Audi A1 Spawns Five-Door Sportback: Forbidden Fruit

Audi A1 Sportback

Audi's pint-sized A1 hatchback has proven to be a relative success for the automaker in the markets it's sold in, thanks mostly to its promise of genuine luxury in the compact class. Now Audiis expanding the range with a new five-door variant.

Called a "Sportback" in Audi-speak, the new five-door A1 goes on sale in Europe early next year with no less than six engine options: three TFSI gasoline and three TDI diesel engines producing between 86 and 185 horsepower.

While most come with a standard six-speed manual or optional automatic, some can be equipped with a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission.

The most powerful model in the range features a supercharged and turbocharged TFSI engine developing 185 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It will accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 7.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 141 mph. If this isn't enough, Audi is working on a high-performance RS1 version which could develop as much as 250 horsepower.

The close relationship with its three-door sister model is evident in the design, the structure of the lightweight body, and the dimensions of the A1 Sportback-overall length is 12.96-feet and the lightest version tips the scales at 2,348 pounds.

Inside, Audi fits four seats as standard though customers can opt for a fifth seat at no extra charge. And, in order to keep its promise of luxury, Audi has fitted the A1 Sportback with several high-end solutions in terms of controls and infotainment, including Audi Connect Internet connectivity. If the high-end media center MMI navigation plus is combined with the Bluetooth online car phone, the car can be connected to the Internet.

Prices in Europe will start at 16,950, which is a little under $23k at current exchange rates. Note, customers can also opt to have the roof painted a different color to the body and add some S Line accessories for a sportier touch.

Sadly, like the current A1 three-door, there's no chance of this new A1 Sportback coming to the U.S. but Audi has admitted that it's considering launching the next-generation A1 Stateside sometime in the future.