AUDI A1 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Audi introduced a small-sized crossover vehicle on the market in 2019 based on the same platform as its small-sized family member, the A1.

Crossovers and SUVs were selling like hotcakes, and thanks to its vast experience in the all-wheel drive sector, Audi claimed a big chunk of the market. And yet, in the premium subcompact segment, it didn't have anything to put on the table against MINI's Countryman. So, the citycarver was invented to fill that gap.

Audi's design department had modified the front fascia of the citycarver compared to the one fitted on the A1. It still sported the same headlights, but the bumper was slightly altered with some additional trims on the lower side and on the side scoops that flanked the massive singleframe grille. On its profile, the raised ground clearance by almost two inches (50 mm) confirmed the crossover stance. Finally, at the back, the car had used the same taillights as the A1 but a beefier bumper adorned with black cladding.

The automaker didn't think that the car's interior should differ profoundly from the one fitted in its non-crossoverized sibling, the regular A1. Thus, it installed the same Audi Virtual Cockpit with a TFT display in the instrument cluster, complemented by a 10.1" touchscreen placed atop the center stack for the infotainment system. Yet, there were a few interior trims that were specific for this version.

Powering this subcompact crossover was a 1.0-liter inline-three or a 1.5-liter inline-four powerplant, available in three power outputs. These were mated to either five or six-speed manuals or a seven-speed automatic. Yet, none of the versions was all-wheel drive.

The origins of the small premium model A1 were linked to the VW Polo platform. The sum of luxurious items and a different badge on the grille helped the german manufacturer to gain more from the cheap platform. Since more and more customers were concerned more about the look, fit and finish, Audi moved on and repeated the technical recipe, by installing more technology and adding luxury options, specific for the upper-class Audis.

The exterior look of the second-generation Audi A1 Sportback received a fresh design with Audi-type design elements such as the single-frame front end, rear wings remembering those on the Audi Sport quattro from 1984 and side air inlets. The exterior dimensions grew compared to the first generation. Now it is 4.03m (13.2ft) long, with a 1.74m (5.7ft) width, and it has a height of 1.41m (4.6ft).

The engine range comprises only of direct-injected gasoline units with power ranging between 95 hp and 200 hp. Apart from the top version, a 7-speed dual-clutch S Tronic transmission is available for any of the engine variants. The top version is fitted as standard with a 6-speed S tronic automatic transmission.

But, despite the look and the 200 hp engine, underneath the body there is a McPherson suspension for the front and a semi-independent rear suspension.

Five years after the introduction of the A1, Audi introduced a facelifted version of this small-sized vehicle and also adapted it to the Euro6 emission standards.

The German automaker introduced the first generation of the A1 in 2010. It was quite a surprise on the market since it was a small-sized premium vehicle that was more expensive than most other vehicles of the same size. But customers were very pleased since the car provided features unavailable on regular, mass-market subcompact vehicles. Moreover, despite sharing its platform with the mundane Skoda Fabia or Volkswagen Polo, it was available with better seats, nicer materials, and, most importantly, punchier engines.

Audi made the A1 Sportback a five-door version of the regular A1. Thus, the car became more practical and suitable for school runs within a city. On the refreshed version, this model got crispier-looking headlights, with straight lines and daytime running lights on the outer edges. In addition, the front fascia featured a new bumper fitted with angular-shaped lower side scoops. At the back, the taillights kept the same shape as on the pre-facelifted version, although their look was improved with LEDs and a bigger area for the reversing lights.

Inside, Audi offered customers high-quality sound systems from Bose and even onboard WiFi for the infotainment system. These kinds of features were uncommon in the small-sized segment. In addition, the front sports seats and leather upholstery were barely seen on other vehicles in this class.

Since Europe switched to Euro6 standards, the German automaker had to upgrade all the engines provided for the A1. Thus, these ranged between 95 and 180 PS (94 hp – 178 hp). They were mated to either manual or automatic (dual-clutch) transmissions.

Maybe it was time for Audi to respond to the BMW’s Mini with a mini-premium car. And the response came in 2011, with the new Audi A1.

The mini car was based on the VW Polo and the Skoda Fabia, with added the luxury specific to the Audi.

The small car had lots of appeal and lots of options. Surprisingly, the base version did not have air conditioning, option that could be added at a cost of $1,525. However, the Pro Line trim package had AC included and many other features for just $1,500. A nice strategy from Audi!

Inside the cabin we could find the classy dashboard Audi got us used to, lots of storage spaces and useful cupholders.

For such a small car, the cargo area was more than decent and it could also be extended by folding the rear seats.

The Audi A1 was easy to drive, mostly great around town and in traffic. However, taking the small car on a long journey might not feel that great. The steering was designed to do well in traffic situations, but did not offer much feedback to the driver.

The suspension was a little bit firm and mostly felt like a bigger car that did very well on turns, with little to no body roll.

The A1 was only available in a 3-door model and due to its shape, the passengers in the back had limited headroom.