Shown in five-door Sportback guise only with the three-door unlikely to continue due to faltering demand, the new A1, as indicated by a recent GIF teaser, is touted by Audi as being “the ideal companion in the urban environment” in addition to being “firmly networked with the digital world”.

Like the previous A1, the newcomer again uses the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen Polo, this time though the A0 version of the flexible MQB platform also used by the Seat Ibiza.

Although Audi has not divulged details regarding the A1’s likely weight drop, the Sportback measures 56mm longer (4.03m) than the outgoing model with the height (1.41m) and width (1.74m) remaining as is. Boot space is a claimed 335-litres or up to 1 090-litres with the rear seats folded down.

Externally, the A1 foregoes its boutique, cutesy look for a more aggressive appearance in the form of a wider Singleframe grille, three slits at the base of the bonnet claimed to take inspiration from the iconic Sport Quattro rally car, larger air inlets on the flanges of the front bumper, R8-inspired headlights with optional full LEDs, new door sills and boot spoiler, darkened taillights, wheel sizes ranging between 15-18-inches, a choice of ten colours and two contrasting hues for the roof, mirrors and spoiler.

Initially, the A1 will offer an Edition model that uses the S line variant as a base, and adds 18-inch alloy wheels finished in bronze, white or black depending on the exterior, dark front and rear LED lights, black Singleframe grille and rim coloured finish for the four rings emblem.

Depending on the market, the A1 will be available in three trim levels; base, advanced and S line each with their own assortment of unique interior and exterior trim pieces. As previewed by the aforementioned teaser, the A1’s interior not only falls in-line with Audi’s current corporate design, but also in terms of connectivity and technology, namely the new 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit Display fitted as standard across the range.

Measuring 8.8-inches, the basic MMI infotainment system can be upgraded to 10.1-inches as an option, bringing added functions such as satellite navigation with 3D city mode, hybrid route guidance and voice control. As part of the connectivity package, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and dual USB ports are included, while an 11-speaker, 560-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system can be specified from the options list. Also optional is the contour and ambient lighting package which provides a choice of 30 interior hues.

On the safety side, Audi has outfitted the A1 with features such Lane Departure Warning, front Pre-Sense vehicle, pedestrian and cycle detection, Adaptive Cruise Control on S tronic equipped models and Park Assist with reverse camera.

Another first, the A1 can be had with two suspension options, the basic setup or the sportier Basis that comes with red brake calipers, sport suspension and larger discs on entry-level models, while the so-called Performance setup on other models adds these as well as adjustable dampers, Audi Drive Select system and a sound actuator.

Motivation will come from a range of three and four-cylinder TFSI engines, likely to be the same as the Polo, with outputs ranging from 70kW to 147kW. As evident by the latter output, the flagship S1 will use the same 2.0-litre mill as the Polo GTI, albeit with quattro all-wheel drive and only with the six-speed DSG gearbox.

For the first time, the A1 range, as indicated by the lack of provided detail, will not be offered with a diesel engine, though buyers will have the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed S tronic.

Sales of the A1 will kick-off in the European autumn with pricing in its home market from “less than €20 000” (R316 500).