Priced from £13,980 to £21,270 – a £580 premium over the three-door model – the A1 is expected to follow the A3’s sales mix, with 70% due to be sold with five doors. Engine choices are the same as the outgoing three-door model, including the 99g/km 1.6 TDI and forthcoming 141bhp 2.0 TDi, which will join the range next summer.

Personalisation and technology options are also similar to its sibling, including satellite navigation with Google Earth – due to be extended to include Street View later next year – while Sportback models will be offered with the choice of a colour-coded roof, instead of just the roof bars like the three-door.

Audi expects to deliver the first A1 Sportbacks in spring 2012, with order books opening later this month.