THE second generation Audi A1 Sportback has arrived in Australia and is set to redefine its place in the premium compact segment in 2020, having grown in size and featuring a bold, futuristic design.
No sacrifices have been made on safety or technology in the redesign of the A1, with a suite of systems that are revolutionary for its segment, as well as bearing a remarkable resemblance to the legendary Audi Sport quattro.
The new A1 Sportback is 56 millimetres longer, with the wheelbase stretched by 94 millimetres for much roomier passenger accommodation. Luggage capacity has also been increased by a substantial 65 litres, to 335 litres.
For comparison, the new A1 Sportback has a larger interior than the first generation A3 and is only slightly smaller than the second generation A3. This means that the new A1 provides excellent versatility in an urban environment.
With autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that also detects cyclists and pedestrians, as well as Audi lane departure and advanced pre-sense features, the new A1 Sportback sets a peerless standard in its segment.
It has ISOFIX points for child seats on the outboard rear seats as well, and six airbags, with its driver assistance and safety features helping it pick up a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Parking is easier too, with front and rear sensors, and a reversing camera included as standard. The active semi-autonomous park assist function is also available in the range topping 40 TFSI.
Infotainment and connectivity are real strengths of the new A1, and even the entry model has several options for technological integration, including two USB outlets to allow Audi smartphone connectivity for Apple or Android devices.
The A1 Sportback features a large 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while all the driving information is displayed on a high resolution 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Available as an option in the 35 TFSI and standard in the 40 TFSI is MMI Navigation plus, which offers a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, Audi virtual cockpit, and 3D navigation with Google Earth mapping, and a suite of wireless connectivity functions.
These include wireless Apple Carplay, dual simultaneous Bluetooth phone connection and the innovative convenience of Audi connect plus, which utilises an online connection to find relevant information for the driver.
Some examples include fuel pricing, parking information, weather, Google Search point-of-interest and Google Earth mapping. In addition, connect plus uses online traffic information to pinpoint traffic jams in order to navigate around them.
It works via an embedded SIM card that’s installed in the factory when the car is built. In Australia, this connects to the Telstra mobile network for data services – the cost of which is included in the price of the vehicle and covers the first three years of ownership.
The 2020 A1 Sportback line up will consist of three petrol TFSI drive trains, all with direct fuel injection and turbocharging for strong performance and excellent efficiency credentials, and starting with the 30 TFSI.
It’s priced at $32,350 plus on-roads, and is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, producing 85kW of power and peak torque of 200Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.4-litres/100km.
The mid-tier 35 TFSI model priced at $35,290 plus on-roads, and sports a new 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine offering 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency is an impressive 5.8-litres/100km.
The 40 TFSI S Line tops the range and is priced at $46,450 plus on-roads. It’s the performance model and boasts a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine that produces 147kW and 320Nm. It runs 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 235km/h.
Despite this, fuel efficiency is excellent, at 6.4-litres/100km. The 30 and 35 TFSI engines are mated to the efficient 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, while the 40 TFSI has a 6-speed version tuned for sporty performance.
The 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 30 TFSI comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, DAB+ digital radio, MMI radio plus an 80W 6-speaker audio system, multi-function steering, and cruise control with speed limiter.
In addition, the 35 TFSI model rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels, and adds highlights like a convenience key, Audi wireless smartphone charging, and an auto dimming interior mirror.
The range-topping 40 TFSI features 18-inch alloy wheels, along with an S Line exterior, featuring LED headlights with dynamic indicators, red brake calipers, Audi drive select, dual zone climate control and sports front seats.
To complement the exterior look of the 30 and 35 TFSI, an optional $2,990 Style package adds LED headlights with dynamic indicators, one size larger alloy wheels and other accents. A Technik and Premium Plus package are also available for some models.
The A1 Sportback is offered with the comprehensive Audi service plan package, priced at $1,480 for three years or $1,990 for five years. It’s on sale now, with the first customer deliveries expected before to the end of the month.
