The star attraction at Audi’s booth in Tokyo is the new Audi A1 Sportback, which will be rolling into showrooms across the world – but not in the U.S.- in early 2012.

The more practical, five-door version of the A1 has the same length as the three door model at 3.95 meters (12.96 ft) but is several millimeters taller and wider thus offering a little more space in the rear seats – though don’t expect any wonders.. In addition, buyers can order the Sportback with either a four- or five-seat layout at no extra cost.

There are no surprises under the hood as the powerplants have been carried over unchanged from the three-door model. The A1 Sportback will launch with choice of six four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and three diesel engines.

The petrol range comprises of a 86HP 1.2 TSI, a 122HP 1.4 TSI and a 185HP 1.4 TSI that allows for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 227km/h (141mph).

On the diesel front you’ll find a 1.6-liter TDI with 90HP or 105HP, and a range-topping 2.0 TDI with 143HP that consumes on average 4.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (57.37 US mpg).

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