Audi A1 Sportback: See The Changes Side-By-Side

The tiniest model in Audi's lineup gets big changes for a new generation.

A1 vs. A1

By: Lorenzo Curatti

Published by: Chris Bruce

Jun 19, 2018 at 4:54pm ET

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Audi launched the little A1 in 2010 to occupy a growing niche in Europe at the time of small, premium cars. Now, the second generation is here, and the new model retains the original's strengths by combining a handsome exterior with a high-tech cabin. Let's take a closer look at what Audi changes to make sure the latest version builds on the previous model's success.

Update:

A Matter Of Centimeters

A1 vs. A1

One of the smaller tweaks that Audi makes is to the new A1 Sportback's size. The latest version is just 2.4 inches (6 centimeters) longer overall by growing to 158.7 inches (4.03 meters) in length from 156.3 inches (3.97 meters) previously. Both models are 68.5 inches (1.74 meters) wide. Total height drops just 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) on the new A1 Sportback. The tiny alterations bring the vehicle in line with the size of the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza, with which the Audi shares the MQB A0 platform.

What A Mean Face

A1 vs. A1

The previous A1 was angular and handsome. For the new model, Audi's designers turn up the masculinity to create a far more aggressive looking vehicle. Canted LED headlights point into the company's trademark Singleframe grille, and there are larger intakes in the lower fascia. S-Line variants get an even angrier appearance by adding vents to the edge of the hood – a touch that takes inspiration from the front end of the 1984 Sport Quattro.

Things Get Edgy

A1 vs. A1

The design changes are even more evident in the A1's profile. Audi's designers use a thicker C-pillar that lends more visual weight to the rear of the car – this element is also another subtle homage to the Sport Quattro. Where a crease runs down the shoulders of the old car, the new one splits this into three separate pieces: two outlining the fenders and one running through the doors. The result of these tweaks is a vehicle that doesn't look as round as before and instead gains a more angular aesthetic.

Check Out That Rear

A1 vs. A1

Like the rest of the design, Audi's designers ditch the previous A1's gently curved elements and switch to using harder edges. These changes are most evident in the razor-sharp taillights and lower fascia. Open up the hatch and buyers find another surprise because the cargo area is now 2.3 cubic feet (65 liters) larger than before to a total of 11.8 cubic feet (335 liters) with the seats up. Fold the bench down and total storage for the new A1 is now 38.5 cubic feet (1,090 liters) instead of 32.5 cubic feet (920 liters) from the outgoing generation.

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Welcome To The Future

A1 vs. A1

The A1 Sportback is small, but that doesn't keep Audi from packing the vehicle with equipment that A8 buyers might also find. The Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster is available. An 8.8-inch infotainment system comes standard, but customers can upgrade to a 10.1-inch display. Plus, there are various colors for the inserts around the cabin, so that drivers can pick something to fit their personal style. The previous A1 looks old-fashioned by comparison.

Changes Under The Hood

At launch, the new generation follows modern trends in Europe by only offering gasoline-fueled engines rather than offering diesel options like the previous model. Buyers can choose from 1.0-, 1.5-, or 2.0-liter turbocharged engines with outputs between 94 horsepower (70 kilowatts) and 197 hp (147 kW).