The article was originally produced on December 21, 2018, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Audi’s smallest model, the A1, was launched in 2010 and has now received a long-awaited generation change. Enliven went to Spain to do a test drive of this tiny, but oh so important model for Audi.

The test drive was located in Spain and the area north of Málaga where the olive plantations dominate. The weather for the day was not optimal with occasional showers, occasional sun. Photographically, however, this offered a dramatic setting where a full rainbow showed its beautiful side.

The model A1 has been the brand’s smallest model since the sibling A2 was taken out of production. The A1 premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. In 2011, a five-door version came with the Sportback addition. When the new A1 is presented, it will only be offered as a Sportback, i.e. a five-door version.

Demand for the three-door race version has simply not been sufficient

The new A1 Sportback is both larger and sportier than its predecessor. In terms of length, the car has grown by 56 millimeters, which gives a total length of just over four meters. With a relatively long wheelbase and short overhangs, the appearance is powerful and firmly anchored to the ground.

It is not just the dimensions of the car that make it feel sporty. A lot of time has also been spent on design elements that will play on historical strings with the old classic rally winner Audi Sport Quattro in mind. The wide single-frame grille is one of them and also the wide sloping C-pillars.

On the test car, the rims were also painted white, which is a clear kinship to rallying. Together with the delicious turquoise blue paint with the appropriate name Turboblue, the white rims look incredibly good. The rear is dominated by the new rear lights, which are shaped like arrows.

The interior is, as usual, easy to understand and things are where they should be. Instead of analog gauges, there is now a large screen in front of the steering wheel where all the information is displayed, which in Audi language is called the Virtual Cockpit. As usual, you can connect your mobile phone and bring it up on the infotainment screen in the center console.

In terms of driving, the A1 Sportback is a little dream, like a running shoe with a perfect fit. Thanks to its compact format and the fact that the tires practically sit in each corner, you have full control. The strongest engine, which is a petrol engine with 200 horsepower, really does the job for the feeling of a sports car to be optimal. There are several engine options and you can also choose between a manual or, as on the test car, a seven-speed dual-clutch box.

Even when the first generation A1 came out, it was a really nice little car and with the new generation, Audi shows that it has DNA that stretches deep into the history of rallying and it happily lets this characterize its models. The new A1 Sportback brings a smile to your face and without you noticing it, you start to feel like Master Stig (Blomqvist).

Audi A1 Sportback 

Basic price	SEK 254,000
Engine	2-liter straight four with turbo. 200 hp. Torque 1250 Nm
Transmission	Front engine, 7-speed S-tronic with double clutch, front wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 6.9 seconds
Top speed	Top speed: 234 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	0.56 l/mile
Weight	1,280 kg
Guarantees	New car 3 years, wagon damage 3 years, 12 years rust
Web	www.audi.se