The sophisticated new Audi A1 Sportback

Since 2010, Audi has been compressing all that it stands for into the A1 - a premium subcompact hatchback that has the measure of the urban environment but is also fit to go the distance - and the all new second generation of this diminutively proportioned yet immensely successful entry point into the Audi brand is now waiting in the wings. The latest car features dynamic new styling that combines absolute modernity with classic detailing drawn from the brand-defining Ur quattros of the Eighties, and complements it with infotainment and driver assistance systems on a par with the contemporary full-size class.

The A1 Sportback now measures 4.03m. At the same time, its width has remained almost the same at 1.74m, while at just 1.41m high (excluding its aerial) it retains a low-slung stance which is emphasised further by the wide track and short overhangs. The wide, low-placed Singleframe grille and the implied side air inlets dominate the distinctive front, above which are three flat bonnet slits which pay homage to the Sport quattro, the brand’s rally icon from 1984.

The new A1 Sportback also gives a nod to its Audi Ur-quattro and Sport quattro ancestry when viewed from the side: The wide, flat sloping C-pillar seems to push the car forward even while standing still. The roof contrast line, which is available in Mythos black or Manhattan grey, ends above the C-pillar. This gives the impression that the roof is flatter and the complete car is even lower-slung.

The distinctive daytime running light graphics of the full-LED lights echo the dynamic wing shapes from sailing, known as hydrofoils. The design of the shutters for the main light functions also draws inspiration from sailing.

In the driver-focused cabin with its emotive, customisable design the eye is drawn in particular to the compact unit of air vents and the digital instrument cluster. All of the controls and touchscreen displays are strongly driver-oriented.

The display and the air vent strip on the front passenger side are integrated into an area with a black glass look. In the dark, the cockpit can be brought to life by an optional contour and ambient lighting package that includes LED light elements in 30 selectable colours.

The cabin is also much more spacious, making life much more comfortable for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. Despite the compact exterior dimensions and the tapering roof line, adults in the rear seats still enjoy plenty of head and leg room. Luggage capacity has increased by 65 litres to 335 litres, and with the rear seats folded down, this increases to 1,090 litres. The load sill height is a comfortably low 67 centimetres.

From market launch, the Audi A1 is initially available with a three-cylinder unit with a 1.0 litre capacity and 116bhp - the 30 TFSI. Peak torque of 200Nm is available from 2,000rpm to 3,500rpm, enabling acceleration to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds for the seven-speed S tronic version (9.5 seonds for the six-speed manual) and a top speed of 202km/h in both variants. On 15-inch alloy wheels, fitted as standard to SE models, CO₂ of 108g/km corresponds to a combined fuel consumption figure of 58.9mpg according to the WLTP test procedure in both manual and S tronic versions.

Very soon after launch, the range will increase to include power outputs that start at 95bhp in the entry-level 25 TFSI engine and increase to 150bhp in the 1.5-litre four-cylinder 35 TFSI with Cylinder on Demand (COD). A 2.0-litre, 200bhp TFSI with 320Nm of torque will power the overtly performance-focused flagship model.

All engines are enhanced by turbocharging, direct injection and a particulate filter as standard, and can be linked to either a manual gearbox or the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with the exception of the 200bhp variant, which is matched to a six-speed S tronic transmission.