Audi has announced a second generation for the little A1, which will become available in the United Kingdom in November. The completely redesigned A1 Sportback is longer and more loaded with technology than was the previous-gen of the car. It also has a new exterior and interior design.
The Audi A1 Sportback has gained about 56 mm (2.2 inches) in length, putting it at just over 4 m (13.1 ft) without gaining any width or height. This keeps the look of the car low, while the newly-redesigned exterior gives it a more forward-tilted appearance as well. Body shaping gives the rear a wedge shape, though it remains squared as a hatchback. The A1 Sportback is definitely a good-looking little hatch.
The Sportback will enter the Audi lineup with three trim options: A1 SE, Sport, and S lines. Each model is aimed towards a subset of buyer, but retains an overall look with the A1 line. The S, for example, is aimed towards a driver who wants dynamic appeal to the car, with twin tailpipes and other tells setting it apart from other models. These give way to the S model's larger engine.
The standard engine in the Audi A1 for the UK will be the 1.0-liter three-cylinder which outputs 116PS (85 kW) of power. An upgrade to a 1.5-liter four-cylinder is available (150PS, 110 kW) while the S model will have the 2.0-liter four at 200PS (147 kW). Later in the production run for the A1 will be a smaller 95PS (70 kW) engine as well. A manual gearbox will be standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as an option for all engines except the 2.0, which is mated to a six-speed S tronic manual.
Changes inside the A1 include a complete interior makeover. Controls and outputs are driver-canted. An optional ambient lighting package is available to add LED elements inside the passenger space. Space is another key element in the new A1, with more legroom and headroom. Luggage capacity is set a 335 liters (11.8 cubic feet), a gain of about 65 liters. The rear seats fold down as standard and raise interior cargo to 1,090 liters (38.5 cubic feet). Load height is at 67 cm (26.4 inches).
Technology takes a big step forward in the new A1 Sportback. The base model includes a fully digital instrument cluster and high-resolution 10.25-inch display. A multi-function steering wheel is also standard. Upgrades can bring buyers the Audi virtual cockpit with an extended range of functions for both the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen, including animated navigation maps and driver assistance systems graphics, all shown within the driver's field of vision.
The infotainment in the A1 Sportback comes from Audi's more full-sized vehicles, bringing MMI to the A1. The steering wheel-mounted buttons and smartphone-like touchscreen are standard in the A1 Sportback. Upgrades add the navigation or technology packs, upgrading the infotainment touchscreen to a 10.1-inch unit. Internet-based services are also added with some packages via Audi Connect.
With Audi Connect, for example, the in-car navigation pulls information from the cloud, adjusting routing and route information according to real-time traffic and weather reports. Satellite map views and 3D city models are also available, offering a more precise map view of urban areas. Up to four map updates per year are also included in that package, keeping the in-car navigation up to date.
Smartphone interfaces in the Audi A1 Sportback are standard and integrate both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two USB plugs are included as standard equipment with more in upper trim levels.
Driver-assistance systems in the A1 are also migrating from the upper range of Audi vehicles. Standard lane departure warning, parking sensors, a reverse camera, and pre sense front. The latter uses sensors to sense pedestrians and bicycles as well as other vehicles to help prevent accidents. Automatic emergency braking is included as well, adding to that safety. This includes seat belt pre-tensioning and window closing for impact.
Adaptive cruise assist is available for the A1 and works in stop-and-go traffic. An optional parking assistance feature is also available, helping the driver maneuver into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces more easily. It also exits those parking spaces.
The Audi A1 Sportback enters the UK market in November.
Source: Audi UK
