2018 New Audi A1 Review interior and exterior design

2018 Audi A1

The Audi A1 is due for a refresh in 2018, and we've spied the automotive in testing for the primary time

Audi is getting ready to allow the Audi A1 hatchback an intensive refresh, with the all-new second-generation model returning in 2018 - and our spy photographers have given North American nation a glimpse of however the new model can look. further vogue is on the agenda for the new Audi A1, also as a classier interior and a lot of technical school.

With plusher versions of the Volkswagen Polo and Ford party due before the A1 can seem, the new model can got to be even a lot of upscale to stay its praise collectively of the classiest superminis. there is conjointly the mini Cooper and also the next generation of the DS three due shortly also.

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Though you cannot tell simply from the photographs, the new A1 can march on to the littlest version of the VW Group’s omnipresent MQB platform, called A0. The switch in design conjointly means production of the A1 can transfer from Kingdom of Belgium|national capital} in Belgium to SEAT’s Martorell plant in urban center, wherever the automotive are designed aboard the Ibiza and Ibiza-based SUV, each of that square measure due next year.

The new platform can bring several advantages – the primary being the power to form the A1 larger than this model. automobile specific understands that once intense dialogue within the VW cluster concerning the quantity of wheelbases spun off any single version of MQB, the company’s governance have ordered one length of around a pair of,560mm across all of the forthcoming tiny cars from Audi, VW, SEAT and Skoda.

That’s a gain of around 90mm over the present A1, and whereas the body is probably going to grow by a little fraction of that, the extended distance ought to bring advantages for rear passengers. Boot capability will rise slightly, probably from this car’s 270 litres to around three hundred litres.

Our exclusive pictures of the new Audi A1 show however the automotive can look while not the disguise, too. The spy shots show the larger grille and sportier-looking headlights, also as massive alloy wheels and sharper-looking taillights too.

2018 Audi A1 engine range

A new platform brings new engines, and also the A1 vary is probably going to initiate with a re-engineered version of this one.0-litre three-cylinder turbo, developing around 100bhp. With the new Polo and upcoming A1 sharing lots of mechanical DNA, Audi may also choose to offer the A1 with the VW Group’s new 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines – although the latter units are likely to appear first in the next A3.

When the A1 does get the new 1.5-litre engines, their range of outputs – from 90bhp to 160bhp – should give Audi enough options for the entire line-up, with the exception of the S1 hot hatch.

There is also the possibility of Audi introducing a plug-in hybrid e-tron version of the A1. Back in 2012 it developed a concept featuring a three-cylinder turbo and electric motor. The technology is expensive, though, and if introduced it will push the A1’s price into new territory – possibly upwards of £25,000. However, it would give Audi a competitor for the BMW i3 – a car it can’t currently rival.

Audi A1 interior and exterior design

Of course, a new model wouldn’t be complete without a new look. Our images give an idea of how the second-generation A1 will develop, with evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes. Expect sharper headlamps with a unique daytime running light signature either side of the latest company grille, which follows the rule of being hexagonal on hatchbacks and saloons, rather than octagonal as on Audi’s SUVs.

At the rear, wider tail-lights are likely to be inspired by the recently refreshed A3, with an integrated roof spoiler to aid aerodynamic efficiency and give the A1 a sportier look. Audi’s ‘scrolling indicators’ are set to be offered as an option across the range.

What is likely to be more intriguing to buyers is the raft of new tech inside. Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit will make an appearance for the first time, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be introduced on an updated version of Audi’s MMI infotainment system. The firm may roll out a WiFi hotspot as well as it aims to rival the connectivity offered by the A1’s main rival, the MINI.
Is an Audi RS 1 possible?

The existing car will soldier on with only minor tweaks before the next model is introduced, but it could get a sign-off flagship. Audi has fenced off the RS 1 badge, and whereas senior company insiders deny any plans for such a vehicle, it’s doable that the corporate might issue a limited-edition, extreme hot hatchback version of the A1 as a part of the tail finish of its current production run in early 2018.