Audi has overhauled its A1 and A1 Sportback ranges as part of the model's life cycle and with more than 500,000 units sold since launch in 2010, it's obviously key to keep things fresh for eager buyers.
Exterior
Minor exterior tweaks help emphasise the sportiness of the A1 and A1 Sportback models, with a flatter, wider 'singleframe' grille, revised bumpers, new standard alloy wheel designs and new body colours the main alterations. Both the three- and five-door cars are now 20mm longer than before as a result of the bumper revisions, at 3,980mm all in. As an option, you can have the A1's 'roof arch' or the A1 Sportback's 'roof dome' painted in a contrasting colour to the rest of the car.
Interior
Very little has changed inside, bar the addition of some extra chrome and high gloss black detailing. There are also new upholstery finishes (Alcantara and leather together being one) and colours. All the usual components, like MMI navigation plus and Audi connect module, are still on offer.
Mechanicals
Six engines are either new or have been intensively developed over the preceding units, with three-cylinder units on offer for the first time - either a petrol 1.0-litre TFSI or a 1.4-litre TDI diesel. Fuel economy is said to be better by up to 10 per cent across the range as a result. The A1 1.0 TFSI engine produces 95hp and officially uses 4.3 litres/100km, with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. The A1 1.4 TDI ultra with 90hp sips just 3.4 litres/100km and emits 89g/km of CO2, and it's the first 'ultra' model in the A1's history.
Anything else?
The updated Audi A1 and A1 Sportback will be launched in Ireland during the first quarter of 2015.