First Look: 2019 Audi A1 Sportback

Eight years after the introduction of the original Audi A1 Sportback, the second generation model has arrived, bringing a more matured styling and advanced infotainment and driver assistance systems.

Exterior Design

The A1 Sportback has grown 56 millimetres in length to 4.03 metres, stands 1.43 metres tall including its aerial while its width remains almost the same at 1.74 metres.

The wide, low-placed Singleframe grille and the implied side air inlets dominate the distinctive front, while below the edge of the bonnet are three flat slits – an homage to the Sport quattro, the brand’s rally icon from 1984.

With S line equipment, Audi has emphasised the sporty character even more with larger air inlets, additional sill trims, an elongated slit centrally below the bonnet with two fins and the larger rear wing. The top-of-the-line engine is also recognisable with its striking twin tailpipes.

The new A1 Sportback is available in a choice of 10 colours and the roof can be optionally finished in a contrasting colour from the A-pillar to the roof edge spoiler. The exterior mirrors, side front spoiler lips and the side sills are also available in a contrasting colour.

The Edition model, based on the S line equipment line and available from market launch, is further differentiated with 18-inch wheels in bronze, white or black depending on the exterior finish, and Audi rings in foil on the side of the car are also available in the rim colour. The LED headlights and LED rear lights are dark-tinted while the Audi rings in the Singleframe and the model designation on the back are black.

Interior Design

The new A1 interior is more driver-focused, placing key features such as the digital instrument cluster and the optional MMI touch display within easy reach of the driver. The display and the air vent strip on the front passenger side are integrated into an area in black glass look. The optional contour and ambient lighting package brings the interior design to life in the dark if desired through LED light elements in 30 selectable colours.

The new A1 Sportback is more spacious with improved legroom for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. Luggage capacity has increased by 65 litres, with the normal capacity of 335 litres growing to 1090 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Every A1 in the range features a fully digital instrument cluster with a high-resolution, 10.25-inch display and a multifunction steering wheel as standard equipment. The optional Audi virtual cockpit with an extended range of functions is also available.

Infotainment and Audi connect

The Infotainment in the new A1 Sportback is operated via the MMI with radio and navigation plus offered through a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, with all commands via touch input or the latest generation of voice.

The Audi smartphone interface is integrated with iOS and Android smartphones using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers two USB interfaces, while the Audi phone box is also available, offering improved reception quality with LTE support and while charging the smartphone inductively via wireless charging.

The A1 Sportback boasts the Audi sound system or the optional Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System. The B&O system drives 11 speakers with an output of 560 watts – its 3D effect using the windscreen as a reflecting surface.

Driver assistance systems

The driver assistance systems for the Audi A1 Sportback come standard with lane departure warning helping the driver to keep the car in the lane from a speed of 65km/h. Also standard is the speed limiter and Audi pre sense front and adaptive cruise control which keeps the Audi A1 Sportback at the desired distance from the vehicle ahead. If the vehicle is equipped with S tronic, the system covers a speed range of 0 to 200km/h. The new Audi A1 Sportback also offers a range of parking systems including a reversing camera in addition to the rear parking system.

Powertrain

The A1 Sportback offers a choice of efficient TFSI engines with outputs ranging from 70kW to 147kW, mated to manual or the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmissions. The top-of-the-range engine uses a six-speed S tronic transmission.

Suspension

The Audi A1 Sportback comes standard with lightweight suspension, while and optional sport suspension is also available.

Dynamic packages, individually configured for every engine version, give the A1 Sportback an even sportier trim. The ‘Basis’ dynamic package for the entry-level petrol version includes a sport suspension, red brake calipers and larger brake discs. Audi offers the ‘Performance’ dynamic package for the other engine versions. This also includes red brake calipers and larger brake discs, suspension with adjustable dampers, a sound actuator and Audi drive select.

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