The Audi A1, first launched in 2010, started off as a three door model which started in Germany in the August of 2010 and then came over to the United Kingdom in November 2010. With it now being in its second generation it now has a 5 door hatchback.
About the Audi A1
The second-generation Audi A1 is now only available as a five-door hatchback, which Audi refers to as a Sportback. The previous model was available in three-door guise too, but that option is no more. Although A1 powertrain options are a mere shadow of what was previously available, there are still a good number of trim levels to choose from. It begins with the A1 Technik, which sports 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, as well as Audi’s smartphone interface and a colour touchscreen. You can also get the Sport trim with larger 16-inch 10-spoke turbine alloy wheels, front sport seats, a rear parking sensor, cruise control, and some minor exterior trim changes. Then comes the S Line. The S Line specification comes with 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, lowered firmer suspension, and an exterior styling package, while the S Line Competition comes with its own 17-inch wheels, which also have adjustable damping. The last edition is the Black edition. Black Edition features 18-inch alloy wheels and black exterior trim, including a contrast roof, between the two S Line variants.
The Audi A1 comes with either a five-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission, and a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine with 94bhp. Then there’s the 108bhp 30 TFSI, offered with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic auto. This 1.0-litre 30 TFSI model offers 108bhp and can reach 62mph in 9.4 seconds with the S tronic transmission, but from the driver’s seat it doesn’t seem quite as fast. The 35 TFSI introduces a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 148bhp mated to the seven-speed auto transmission. The old S Line Competition version with a 204bhp 2.0-litre unit, badged 40 TFSI is no longer offered.
With the second generation A1 first coming out in 2018. Despite being the company’s smallest model, the A1 retains the brand’s smart, sophisticated image, resulting in a brisk second-hand market. A1s are certainly more expensive than most of their rivals, but if you sell the car later, you’re likely to get a good chunk of money back. Although the latest Audi A1’s design is hardly radical by other manufacturers’ standards, it’s funky compared to the German marque’s usual offerings. The old model was looking a little dated, but this one is arguably one of the sportiest looking models in the Audi line-up.
Technology inside the A1
Audi’s A1 is built at SEAT’s Martorell plant in Spain and shares its MBQ platform with VW’s Polo and SEAT’s own Ibiza Mk5. The digital dashboard design is visually highly appealing, and very high-tech, with Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ display optional for all model variants. A1 features an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, DAB radio, and Audi’s Smartphone system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While all cars come with Audi’s 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit driver’s display, the full (and impressive) Virtual Cockpit is available with the optional Technology Pack, along with the 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen.