There could be a new junior hot hatch in town if the Audi A1 Sportback Concept makes it into production.
Although Audi unveiled the A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept some time ago, that was a three door model. The new A1 Sportback Concept is a five-door hatchback, and is a different design to the original three-door.
The concept has a 150bhp 1.4-litre TFSI engine under the bonnet, but in an unusual hybrid twist it is backed up by a 27bhp electric engine. This adds another 110lb.ft of torque and results in lively performance – 0-60mph is said to take just 7.9 seconds and the top speed is 124mph. What this also means is petrol performance backed up by diesel-like economy (60mpg or more) with CO2 emissions under 100 g/km – so free road tax in the UK!
However, don’t expect to see this hybrid unit anytime in the near future. At launch the A1 will be available in three and five-door body styles and will most likely be sold with a new 1.2-litre TSI engine with around 110bhp as well as the 1.4 TSI with outputs ranging from 122 to 150bhp. If we’re lucky we might even see an S1 with a 2.0 TFSI developing around 210bhp.
