Audi A1 Sportback 2018 revealed

Audi has revealed its new, second-generation A1 Sportback featuring larger exterior dimensions, leading edge digital tech, revised engines and a more aggressive design.

The city-sized entry-point to the Audi range has grown to just over 4.0m long (+65mm) with dramatically geometric styling conforming to the brand’s updated design language previewed by the recently released Q8 SUV.

Driven by a distinct focus on the driver, the interior treatment is similarly eye-catching with touches of the exterior body colour applied to key elements of the dash, doors and console.

And there’s more than one tip of the hat to the original ‘Ur-quattro’ inside and out, with the overall wedge shape, domed turret and a central dash stack angled sharply towards the driver inspired by the Audi’s ground-breaking all-wheel-drive machine from the early 1980s.

There’s more than one tip of the hat to the original ‘Ur-quattro’ inside and out, with the overall wedge shape.

Three engines are offered from launch with the current base car’s 70kW/160Nm 1.0-litre, three cylinder turbo-petrol engine continuing, while 1.5- and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol fours take the place of the current model’s 1.4- and 1.8-litre units.

New technology includes a high-resolution 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on the even the base model, with the brand’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ on upper variants providing dynamic animation of everything from nav to media sitting in the driver’s direct field of view.

New technology includes a high-resolution 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on the even the base model.

Three interior ‘lines’ are offered in Europe – ‘Advanced’, ‘Design Selection’ and ‘S line’. An 8.8-inch ‘MMI’ multimedia touchscreen is standard with a 10.1-inch screen fitted to upper variants, and LED headlights are standard across the range. Audi’s smartphone interface incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Audi says luggage capacity has increased by 65 litres with ‘rear seats up’ capacity sitting at 335 litres, increasing to a substantial 1090 litres with the rear seats down.

In Europe the new A1 is available in a choice of 11 colours, with the option of the roof in a contrasting colour offered. According to trim level, wheel size will range from 15- to 17-inch, with 18s optional.

In Europe the new A1 is available in a choice of 11 colours, with the option of the roof in a contrasting colour offered.

Due to go on sale in Europe before the end of the year, expect an Australian arrival in the first half of 2019.

Pricing for the current A1 Sportback line-up ranges from $28,900 (before on-road costs) for the 1.0-litre TFSI, to $40,800 for the 1.8-litre TFSI S line.

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