Audi plonks 1.4 twincharged motor into little A1

Audi is set to unveil a new flagship variant of its little A1 hatch – the 1.4 TFSI S-Line, powered by the Volkswagen Group’s awardwinning 1,390cc twincharged direct injection engine. We sampled this engine recently in a 158hp/240Nm state of tune in the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI and got away pretty impressed.

For this application, however, Audi dialed in an additional 27 hp of power and 10Nm of torque to give the A1 1.4 TFSI an impressive-sounding 185hp and 250Nm. Standard transmission on offer is the 7-speed DSG (or S-tronic in Audi-speak). This new variant of the A1 should not be confused with the earlier 122hp/200Nm 1.4 TFSI model introduced during the A1’s global debut in the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

At 1,500rpm, the supercharger engages and remains in operation until 2,400rpm. The turbocharger steps in at no later than 3,500rpm and continues to force-feed the engine at higher revs. This technological trickery enables the little Audi to hit 100kph from standstill in 6.9 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 227kph. In return, fuel consumption (provisional figure) stands at 5.9 litres/100km, and for every kilometre traveled, the flagship A1 emits 139 g/km.

Keeping the A1’s progress in check are a pair of 288mm vented disc brakes up front aided by an electronic lim slip diff integrated into the ESP. For moments when things go wrong, dual frontal airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, belt-tensioners, force limiters, active headrests and ISOFIX child seat mounts come as standard equipment.

The option list includes xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, LED interior lights, high-beam assist, light and rain sensor, panoramic sunroof, start/stop button, sat-nav, auto climate control and a 14-speaker 465W Bose surround sound system; all of which could potentially blow the final price for the European buyer way beyond the quoted €24,250. The new Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S-Line will be available for European customers by the end of this year.

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S-Line

KON