stability. It reduces the tendency to skid and improves the stability and roadholding of the Audi A1. ESP detects critical handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on the driven wheels. It stabilises the Audi A1 by braking individual wheels or by reducing the engine torque. The indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster starts flashing as soon as the ESP intervenes.
in the instrument cluster starts flashing as soon as the ESP intervenes.The ESP incorporates the functions of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake assist system, the traction control system (ASR), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and the electronic limited slip differential.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking until the Audi A1 has reached a virtual standstill. You can continue to steer the Audi A1 even when the brakes are on full. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and do not pump the brakes. You will feel the brake pedal pulsate while the anti-lock brake system is working.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can speed up the braking process and shorten the braking distance. It automatically boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal quickly in an emergency. You must keep pressing the brake pedal until the danger has passed.
Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the engine torque to match the amount of grip available. This helps the car to start moving, accelerate or climb a gradient.
Electronic differential lock (EDL) and electronic limited slip differential
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs the power to the other driven wheel. This function is active up to about 100 km/h.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The Audi A1 can still be driven. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
An electronic limited slip differential intervenes when cornering. The brake is automatically applied on the inside front wheel. This minimises understeer and neutralises the car's handling under power to enable precision cornering. The electronic limited slip differential does not intervene in the wet or snow.
WARNING!
- The grip provided by the ESP, ABS, ASR and EDL systems is still subject to the physical limits of adhesion. Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you notice the systems cutting in, you should reduce your speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the extra safety provided tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
- Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you drive fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow too close behind the Audi A1 in front of you. Please bear in mind that even ESP, ABS, brake assist, EDL, electronic limited slip differential and ASR cannot compensate for the increased accident risk.
- When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance all four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and carefully. The driven wheels may otherwise start to spin (in spite of the integrated control systems), which would impair the car's stability and could lead to an accident.
Note
- To ensure that the ABS and ASR systems work properly, all four wheels must be fitted with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
- The systems can make noises when they intervene.
- If the indicator lamp or
appears, there may be a malfunction Link.