The second-generation of the smallest car Audi makes has just been unveiled. The A1 will be available exclusively as a 5-door hatchback, and we find it refreshingly bold.
The A1 is based on the same platform as the new Polo and Ibiza. In fact, it's going to be produced in Spain now, as Audi needs the old factory for the e-tron electric SUV. The body measures 4.03 meters in total length, so it's about 6cm longer than before. It's worth noting that there's slightly less legroom than in the Polo, and Audi prioritized trunk space, which has grown by 60 liters.
What is interesting is that the rear overhangs are small, especially the one at the back. The contrasting roof color and the 18-inch wheels contribute to the sporty appearance. Audi says a xenon headlight system will be installed as standard, so the LEDs we see here are an option.
As we suspected when we saw the leaked images, the gaps below the hood are a reference to the classic Quattro. At the back, we love how Audi made the shoulders extra-wide and didn't use fake exhaust tips.
The engine range will include the familiar 1.0 TFSI 3-cylinder turbo. Only the base 95 HP model will get the Polo's drum rear brakes; everything else has all-around disks. As we said yesterday, the A1 35 TFSI is equipped with a 150 HP, 250 Nm 1.5-liter.
Only the 40 TFSI has a couple of muffler tips showing, and considering it's got 200 HP, we think it deserves it. This model is the only one to get a 6-speed wet-clutch DSG gearbox, shared with the Polo GTI. All the rest are available with the 7-speed unit, and we do know we're supposed to call it "S tronic," but it's the same thing.
The dashboard is very driver-focused. You've got a 10- or 12-inch digital display right in front, flanked by big air vents. The infotainment (8- or 10-inch) is much bigger than before and angled towards the driver. If yellow is not your think, you can also have a boring black interior. But why would you want to?
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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