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.
The A1’s dash is chock full of lines and angles, 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.
