News Source: topspeed.com

Introduced for the 2011 model year, the Audi A1  is one of Ingolstadt’s newest creations; a supermini designed to go against the likes of the Ford Focus  and the Mini Cooper  on the European market. Launched in both three- and five-door body styles, the A1 is the smallest and most fuel efficient Audi  to as of 11/4/2014 thanks to its small-displacement, four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. Initial engine options included 1.2 and 1.4 TFSI units and a 1.6 TDI. Later on, the Germans also introduced a more powerful 1.4 TFSI with 182 horsepower and a 2.0 TDI with 141 ponies. As we venture into the 2015 model year, the A1 receives its first-ever facelift, which brings minor visual tweaks and more significant changes under the hood.

The revised A1 is a bit sportier than its predecessor thanks to a couple of exterior bits borrowed from the S1, but the more important modifications occurred under the hood. A couple of brand-new, three-cylinder engines have been added to the lineup, while the rest of the units gained a few extra ponies. Read more about these changes after the jump.

The 2015 Audi A1 is expected to come with a lot of new technology to make up for the lack of aesthetic updates given to it. One new tech feature is a radar system developed by Volkswagen that monitors the oncoming traffic. But that’s not the only new system the 2015 A1 has.

The A1 will also likely return with 1.2 TFSI base units with 90 and 110 horsepower. There’s also a new 1.4 TFSI with 125 PS instead of 122, a 150 PS version of that engine and likely a 1.8 TFSI. We’ve speculated about this in the past, since the twin-charger 1.4 TFSI/TSI is being phased out.

As with most Audi facelifts, the A1’s revision brings mild changes on the outside. Now 0.8 inches longer, the A1 carries a revised front fascia consisting of a pair of headlamps taken from the performance S1 version and a brand new apron. The latter incorporates reshaped grille inserts and rectangular fog lamps; the previous model was equipped with round units. Visual changes continue around back with revised taillight graphics and a new rear apron with a twin-pipe exhaust layout. Granted, the 2015 A1 isn’t the "extensively redesigned" vehicle Audi claims it to be, but the facelift’s exterior updates add a touch of sportiness to the supermini.

As with its predecessor, the revised A1 can be ordered with an optional roof arch or roof dome in a contrasting color. Speaking of colors, the Germans also added new paints to the A1’s palette, as well as new wheel designs, measuring up to 18 inches. Other options include colored air vents and body decals. The A1 can also be customized by choosing either the Design or Sport line, a first for the hatch, or by selecting the S Line sport package.

The A1’s interior remained essentially unchanged, as Audi only meddled with the lighting and the MMI infotainment system. The latter is now available with the Audi connect module, which enables customers to benefit from online services for the while also turning it into a WiFi hotspot.

The three-spoke sports steering wheel remains standard, with check box on the options list allowing buyers to have it wrapped in fine Nappa leather and chrome inlays. A Bose Surround Sound system rounds up the interior’s premium feature list.

The 2015 A1 is motivated by a lineup consisting of no less than six engines. The range included four gasoline units and two diesels, with most of them receiving output-increasing updates. In addition, fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 10 percent.

The revised A1 engine range begins with a turbocharged, 1.0-liter three-cylinder, a first for Audi. The three-banger cranks out 94 horsepower while sipping only 4.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (54.7 U.S. mpg). The new engine replaces the familiar, 86-pony, 1.2-liter TFSI.

Next in line is the 123-horsepower, 1.4-liter TFSI. Now delivering only three horses more, this entry-level four-banger is the perfect choice if you don’t fancy the smaller three-cylinder but you’re on a budget. The same engine is also available with 148 horsepower for those looking for a bit more oomph. A 1.8-liter TFSI sits at the top of the gasoline range, sending 189 horsepower to the wheels. The latter comes with an S Tronic autobox as standard and is likely to charge from naught to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. That’s Cooper S acceleration right there.

Moving onto diesels, Audi offers a 1.4-liter three-pot and 1.6-liter four-banger. The former is the laziest of the bunch, packing only 89 horsepower. On the other hand, it’s also the most fuel efficient, needing just 3.4 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (69 U.S. mpg). The 1.6-liter oil burner returns for 2015 with 114 ponies, which accounts for a 10-pony bump. The 2.0-liter TDI offered with the pre-facelift model has been dropped.

There’s also a larger, 2.0-liter TFSI with 227 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque, but that unit is exclusive to the performance S1 model. The beefed-up supermini reaches 60 mph from a standing start in 5.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 155 mph.