Audi's little-known subcompact hatch turns 50

The Volkswagen Golf celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, but there is another Volkswagen Group hatchback that was launched at the same time as this venerable VW.

Conceived by Lamborghini Miura and Countach designer Marcello Gandini, together with Audi 80 designer Hartmut Valkoose, the 50 was a subcompact hatch launched in 1974 at the height of the oil crisis that had begun the previous year.

It was less than 11.5 feet long, had two doors, and its engine was mounted in the front. This engine layout was novel for a small Audi at the time, as its predecessor, the NSU Prinz, had its engine mounted in the rear. The reason for this layout was to keep the outside dimensions small while increasing the size of the cabin.

Two versions were available, each weighing approximately 1,500 pounds. The base grade 50 LS had 49 hp and the more powerful 50 GL had 59 hp. Top speed was around 95 mph.

Audi limited sales to Europe, but even there, small hatches like the Fiat, Renault, and, of course, the VW sold significant numbers, so the 50 was unloved and Audi ended production after only four years. In that time, just over 180,000 cars were produced.

In addition to being considered too small by many Audi buyers, it didn't help that VW began selling a rebadged version in 1975 as the first Polo at a reduced price.

Audi then concentrated on larger segment cars, but eventually returned to the subcompact segment with the A1 hatch in 2010.