Audi Japan unveiled the second-generation compact hatch model, the "Audi A1 Sportback," which has undergone a full model change, for the first time in Tokyo on November 1st.

The press conference for the new A1 Sportback was held at "SHARE GREEN MINAMI AOYAMA" in Minami Aoyama, Tokyo. Colorful new A1 Sportbacks in blue, green, yellow, white, and red were lined up within the spacious grounds.

At the press conference, Audi Japan President Philipp Noack stated, "The A1 Sportback is Audi's smallest premium compact hatchback model. The first generation was introduced in 2011 and has sold 900,000 units worldwide and 30,000 units in Japan.

The new model, redesigned for the first time in eight years, expands the passenger space, making it a car that can fully satisfy users who have enjoyed the segment above. Although it has a compact body of 4 meters in length, it is a car that can be called '100% pure Audi,' tightly condensing the appeal common to Audi's lineup: advanced and powerful design, agile performance, and cutting-edge functions."

Regarding the exterior design, he explained, "The wide and low Singleframe grille, the three slits at the front of the hood, and the wide C-pillars on the sides create a sporty look, while all of them are an homage to the 1980s 'Audi Sport Quattro.'"

He further elaborated on the interior: "The instrument panel, tilted towards the driver's side, creates a driver-centric space befitting the term 'cockpit.' The meter cluster features a 10.25-inch full LCD display, similar to higher-end models, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen navigation system is available for the center console. For digitalization, it is equipped with the Audi smartphone interface, compatible with Apple and Android, and wireless charging (optional)."

The interior boasts a 95mm longer wheelbase compared to the previous model, achieving a level of spaciousness and comfort that rivals higher segments. "Although I am quite tall, I don't feel cramped even when I get into the cabin. The trunk space has also increased by 65 liters. Audi means 'to listen' in Latin, so we have also focused on the audio. The Bang & Olufsen 3D surround system is offered as an option for the first time in the A1, providing excellent sound quality with 11 speakers."

The driver assistance systems are also inherited from higher-end models. Audi pre sense front, which detects vehicles and pedestrians with radar sensors and automatically applies the brakes, is standard on all models. Adaptive cruise control and active lane assist are also equipped. At the same time, it delivers the characteristic Audi driving experience, inheriting 100% of Audi's DNA.

The powertrain for the body, measuring 4,040mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 1,435mm high, comes in two options. The "25 TFSI," scheduled for introduction in the second quarter of 2020, will be equipped with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine. The "35 TFSI" model being introduced now is powered by a newly developed 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing a maximum output of 150ps (110kW) at 5,000-6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 250Nm at 1,500-3,500rpm. It also pursues efficiency through a cylinder deactivation system and cylinder on demand (COD). The transmission for all models will be a 7-speed S tronic.

There are 10 body colors available, and the roof color can be either body-colored or a contrasting Mist Black Metallic roof (optional).

The price for the "A1 Sportback 35 TFSI advanced" is 3.65 million yen, and the "A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S line" is 3.91 million yen. To commemorate the launch, the "A1 Sportback 1st edition" (based on the 35 TFSI advanced, available in 4 colors), limited to 250 units and featuring a black contrast package and 17-inch alloy wheels, is priced at 4.43 million yen.