Saar: The newest smallest Audi is the biggest ever. And we’d love to see it in India!

Let’s start this one with a fact. Did you know that over the past one week, Audi released five teasers (two are here) for the new A1? As far as we can recall, that makes it one of the most aggressive teaser campaigns we’ve ever come across. On the contrary, it is possible that Audi’s marketing team had a target to reveal a number of teasers before the official unveiling and they just started a bit late. Whatever the case be, the new Audi A1 is here and in simple words, the newest, smallest Audi is the biggest ever. And it looks angrier than any of its predecessors.

Right from the face, it is distinctive from any other Audi currently present in production. Yes, we are talking about the three slits above the massive grille. No, they are not a result of shoddy built quality. Instead, they pay homage to a car that the new Audi A1 shares absolutely nothing with – the Sport Quattro from 1984. Okay, it does share the four-rings logo but that’s it.

Underpinning the new A1 is Volkswagen’s MQB A0 platform, which also does duty in the new Volkswagen Polo. It stretches 4,030mm in length, 1,740mm in width and 1,410mm in height. Those figures make it about 60mm longer and 30mm wider, while the height is slightly less than its predecessor. The wheelbase has increased by 90mm, which has helped in carving out 335-litres of luggage space and more room for the rear occupants.

Under the hood, three engines will be offered at the time of launch, which will happen sooner than expected. They are:

• 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol in two states of tune – 25 TFSI with 96PS and 30 TFSI with 118PS.
• 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol – 35 TFSI with 150PS
• 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol – 40 TFSI with 200PS

None of the power plants is offered with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive. Instead, only the front wheels do the propulsion part. Apart from the range-topping 40 TFSI, which will be offered only with an S-Tronic automatic transmission, the other engines will also be available with an old-school 6-speed manual.

The new Audi A1 comes loaded with features. On the outside, full LED headlamps with a very Volvo-like layout are offered for the first time. Audi will also offer alloy wheels with size ranging up to 18-inch in diameter. The taillamps have LED elements too and their bigger profile further enforces the fact that the A1 means business, which is to look and feel the sportiest in its segment.

The feature list inside the cabin is extensive enough to keep just about everyone happy. But it is an Audi and hence most of them will be sold as an optional extra. Nonetheless, the feature list includes MMI touchscreen infotainment system which ranges from 8.8-inches to 10.1-inches depending on the variant chosen. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on offer and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit makes the cut too. Optional kit includes wireless mobile phone charging, a Bang & Olufsen sounds system and Audi’s MMI navigation plus system. On the safety front, gadgets such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a rearview camera have made the cut.

We expect Audi India to bring the new A1 to India as well. It will is well suited to rack up some numbers for the four-ringed Germans. However, it will only happen by the end of this year or early next year. Audi will launch the A1 in its core markets first, which include Europe and the USA.