Audi A1 Sportback

In yet another pre-Paris Motor Show leak, these images of the Audi A1 Sportback concept surfaced online only hours before the car was due to be officially unveiled!

The MINI rival will become the smallest car in the Ingolstadt maker’s stable when it hits showrooms at the end of next year, effectively plugging the gap left when the Audi A2 was discontinued.

As you can see, the newcomer certainly doesn’t lack visual flair, with clean lines inspired by last year's Metro Project quattro. It’s practical too, with a five-door layout and capable of transporting four adults thanks to two full-sized individual rear seats.

Powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 150bhp (thanks to a turbo and a supercharger) and mated to Audi’s twin-clutch S tronic gearbox, the A1 will be no slouch. Yet, the maker claims a highly impressive 92g/km CO2 figure, in part as a result of the car’s mild hybrid powertrain, with a 27bhp electric motor complimenting the engine.

We’ll get more details when the newcomer is officially unveiled, so come back to Auto Express online tomorrow for the full story.