We have been hearing murmurings of a new sportback based on Audi's smaller A1 hatchback, and it has finally arrived. Appearing with a video and a huge gallery, the five-door model adds two doors to the aforementioned hatchback along with an extra 50 or so odd pounds. The A1 sportback arrived in a new, exclusive color: Samoa Orange. The roof, however, will come in either one of three neatly contrasting shades.

Though it shares its 3-door hatchback variant's wheelbase and length, it is a bit wider and taller to accommodate the two (and possibly three) new passengers. Audi has made four turbocharged engines available for the launch of the A1 Sportback, of which include an efficient 1.6-liter TDI motor with emissions of only 99g/km and a claimed-by-Audi return of an impressive 74.3mpg. A top-end 2.0-liter diesel unit will be made available towards the end of next year, putting out 141hp and a moderate 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds.

The Audi A1 Sportback is set to arrive in dealerships by February 2012 and will run £560 more than its smaller hatchback counterpart. Total cost for the base trim is expected to be around £13,980, however for those desiring the performance of an 182hp 1.4-liter TFSI engine in the S trim, you can expect to pay upwards of £21,270.

According to Auto Express, a hot S1 version of the three-door hatchback will arrive in 2013, along with a cabriolet and extreme RS1 ride as well. Be sure to check out the extensive gallery of the new A1 Sportback below.

Check out Audi hatchbacks.