New Audi A1 OFFICIALLY arrives - and it's a bigger Audi Supermini

New Audi A1 OFFICIALLY arrives

The new Audi A1 has been officially revealed as Audi revamp their Supermini with a new platform, a bit of a growth spurt and more technology. Goes on sale in November.

Yesterday we had the first official photos of the new Audi A1 as they inevitably leaked out, but now we have the real deal from Audi and a bit more detail on what the new A1 has to offer.

You really needed to want an Audi in your life to choose the last generation A1 over the competition from the mainstream – from Ford Fiesta to MINI – but this A1 does look a bit more appealing, has more technology, promises to be a better drive and is a chunk bigger too. Although we’re not sure getting bigger is actually a plus for a Supermini. MaxiMini, perhaps?

Now only available as a five-door A1 Sportback, the new A1 shares its platform with the SEAT Ibiza and VW Polo, will be built by SEAT in Spain and grows in length, width and in wheelbase. So it’s bigger, but also arguably more practical.

For some reason Audi has decided to give a nod to the Sport Quattro with the three little vents above the grille, there’s new LED lights and a selection of alloys up to 18″.

Inside becomes more Audi-esque with a single screen for the touchscreen MMI infotainment (bigger on the posh A1s than the more run of the mill models), digital instruments and a raft of options like posh B&O sound and Nav Plus.

There’s technology on offer too, including Audi’s pre-sense for spotting objects you haven’t seen, adaptive cruise, reversing camera, parking sensors and self parking.

All A1s are front-wheel drive with either a six-speed manual of seven-speed dual-clutch auto, and the engine options – at least at launch, are a trio of petrols – no diesel and no hybrid offerings.

There’s a 1.0 litre three-cylinder turbo with either 95bhp or 116bhp (badged A1 25 TFSI and A1 30 TFSI respectively), a 148bhp 1.5 litre turbo badged A1 35 TFSI and a 2.0 litre turbo badged A1 40 TFSI with 197bhp.

Audi say the new A1 will have agile handling and a great driving experience (well, they would, wouldn’t they?) and you’ll even be able to opt for different suspension settings, including adaptive damping.

The new Audi A1 is due to go on sale in the UK in November. Expect prices to rise from the current A1.