The new Audi A1 is set to make its debut later today. Ahead of that event, these images were leaked onto the internet allowing us to bring you a sneak peek of the smallest Audi on sale today.

A step change

As you can tell from the pics the new A1 is quite different in terms of appearance when compared to its predecessor. The new model looks far beefier and macho with plenty of creases and lines where the older was smoother and more rounded. There’s even a nod to the Sport Quattro on the nose.

According to reports, the new A1 will be available exclusively in Sportback guise, meaning that it will have five-doors, as pictured. There will no longer be a three-door option.

Inside, too, the A1 appears more high-tech as it adopts the digital, virtual instrument cluster as seen in some of its siblings. A touchscreen infotainment interface sits in the middle of the facia. It is interesting to note that the facia is kinked to face the driver, giving it the feel and look of a driver-centric cabin like a BMW 3 Series from the 1980s… very cool.

Click here to read about a very unusual Audi track car.

Power up

The new Audi A1 rides on the same MQB A0 platform as the VW Polo. In all likelihood, it will share powertrains with that model as well. The entry-level model will have a 1,0-litre three-cylinder engine.

The car pictured carries the 35 TFSI badge. Insiders say that the 1,5-litre TFSI inline four will develop somewhere between 110-120 kW, depending on the market, with peak torque of 250 N.m.

A 40 TFSI A1 will have peak power rated at 150 kW similar to the VW Polo GTI, which develops similar power and 320 N.m of torque. This model will probably only be available in sporty S-Line trim. Expect manual and dual-clutch transmission options.

You can learn more from this video, presented by Autogefühl that somehow got a hold of a new A1 before its launch: