Launched in late 2018, the second-generation Audi A1 Sportback (GB) was offered exclusively as a practical five-door hatchback. Transitioning to the Volkswagen Group's flexible MQB A0 platform enabled a noticeable increase in wheelbase, significantly enhancing rear passenger legroom and luggage capacity. The exterior styling took a sharp, aggressive turn, drawing visual heritage from the legendary Ur-Quattro with three narrow slit vents positioned beneath the front edge of the bonnet.

The interior of the A1 GB features a heavily driver-focused layout equipped with the Audi virtual cockpit digital cluster as standard across all trim levels. Diesel powertrains were completely omitted from this generation, leaving an all-gasoline TFSI engine range spanning 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0-liter displacement outputs from 95 to 207 horsepower paired with manual or S tronic transmissions. The GB generation set a high benchmark for subcompact technology.