Audi A1 Sportback arriving June

Having already beaten MINI in the 2011 sales race, the Audi A1 is not resting on its aluminium scuff plates, with the new five-door version, dubbed A1 Sportback, confirmed for local launch in June.

Anna Burgdorf, General Manager Corporate Communications at Audi Australia, told motoring.com.au ahead of the international launch of the A1 Sportback that specification would be similar to the three-door A1, but that pricing has not yet been confirmed.

In Europe, buyers are slugged a premium for the practicality of having five-doors on their cool German runabout, but Burgdorf hinted the A1 Sportback could still arrive at under $30,000.

"We're looking at June for the local launch [and] the A1 Sportback will be similar in spec, with both Attraction and Ambition grades.

"There's no fixed price yet, that's still being finalised. It's too early to say what the premium will be over the A1. There is a premium in Europe, that's certainly the case, but I wouldn't confirm it for the local model. We'll offer the best package that we can."

When the trendy A1 urban car launched locally in late 2010 the premium European marque opened up the Audi brand to a new target demographic in Australia, thanks in large part to its sub $30,000 pricing. As well as bringing in younger customers, the car also succeeded in attracting buyers who had never owned an Audi before.

The new A1 Sportback will bolster the vehicle's position as a rival to MINI and other pint-sized premium cars by widening its target audience.

"A1 Sportback is very important for us. It adds practicality to the A1 range, which is already selling strongly, with around 1800 units in the first 12 months on sale. This car will definitely add volume and in order for the brand to continue to grow, cars like the A1 are strategically important. They give us access to a new market," added Burgdorf.

Another way to improve small car sales would be for the prestige German brand to introduce the Audi A2 -- and while it hasn't been officially confirmed for production, inside sources say it's a case of when, rather than if.

Indeed, Burgdorf confided that Audi Australia would be eager to bring the A2 to Oz.

"If the A2 comes into production, then yes, we'd consider it. Is there a market, how can we position it, what pricing will we get, does it make commercial sense? If the answers to all those things are yes, we'd launch the car here."

The Audi A1 Sportback will be a five-seat proposition (bench rear seat) but a sportier 2+2 layout with two slightly roomier individual seats for rear occupants will be a no cost option. We'll have more details on the Australian specification Audi A1 Sport soon, along with our first impressions of the new five-door city car.

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