2019 Audi A1 Spied Up Close, Possibly India-Bound

The second-gen Audi A1 is likely to be based on VW Group’s MQB-A0 platform, same as the upcoming sixth-gen VW Polo 

As the second-gen model nears its global reveal, a minimally camouflaged 2019 Audi A1 hatchback has been spotted in Europe. While the first-gen model never made it to India, the upcoming second-gen A1 could be introduced here as Audi India has hinted that it is planning to bring in models below the current entry-level A3 sedan (Rs 31.99 lakh - 35.43 lakh ex-Delhi). 

Pictured: First-gen Audi A1

A Quick Recap Of The A1’s Origins

The first-gen Audi A1 made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show as a three-door model. The five-door version, known as the Sportback, was introduced in 2011. It is produced at Audi’s Brussels, Belgium, manufacturing facility and shares its platform, VW Group’s PQ25, with the previous fifth-gen Polo that is currently being manufactured in Chakan, Pune. 

Highlights of the second-gen A1

• In all likelihood, the new-gen A1 will be underpinned by the smallest version of VW Group’s MQB (Modularer Quer Baukasten a.k.a Modular Transverse Matrix) platform, the MQB-A0. It will share this platform with the new Polo, as before, along with plenty of India-bound vehicles such as the Virtus (Vento’s replacement), the VW T-Cross, the Skoda Vision-X-based compact SUV and more. Audi’s alleged upcoming entry-level SUV, the Q1, will be underpinned by the same as well

• Expect it to be a bigger offering dimensionally compared to the current A1 (roughly the same size as the fifth-gen Polo). The curvaceous design will make way for a mature styling 

• Likely to share engines such as the 1.0-litre and 2.0-litre (Polo GTI) turbo petrol with the Polo. The group’s new 1.5-litre TSI EVO should also be available. The diesel version will be powered by the VW Group’s staple 2.0-litre TDI as before  
• It will pack the VW Group’s latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB) with up to 8-inch screen. The Group’s 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster should be on offer as well. Both the units are powered by a Nvidia chipset   

If Audi ever plans to introduce the upcoming A1 in India we would certainly want to get the S1 (performance oriented version) that is expected to be powered by the 2.0-litre TFSI engine (~230PS), same as the new Polo and the Skoda Octavia RS. Audi could also offer the 1.5-litre TSI EVO (~150PS) in the country. The Audi hatchback could be priced between Rs 25-30 lakh. Its rivals here would be the Mini Cooper S and the Abarth 595 Competizione.

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