Audi TT Sportback revealed

A series of sketches purporting to reveal the sleek lines and exterior styling details of a new Audi TT-based Sportback concept have hit a number of German-based motoring enthusiast websites.

Set to make its world debut at next week's Paris motor show, the new five door liftback is third in a series of Audi TT based concepts, following on from the TT Allroad Shooting Brake and TT Offroad concepts revealed earlier this year.

Based on a lengthened version of the third-generation TT's aluminium and high strength steel platform, itself part of the Volkswagen's Group's Modular Transverse Architecture structure, the new car is said to preview plans for a style-led four-door model from Audi to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA.   

Information accompanying the sketches, all credited to Audi, suggests the Audi TT Sportback concept measures 4470mm in length –  making it some 290mm longer than the recently introduced third-generation TT Coupe.

The addition of two conventionally hinged rear doors has been made possible by a lengthening of the new TT's 2505mm wheelbase. Reports say the TT Sportback also incorporates two individual rear seats that split and fold to extend boot capacity to a whopping 850 litres.

Power for Audi's latest concept reportedly hails from the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder showcased in the TT quattro Sport concept revealed at the Geneva motor show last March. It is claimed to deliver 309kW and channel drive through a six-speed S-tronic dual clutch gearbox and quattro four-wheel drive system.

Audi has made no secret of the fact that it is considering extending the TT line-up beyond the traditional coupe and roadster models.

Speaking at the launch of the TT Offroad concept at the Beijing motor show in April, Audi research and development boss Ulrich Hackenberg told Drive: "The Audi TT Offroad concept provides a glimpse of how we might imagine a new model in the future TT family."