Audi A1 Sportback: Featuring Five Doors
Even though Mercedes-Benz already offers a premium sub-compact on certain markets, this segment’s real trailblazer is the little Audi A1.
Within the next few years, BMW and the luxury Asian brands are expected to follow suit. Even GM and Ford will be jumping on the small luxury car bandwagon through their Cadillac and Lincoln divisions.
The popular Audi A1
Since it launched in summer 2010, the three-door Audi A1 has been selling like hotcakes, despite its heavy price tag.
The Audi plant in Forest (near Brussels), where it is assembled, is having trouble keeping up with demand.
Even though it’s a sub-compact, the A1 can easily accommodate four passengers, even five if need be!
This luxury vehicle is an Audi through and through. As such, it’s extremely pleasant to drive. Audi engineers are currently refining the S1 version featuring AWD and a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo (TFSI) producing nearly 220 hp.
The highly anticipated Audi A1 Sportback
For this Ingolstadt-based automaker, the term "Sportback" stands for "five-door hatchback."
The Sportback will be a little bigger than the three-door model. And its additional doors will definitely make it more practical for young families.
In terms of cargo space, it offers between 270 and 920 litres once the bench is folded down.
The interior is relatively unchanged, except for new applications for integrating smartphones with 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi technology, navigation programs, Google Earth and Google Street.
The Sportback calls on the same gas and diesel engines found in the three-door A1. The available transmissions are a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic.
North America
Its seems that buyers on our continent will have to wait at least another three years before they can take home the Audi A1. By then, the second generation will be out, designed to meet North American safety and environmental standards.
The production model of the Audi A1 Sportback is set to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.