Thought I'd give this thread a revival, as I went to Watford Audi and saw the new A1 Sportback. I was not impressed nor disappointed, it was more or less everything I was expecting.
I knew it won't be roomy like the A2 and it definitely isn't. It was a 3 rear seats configuration example in the showroom but it really isn't a full size 5 seater. A2's rear leg room is much better even if you only seat 2 at the back. A1SB's rear headroom is limited, although A2 isn't much better, it feels very claustrophobic back there due to tiny windows and high door line (my A2 doesn't even have OSS so I wasn't expecting a lot anyway). The boot is smaller than the A2, definitely not as deep. The battery is under the rear boot floor in the center of a round space but there wasn't a spare wheel there. It is not going to rival our A2 for interior space that I knew, but the placement of the rear electric window switch is such that only a child's short arm will be able to touch it or you'll have to use the 'other' arm and reach over (if you follow what i mean), it is that small at the back. Overall though, very smart looking car, excellent materials like those used in the rest of the Audi range, even the cloth seat trim feels high quality enough that I can do without leather option. The car is of perfect dimension for me, to use around London, small streets and tight car parks. Definitely have the A1SB over that silly Mini Countryman for sure.
On a side note, there was Q3, Q5 and Q7 side by side. I couldn't help to wonder what is the point of both Q3/5. The Q3 is exactly the same as Q5 but smaller in every dimension. Admittedly Q3 is still comfortable and practical offering quality space for passengers and luggage. But for the money, I'd have the LR Evoke over the Q5 and a Tiguan over the Q3.