The second-generation five-door Audi A1 Sportback, released in 2018, is much more striking to look at than its predecessor, with a sporty and funky exterior design that incorporates a front plastic grille that looks similar to the one used on the R8 supercar.  The new styling gives the A1 an edge over rival hatchbacks, such as the Mini Hatchback and VW Polo.

The latest iteration of the A1 also included technological updates, which saw a much-improved infotainment system and a digital speedometer added to the interior.

The A1 now comes in three turbo petrol engines offering economical to fast options, and trim levels have been simplified so that only three options are now available, the Sport, S Line and Black Edition.

To learn more, read our full Audi A1 Sportback review below.

 

 

Audi A1 Sportback interior

 

The Audi A1 Sportback Mk2 interior provides a stylish and comfortable experience for its occupants. The cabin features a driver-focused layout, emphasising ergonomics and easy access to controls. High-quality materials and attention to detail are evident throughout, reflecting Audi's commitment to luxury and craftsmanship.

 

As standard, the A1 Sportback comes equipped with a 10.1-inch MMI colour touchscreen infotainment system, which provides access to various functions such as navigation, audio controls, and connectivity options. Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster screen, air conditioning, a three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, DAB radio and voice control are also standard features.

 

 

 

 

The interior design of the A1 Sportback is known for its modern and clean aesthetic. Expect a combination of soft-touch surfaces, quality upholstery, and metallic accents, creating a sophisticated ambience.

 

Front Sport seats are offered as standard on the A1 Sportback Sport. At the same time, the S line trim provides an enhanced sporty design with seats that blend leatherette upholstery and Pulse cloth with contrast stitching and an S embossed logo.

 

Comfort and space are prioritised within the compact dimensions of the A1 Sportback. The seating arrangement accommodates four passengers, offering adequate legroom and headroom. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space when needed.

 

 

 

 

Audi A1 Sportback Exterior

 

 

The latest second-generation Audi A1 is only available as a five-door hatchback, now known as the 'Sportback'. And the A1 has certainly upped the ante by fitting a wide grille almost identical to the one used on the powerful R8 supercar, giving the A1 a much more funkier and sporty look than its predecessor. What makes the A1 so appealing to many buyers is that you get all of the premium quality and the head-turning looks of larger Audis but packed into a compact car that's ideal for driving around town.

 

 

 

 

Audi A1 Sportback Trim Levels

 

The A1 Sportback now comes in three trims: Sport, S Line and Black Edition. Standard equipment across all A1 models includes a 10.1" colour display screen, a 10.25" digital cluster screen, folding electric heated mirrors, DAB radio, voice control, smartphone interface, LED front and rear lights and a multi-function steering wheel.

 

Sport: The Sport trim level includes sportier design elements, including 16" design alloy wheels and front sport seats in Novum cloth upholstery.

 

S Line:  The S Line adds larger 17" '5-spoke V' design alloy wheels, sports suspension for enhanced performance and a sporty exterior design that includes S Line badging on the front wings, S line exterior bumpers and roof spoiler, privacy glass and body-coloured side sills. Interior enhancements include the LED Interior Lighting Pack, stainless steel pedals, front sport seats with a pulse cloth/leatherette upholstery embossed with the S logo, and the door sill trims have aluminium inlays with the S logo.

 

Black Edition: The Black Edition adds a black exterior styling pack which includes black accents in the front grille and frame area, black Audi rings on the front and rear, a contrast roof Mythos black and the exterior mirrors and side skirts are also in black. In addition to the S Line, this trim also provides 18" '7-spoke rotor' design alloy wheels in Anthracite black.

 

 

Audi A1 Sportback comfort, practicality and luggage space

 

The Audi A1 Sportback Mk2 offers a comfortable and practical driving experience within its compact dimensions. Here are some key points regarding comfort, practicality, and luggage space:

 

Comfort: Despite being a compact car, the Audi A1 Sportback provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The seats offer adequate support and comfort for both the driver and passengers, even on longer journeys. The interior is well-insulated, minimising road and wind noise, contributing to a quieter and more relaxed driving experience.

 

Practicality: The A1 Sportback is a five-door hatchback, providing easy access to both the front and rear seats. This configuration makes it convenient for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle and improves access to the rear seats. For a compact car, the A1 easily accommodates four adults comfortably and is rated almost the top of the class for rear seat comfort. There's ISOFIX child seat mounting for the front passenger and outer rear seats. 

 

It's also worth mentioning that The A1 Sportback also provides various storage compartments and cubbies throughout the cabin to help keep smaller items organised and within reach. This includes a handy cubby space between the front seats, two cupholders in the centre console, and a decent sized storage tray with useful USB chargers in front of the gearstick.

 

Luggage Space: The A1 Sportback offers a reasonable amount of luggage space for a compact car. Typically, the A1 provides around 335-litres of cargo space and up to 1,090 litres when the rear seats are folded down. This allows for transporting larger items or storing bulkier loads when needed.

 

 

 

 

Audi A1 Sportback Engines and running costs

 

There are no hybrid, electric or even diesel engines with the latest A1 Sportback. Petrol engines are the only option in the A1 range.

 

The A1 range starts with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, known as the 25 TFSI. It produces 95bhp and goes from 0-62mph in 11 seconds. There's also a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic model. You can choose the 25 TFSI on the Sport, S Line and Black Edition trims.

 

The punchier 1.0-litre 30 TFSI delivers around 116bhp and 200Nm of torque and goes from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds. This engine is a popular choice with six-speed manual transmission, as it delivers good performance for everything from motorway to urban driving. You can choose between the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual transmission across the Sport, S Line and Black Edition trims.

 

 

 

 

Opt for the 150bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol 35 TFSI with active cylinder deactivation, and you can achieve 0-62mph in a rather sprightly 8.1s. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and is provided on the S Line and Black Edition trims.

 

The 2.0-litre 40 TFSI models, which produced a powerful 204bhp and was equipped with a seven-speed auto gearbox are no longer available.

 

 

Audi A1 Sportback Running Costs

 

You'll get decent fuel consumption figures on all A1 models. The entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged 25 TFSI engine can achieve between 47.9-50.4mpg, with CO2 emissions from 127g/km, with 16-inch alloy wheels and the five-speed manual gearbox equipped. However, the seven-speed S tronic auto model also delivers a decent figure between 45.6–47.9 mpg.

 

The 30 TFSI version equipped with the favoured six-speed manual gearbox delivers improved fuel economy between 49.6–52.3 mpg, and CO2 emissions begin at 123g/km for this version. In contrast, the seven-speed auto gearbox model returns around 46.3–48.7 mpg and starts at 132g/km of CO2 emissions.

 

Move up to the 35 TFSI, and you can expect fuel consumption to be between 47.1–48.7 mpg, with CO2 emissions beginning at 132g/km.

 

 

 

Audi A1 Sportback Safety and security

In 2019 the A1 Sportback achieved Euro NCAP's full five-star safety rating, and received fantastic adult and child occupant safety scores of 95% and 85%, respectively.

 

Standard equipment includes cruise control, rear parking sensors, a lane departure warning and Audi's pre-sense front with cyclist and pedestrian recognition, which helps you stop suddenly when a person or driver drifts into your car's path. All A1 Sportback trims are equipped with the 'e-call' Audi Connect Safety feature, which calls emergency services on your behalf in the event of a collision.

 

You also get:

 

• Hill hold assist
• Tyre pressure warning light
• Anti-theft alarm
• Anti-theft wheel bolts and loose wheel warning
• Immobiliser
• Remote central locking with two foldaway keys

 

What are the insurance groups for the Audi A1 Sportback?

 

The typical insurance groups that the Audi A1 Sportback falls between is 16 (starting with the 25 TFSI Sport version) up to 26 for the top-of-the-range trims.  

 

 

 

 

Is the Audi A1 Sportback a good car?

 

The Audi A1 Sportback has gained popularity for several reasons. Here are some factors that contributed to its popularity:

 

1. Stylish Design: The Audi A1 Sportback features a stylish and eye-catching design. Its sporty and compact proportions appeal to individuals looking for a premium and fashionable car. The distinctive Audi styling cues, such as the single-frame grille and LED lighting elements, add to its charm.
2. Premium Interior: This is where the A1 Sportback earns its money and reputation. It boasts a high-quality interior that focuses on quality craftsmanship and premium materials - it's a clever, well-packaged and smart cabin.
3. Advanced Technology: The A1 Sportback offers a range of advanced technology features, including DAB radio, Bluetooth, voice control, smartphone mirroring with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality on the standard 10.1" infotainment system, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance systems.  
4. Audi Brand Reputation: Audi is known for its reputation as a premium automaker, offering high-quality vehicles with strong performance and advanced technology. The A1 Sportback benefits from the positive perception of the Audi brand, which appeals to drivers seeking a stylish, reliable and premium compact car.

 

 

 

 

Is the Audi A1 Sportback good for motorway driving?

 

Yes, the Audi A1 Sportback is a good choice for motorway driving. While it is a compact car, it offers several features that make it suitable for long motorway journeys:

 

1. Comfortable and Stable Ride: The Audi A1 Sportback provides a comfortable ride with well-designed front and rear seats and a suspension system that balances comfort and sportiness. It offers a smooth and stable driving experience, even at higher speeds on the motorway.
2. Engine Options: The A1 Sportback offers a range of petrol engine options with sufficient power and torque for motorway driving. Depending on the specific engine chosen, it can deliver a balance of fuel efficiency and performance, allowing for confident overtaking and maintaining higher speeds when needed.
3. Safety Features: The A1 Sportback was awarded the top five-star rating by Euro NCAP, and it's equipped with various safety features to enhance driver and passenger safety on motorways. Standard features across all A1 trims include cruise control, lane-departure warning, a speed limiter and e-call functionality, which will dial emergency services if an accident occurs.
4. Interior Comfort and Technology: The A1 Sportback offers a well-appointed interior with comfortable seating, supportive ergonomics, and a range of technology features that enhance the driving experience on motorways, such as an MMI infotainment system for entertainment and navigation, climate control for optimal comfort, and connectivity options to stay connected while on the road.

 

 

What competes with the Audi A1 Sportback?

 

These are some of the competitors that the Audi A1 Sportback traditionally faces in the premium compact car segment. However, with new models or updates to vehicles always entering the auto market, there will be newer rivals to the A1.

 

MINI Hatchback

 

 

The MINI Hatchback is a well-known rival to the Audi A1 Sportback. It offers a stylish and retro design, agile handling, and a range of customisation options. The MINI Cooper is also available in different variants, including three and five-door configurations.

 

Volkswagen Polo

 

 

The Volkswagen Polo is another strong competitor in the premium compact car segment. It shares the same platform as the Audi A1 and offers a well-rounded package with a spacious interior, refined ride quality, and a good range of engine options.

 

BMW 1 Series

 

 

The BMW 1 Series competes with the Audi A1 Sportback in terms of premium compact cars. It offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology, focusing on sporty driving dynamics. The BMW 1 Series is available in various engine options and can be considered a more upscale alternative to the A1 Sportback.

 

Ford Fiesta

 

 

The Ford Fiesta is a popular and well-regarded compact car that competes with the Audi A1 Sportback. It offers a range of engine choices, including sporty variants like the Fiesta ST, and delivers a good balance of driving dynamics, comfort, and practicality.

 

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

 

 

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a premium compact car that competes with the Audi A1 Sportback. It offers a stylish design, a range of advanced technology features, and a comfortable interior.

 

Audi A1 Sportback vs BMW Series 1

 

Determining whether the Audi A1 or BMW 1 Series is better depends on your own individual preferences and priorities. Both cars belong to the premium compact segment, and each offers its own unique set of features and characteristics. Here are some factors to consider when comparing the two:

 

Design: Design is subjective, and both the Audi A1 and BMW 1 Series have their own distinctive styling. The current A1 Sportback has adopted a sharp-angled and muscly design, making it look more aggressive on the road. However, that's not to say that the latest BMW 1 Series isn't as bold and mean, which is good because its predecessor didn't stand out much.

 

Driving Dynamics:  Both the Audi A1 and BMW Series 1 provide a sporty feel, with sharp and direct handling, providing a lightness you mostly get from a small hatchback.  The BMW Series 1, much like the Audi A1, is a delightful little car to motor around twisty country roads, and it's very comfortable to drive, even on slightly rougher surfaces. However, while the Audi A1 feels just as comfortable driving around country roads, it's a great car for nipping around towns or cities with it's range of economical petrol engines.

 

Performance: The BMW 1 Series offers a broader range of engine options, as you can select from either diesel or petrol variants with varying power outputs, whereas the Audi A1 only offers three types of petrol engines. If you're looking for a hot hatchback with high-end performance, BMW offers more powerful options such as the M135i, which can do 0-62mph in 4.8s with 306bhp.

 

Interior and Technology: Both Audi and BMW are known for their high-quality interiors. The Audi A1 typically offers a stylish, clean and well-crafted cabin with plenty of attention to detail, and standard features include smartphone functionality with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rear parking sensors, DAB radio, voice control, Bluetooth, cruise control and lane-departure warning.

 

The BMW Series 1 has much of the same technology, and it focuses on a driver-centric layout and advanced technology features like the BMW iDrive infotainment system, which is one of the best infotainment systems available. The latest iDrive software is premium-looking and sharp, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated in the most pleasing way we’ve ever seen – with maps displayed on the instrument panel as if they belonged to BMW’s own software.

 

However, no matter which car you end up leasing, both the BMW Series 1 and Audi A1 have quality interiors and comfortable seating that you'll be happy with.

 

Boot Space and Practicality:  As described earlier in this article, the Audi A1 Sportback is very practical, with a decent amount of cubbyholes dotted across the interior and a handy-sized glove compartment. The 335-litre luggage compartment will be enough to help you store a few small suitcases or your family weekly shop, and if needs be, you can increase the capacity up to 1,090-litres by folding the rear seats down.

 

However, the BMW 1 Series plays a trump card offering 380-litres of boot space.

 

 

If you need help finding the right Audi A1 Sportback or any other car, please call one of our experienced and friendly lease consultants on 02392 245570.  

 

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