The Audi A1 has succumbed to the surgeon’s knife on its fourth birthday; you’re looking at the new 2015 model year A1, faclifted overnight.
This is a modest mid-life refresh, judging by these first official photographs. It’s detail changes to the grille and healamp graphics here, new paint combos and side sills there. And a new three-cylinder engine range adds some engineering depth to the changes offered.
Read a CAR magazine Audi A1 review here.
See the new 2018 Audi A1 here
Audi A1 facelift (2015): what else is new?
Six new or upgraded engines are offered on the new A1, including the first three-pots in this range borrowed from the mechanically identical facelifted VW Polo range. They are a 99g/km 1.0 TFSI petrol and the new, downsized 1.4 TDI sporting a miserly 92g/km of CO2. Impressively low.
The range now stretches from 89bhp up to 228bhp on the S1 (0-62mph in 5.8sec) and Audi quotes fuel consumption improvements of up to 10%, depending on the model you’re refuelling.
All engines can be ordered with the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission. That’s new for 2015.
Electro-mechanical power steering too
The on-trend power steering pump is new; electric motors turn the rack for assistance and it now sports speed-variable assistance and is hooked up to the Audi Drive Select system to let you toggle the characteristics you want.
Inside the A1, supermini buyers will find the latest MMI system to control infotainment systems and the addition of a wi-fi hotspot package for those fashionista who simply can’t bear to part with Facebook and Twitter on the move… Which is probably a lot of buyers of what is the poshest expression of VW’s premium small hatch family.
The Audi A1 range is again offered in three- and five-door bodystyles; the latter is badged Sportback. Expect UK sales in spring 2015, priced from £14,315 for a 1.0 TFSI to £21,640.
Audi’s enjoyed considerable success with the A1, which launched in 2010. It’s gone on to sell more than 500,000, giving it a firm foothold in the camp previously owned by BMW’s Mini.
Click here for CAR magazine’s experience living with one in our Audi A1 long-term test review.