2019 Audi A1: First Official Images Of New Plush Hatch

Audi has been trying to build some hype around the 2019 A1 these past few weeks with an assortment of teasers, but tonight, official images of the new generation sub-compact surfaced online, thanks to Belgian site Autotijd.

The new A1 has a more serious and dynamic exterior than the car it replaces, adopting some of the Q2’s chunky design elements including a more dramatic face with a wider, hexagonal grille and squarer headlights. We have to say, though, that those new “L” shape tail lamps look closer to products from Munich than Ingolstadt.

The two A1 models depicted in these photos are the 35 TSI and 40 TSI, both in S Line trim that apparently comes with more aggressively styled bumpers, a rear diffuser, rocker panels, bigger wheels and honeycomb grille on the outside, along with sportier details inside, like the trimmings, steering wheel and seats.

Virtual Cockpit And MMI Touch Infotainment

The A1’s dash is chock full of lines and angles (and pronounced air vents), typical of VW Group products these days. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel makes its way inside the A1, as does the new haptic MMI Touch touchscreen display used on the latest A6, A7, A8 and Q8. The colorful accents around the vents suggest that the smallest member of Audi’s lineup will offer plenty of customization and personalization options.

We’ll have to wait a few days to get the skinny on the technical details, but we know that the new A1 is built around the VW Group’s ubiquitous MQB A0 platform that  combines aluminum and hot-formed steel within the floorpan. We expect an increase in overall length, width and wheelbase, which will result in improved interior space for rear passengers and luggage capacity.

Also Read: Has VW Group Gone Too Far On Sharing Design Details Between Brands?

Powertrain Options

At launch, the engine lineup will largely mirror its VW Polo cousin, with 116PS / 114hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder and 150PS / 148hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline units. Later on, we will see a hotter S1 with a 250+ hp 2.0-liter turbo and Quattro all-wheel drive. It remains to be seen if the rumors about Audi ditching its diesel offerings on the A1 (at least in some markets) are true.

After an (official) presentation in the coming days and a world premiere at the Paris Auto Show later in October, the new A1 will begin to arrive across dealerships in Europe before the end of the year.

Thanks to Peter for the tip!