Audi is to put a five-door version of its compact A1 on sale next year, the company confirmed November 18.

The Audi A1 Sportback will add a family touch to the brand’s popular A1, which is dogfighting for market share with the likes of the BMW 1 Series.

Aimed at a ‘young, urban public’, the A1 is slightly taller than its three-door sibling and has been made more spacious inside, offered with either four or five seats.

Buyers will be able to choose between four gasoline and three diesel engines, producing anywhere between 86 and 185 hp and all paired with a seven-speed transmission.

The diesel engines will use stop-start technology and are likely to come in at just under 99g/km in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, with an impressive fuel economy of 74.2 mpg (3.17 l/100km).

The base price for the five-door model, which will be offered with the Audi Connect infotainment and navigation system, is €16,950, Audi said.

Like its three-door sibling, it will be available in a variety of trim lines, although buyers looking for a car with real sporting credentials may want to hold off for a while.

According to Auto Express, Audi is planning to launch an S1 version of the A1 in 2013, as well as a performance RS1 model.