2019 Audi A1 Sportback Revealed

Audi has officially (and now, fully) unveiled the 2019 A1 Sportback, after a string of leaks this week.

Looking significantly more square and aggressive than its predecessor, the redesigned model has a wide singleframe grille and three slits beneath the hood that pay tribute to the Sport Quattro. Moving further back, we can see an upward sweeping beltline, prominent character lines and wheels which range in sizes from 15- to 18-inches.

Customers will be able to order an assortment of options including LED headlights and an S Line exterior which adds larger air intakes, a larger rear spoiler and special side skirts. The model will be offered in eleven colors and buyers can order a contrasting color for the roof, mirrors, side skirts and front spoiler.

Overall, the car measures 4.03 meters (13.2 ft) long, 1.74 meters (5.7 ft) wide and 1.41 meters (4.6 ft) tall. 

The new styling continues in the cabin as drivers will find a higher quality interior with a modern design. Even in base form, the A1 has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a multifunction steering wheel and a distinctive air vent on the passenger side. Three different interior lines will be available and each will have a unique dashboard trim strip and coordinated colored accents on air vent surrounds, center console and door handles.

In terms of practicality, the A1 has more interior room and a larger boot which now holds 335 liters (11.8 cu ft) of luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the model can hold 1,090 liters (38.5 cu ft) of cargo.

Options include sport seats, heated front seats and an ambient lighting package with 30 colors. Customers will also have the option of ordering the MMI radio plus system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display or the MMI navigation plus system with a larger 10.1-inch display. Another interesting option is the connectivity package which provides Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support as well as two USB ports.

Customers will also be able to choose from two optional audio systems including an Audi system with eight-speakers or a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 11 speakers.

Under the hood, there will be an assortment of TSFI engines including a 1.0-liter three-cylinder as well as a 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Audi didn’t go into specifics but confirmed the engines will have outputs ranging from 95 PS (70 kW / 93 hp) to 200 PS (147 kW / 197 hp).

Most models will be offered with either a manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. However, the 40 TFSI will be available exclusively with a six-speed S tronic transmission.

Three different suspensions will be available including a sport suspension and a sport suspension with adjustable shock absorbers. The model can also be equipped with a Performance package which includes beefier brakes which measure 312 mm (12.3 in) up front and 272 mm (10.7 in) in the rear.

On the safety front, the car comes standard with an assortment of driver assistance systems including a lane departure warning system which uses a camera to detect the lane markings. The system will warn drivers when the car accidentally leaves its lane and will even help steer the model back on course.

Other safety features include a speed limiter, adaptive speed assist, park assist and pre sense front. The latter system uses a radar sensor to detect potential hazards and warn the driver if a collision is imminent. If the driver fails to respond to these warnings, the car will automatically brake itself in an attempt to prevent or mitigate the impact.

Audi said it will begin accepting orders on the new  A1 Sportback from the summer before launching the sub-compact on the European market in fall 2018. Prices in Germany will start from under 20,000 euros (equal to $23,000 at today’s rates).

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