Audi A1, A1 Sportback facelifted to match S1’s looks

Four years on, the Audi A1 and its five-doored Sportback sister have been given a facelift, bringing them in line with the S1 that was unveiled in February. There’s an updated front bumper with bigger cut-outs holding angular fog lamps, sharper headlamps with new graphics and a more angular front grille.

Down the side you’ll see more pronounced sills, and round the back, there’s a more angular rear bumper nestling a diffuser-like insert. Above it, the tail lamp graphics are new, doing without the W-shaped light signature of before.

The changes add 20 mm to overall length, meaning the A1 and A1 Sportback are now 3,980 mm long. Wheels range from 15- to 18-inches in diameter. Of course, the roof arch and roof dome can be had in contrasting colours, and two new trims – design and sport – join the existing ones on offer.

Six engines have been announced, including the 95 hp 1.0 litre TFSI three-cylinder and 90 hp 1.4 litre TDI three-cylinder from the Polo. There are 1.4 litre TFSI four-cylinder motors in 123 hp and 148 hp states of tune; the more powerful form has cylinder-on-demand.

Lastly, there’s a 114 hp 1.6 litre TDI four-cylinder and a range-topping 189 hp 1.8 litre TFSI four-cylinder. Six-speed manual or optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes are available for all engines.

Adaptive damping is now offered on both A1 and A1 Sportback, along with Audi drive select (auto, efficiency, dynamic modes) that influences the steering, gearbox, throttle and damping. Ingolstadt says an “entirely new” electro-mechanical steering system now offers more high-speed accuracy. Regular, sport and S line sport suspension tunings are available, as is ESC with torque vectoring.

The interior appears status quo – but MMI navigation plus is now offered, giving you a monitor that slides up from the dashboard. The infotainment system can be paired with Audi connect and a WiFi hotspot to give occupants access to the internet, while audiophiles will rejoice in an optional Bose Surround Sound system.

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