New Audi A1 Sportback - ideal companion for an urban lifestyle

• Stunning, masculine design with taut lines
• Infotainment features from the full-size Audi
• All-new drive assistance systems for more comfort and safety

In 2010, an all-new Audi model line made its first public appearance in the shape of the A1. Now; the second generation of this successful compact car is wheeling onto the starting line. Characterised by its dynamic design, the new Audi A1 Sportback is the quintessential companion in urban environments and is extremely suitable for longer journeys. With its driver assistance systems and its full-size-worthy infotainment, the A1 Sportback is strongly networked with the digital world. Its new trim lines allow ample opportunities for customisation.

With an additional 56 millimetres, the A1 Sportback has grown significantly in length and now measures 4.03 metres (13.2 ft) while almost maintaining its width at 1.74 metres. This new-generation model – including the aerial – is only 1.43 metres high. The wide track as well as its short overhangs allows for a taut, sporty image. The wide, low-place Singleframe grille and the implied side air inlets dominate the distinctive front. Three flat slits sit beneath the edge of the hood as an homage to the Sport Quattro, the brand’s rally icon ever since 1984.

The side view holds a strong resemblance to the Audi Ur-quattro and the Sport Quattro: The wide, flat sloping C-pillar seems to propel the car forward even when stationary. All lines on the flanks, from the window edge to the sill, slopes upward toward the rear in the shape of a wedge. The low shoulder line and its distinctively highlighted wheels provide the A1 Sportback with a solid stance on the road.

With its S line equipment, Audi accentuates the sporty character even more through a plethora of features. These include, larger air inlets, extra sill trims, an elongated slit centrally below the hood alongside two fins and the larger rear wing. The distinctive top-of-the-line engine is easily recognizable with its striking twin tailpipes.

The Edition model, based on the S line equipment line and available from market launch, is especially distinctive and displays the design features of the A1 with various contrasts. Its large 18-inch wheels in bronze, black, or white – depending on its exterior finish – set powerful accents. The signature Audi rings in foil on the side of the vehicle are also available in the colour of the rim. Appropriating from the legendary Audi Sport Quattro, the LED headlights and LED rear lights are dark-tinted while the Audi rings in the Singleframe as well as its model designation at the rear are in black.

An all-new feature in the A1 Sportback is its modular lines structure, allowing for an exceptionally high degree of flexibility. For the first time ever, customers can mix and match the exterior and interior lines however they like. Depending on the equipment line – basic, advanced, or S line – the attachments on the exterior are available in numerous configurations. The black styling package sets additional accents. By providing the “Interior advanced”, “Interior design selection”, and “Interior S line”, Audi is offering customers a multitude of possibilities to choose colours and materials of the interior accordingly.

The stated goal of the design is to achieve “the sportiest interior in the compact class”. The interior is built with the driver in mind, with its emotive, customisable design. All of the controls as well as the optional MMI touch display are truly driver-oriented thereby emphasizing the distinctive character of the cockpit. The air vent strip and the display on the front passenger seat are integrated in black glass. LED light elements in 30 colours to choose from, provide contour and ambient lighting brings the interior design to life in the dark, can be added as an option.

The all-new A1 Sportback is much more spacious – giving extra space and comfort for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. Its compact exterior dimensions and the sporty roof line still allow adults in the rear seats enjoy an abundance of head and leg room. Luggage capacity has increased by 65 litres. Its normal capacity is at 335 litres, and when the rear seats are folded down, the capacity increases to 1,090 litres. Loading sill height is an ample 67 centimetres.

Fit for the digital future, the basic Audi A1 Sportback comes with a fully digital instrument cluster with a high-resolution, 10.25-inch display and a multifunctional steering wheel. The Audi virtual cockpit with an expanded range of functions present comprehensive information in the driver’s direct field of vision, can be added as an option.

The Infotainment features in the all-new A1 Sportback are brought over from the full-size class. The MMI radio comes as a standard and can be operated through the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel as well as the display in the fully digital instrument cluster. In the top configuration, MMI navigation plus provides a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, which further assimilates seamlessly into the black glass area.

Partnering Audi connect, MMI navigation plus provides A1 Sportback drivers features such as the hybrid route guidance. This feature calculates the route in the cloud and takes into account the entire traffic situation. The Audi smartphone interface assures that you are always well connected on board the new A1 Sportback. iOS and Android smartphones using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is integrated into an environment in the MMI programmed specifically for them, and provides two USB interfaces.

The driver assistance systems are one of the most exciting in Audi vehicles. What’s great to know is that these systems in the new A1 are brought over from the full-size class! These keep the compact car at the right distance from the car ahead, making it much easier for the driver to maintain the lane and aid him with parking.

The standard lane departure warning assists the driver to keep the vehicle in the lane from a speed of 65 km/h. The speed limiter also reliably prevents the A1 Sportback from exceeding a pre-set maximum speed. Another standard function is the Audi pre sense front. The radar sensor perceives objects ahead and emits acoustic and visual warnings. The park assist system steers the A1 Sportback horizontally and parallel into parking lots.

The axle design of the all-new Audi A1 Sportback delivers agile handling and a sporty, poised driving experience. Aside from the basic suspension, there is a choice for a tauter sport suspension. Dynamic packages, individually configured for every engine version, bundle equipment options to provide the A1 Sportback an even sportier trim. The entry-level gasoline engine, the “Basis” dynamic package has a sport suspension, red brake calipers, and larger brake discs. Audi also offers the “Performance” dynamic package for the other engine versions. These include not just the red brake calipers and large brake discs, but also a suspension with adjustable dampers, Audi drive select, and a sound actuator.

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