Paris Motor Show 2018: Audi A1 makes its debut

Audi has revealed its new upmarket A1 hatchback at the Paris Motor Show. The entry-level Audi shares a platform with the Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza and is likely to start at around £18,000 when orders open in November.

Available as a five-door model only, the new A1 is longer, wide and lower than before. It's more angular in its design - a nod to the iconic UR-Quattro rally car from the 1980s, says Audi. We say it looks like a shrunken Q2 with some extra creases added.

As is typical for Audi's range, the new A1 Sportback will be available in three different trim levels: SE, Sport and S-Line. The latter features larger air intakes, additional sill trims and a larger rear wing as well as various other cosmetic upgrades intended to give it a beefy appearance. Until a sporty S1 arrives (rumoured for 2019), the top version will be a 2.0-litre TFSI producing 200PS.

Other engines available at launch include a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol producing 116PS and badged the 30 TFSI, and a 150PS 1.5-litre four-cylinder dubbed the 35 TFSI.

An entry-level 25 TFSI with 95PS will follow. All engines bar the 200PS version will be available with a manual gearbox or seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch auto. The warmest engine in the range will come exclusively as an auto.

Audi says the cabin of its new A1 is driver focused, with a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster standard on all models. An infotainment system previously used on larger Audis has trickled down to the A1, positioned towards the driver for ease of use.

Go for the Navigation Pack for a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen with navigation and a higher specification Virtual Cockpit while the Technology Pack adds various internet-based services and wireless phone charging.

As well as being more premium and tech-packed, the interior of the revised A1 is also bigger than before. Luggage capacity has increased by 65 litres to 335 litres, and there's more head and legroom than before.

Go for the Navigation Pack for a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen with navigation and a higher specification Virtual Cockpit while the Technology Pack adds various internet-based services and wireless phone charging.

As well as being more premium and tech-packed, the interior of the revised A1 is also bigger than before. Luggage capacity has increased by 65 litres to 335 litres, and there's more head and legroom than before.

Driver assistance technology has trickled down from elsewhere in the Audi range. Lane departure warning helps keep the car in lane at speeds of 40mph and above, while a speed limiter is fitted as standard. So is Audi pre sense front which uses a radar sensor to warn the driver of approaching obstacles such as other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Radar-based adaptive cruise is an option, while there are various parking systems from a reversing camera to a park assist feature which can automatically park the car in parallel or perpendicular parking spaces.

The new Audi A1 will go on sale in the UK in the November. 

Click play above to watch our 60-second overview of the new Audi A1