Audi tried to paint a trendy picture for the first first-generation A1 when it launched the sub-compact hatch back in 2010. They signed Justin Timberlake as a brand ambassador, they released an A1-themed iPhone and iPad game, and then went on to build more than a dozen special edition versions of the car.
The name of the game was customization from the get go, as the original A1 came with colored air nozzles, available LED interior lighting packages, different color seat covers and of course, color-contrasting roof arches.
The 2019 Audi A1 is customizable too, right?
Indeed, you can definitely play around with colors when it comes to the brand new model, both outside and in. However, if we go by exterior design alone, the car is definitely less quirky and more grown up. You can take that literally too, thanks to its increased exterior dimensions at 4.03 meters (13.2 ft) long 1.74 meters (5.7 ft) in wide and 1.41 meters (4.6 ft) tall.
To put that into perspective, the older model is 3.95 meters (12.9 ft) long, 1.74 meters (5.7 ft) wide and 1.42 meters (4.6 ft) tall. Not a big difference, but if you park them next to each other, the new one should be visibly longer than the older model.
Another aspect of the latest A1 that’s different than before is, well, pretty much everything. The overall styling is completely new, the front grille is bigger, the headlight design is sharper, the shoulder line is more pronounced and the C-pillar a lot thicker.
Move towards the rear of the new A1 and you’ll find a set of brand new taillights, whose L-shape sort of reminds us of BMW, but let’s not go there.
All things considered, the all-new A1 is definitely the more aggressive-looking car, especially with that S Like exterior and those sharp LED headlights. But if you actually loved the original A1 because it looked “cute”, then this newer car might not be entirely to your liking.
Simple yet ultra-modern
We’re going to go ahead and say that the 2019 A1’s interior wins in a landslide, compared to its predecessor’s cabin. In fact, some might consider it better than the A3’s, if all you care about is on-board tech.
The all-new Audi A1 comes with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, though if you’re willing to pay extra, the 10.1-inch MMI navigation touchscreen display makes for a great addition. Other impressive features include the heated front seats, ambient lighting package with 30 available colors, the connectivity package (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), two USB ports and the optional Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, boasting 11 speakers.
Then there’s all the driver assistance systems, like lane departure warning – it will actually steer the car back on course if you accidentally veer off from your lane. Future buyers can also opt for adaptive speed assist, park assist and the pre sense system, which uses a radar sensor to detect and warn drivers of potential hazards, ultimately applying the brakes if no human input is received.
Naturally, Audi says that aside from all the fancy tech, the newer car also has a higher quality interior, which isn’t hard to believe.
In the end, the all-new Audi A1 looks like a more than worthy successor to the first-gen model, as well as a strong alternative to the latest 5-door Mini. All that’s left is for us to find out how it drives.