2015 Audi A1 and A1 Sportback Unveiled with New TFSI and TDI Engines

A total of six new re-engineered engines will be available on the latest Audi superminis. These include four TFSI petrol units and two TDI diesel units. A couple are 3-cylinder ones, the first time any Audi has had this setup since the A2 was discontinued. All are available with a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox, which is standard on the top-spec petrol car.

1.0 TFSI with 95 PS

This is the first Audi model to be fitted with the new 1-liter turbo engine that's also being made available on the VW Polo facelift. It's the base unit and unlike on the Polo, it directly replaces the 1.2 TFSI mills. Why? Because Audi customers can afford paying for extra tech. The engine delivers 95 PS of power yet also has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.3 liters fuel per 100 kilometers (54.7 US mpg) , equivalent to 99 grams per km of CO2.

1.4 TFSI with 125 PS

A familiar engine with slightly more power, the 125 PS 1.5 TFSI is something we definitely recommend to those who want a bit of power but are on a budget. It used to make 122 PS, now it makes 125 PS… no big deal.

1.4 TFSI with 150 PS

The most technologically advanced 1.4-liter petrol engine on any car is also available with the A1. For the 2015 model, the output of this little turbo is a respectable 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that it will sip fuel at a less alarming rate thanks to Audi's cylinder on demand technology. Audi claims its 150 PS supermini can get from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 215 km/h.

1.8 TFSI with 192 PS

Instead of the old twin-charger 1.4 TFSI with 182 PS, A1 models now come with a 1.8 TFSI that pumps out 192 PS. This is the same move Volkswagen pulled with its Polo GTI facelift and is a logical one.

This top-spec A1 comes as standard with an S tronic gearbox and will get from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. In terms of power and pace, it should keep up with a Cooper S without compromising on comfort.

1.4 TDI with 90 PS

The basic diesel engine for the A1 is one of those new 1.4 TDI units with three cylinders. It's got standard ultra tech that helps it become the most efficient in the range. Fuel consumption of 3.4 liters fuel per 100 kilometers (69.2 US mpg) is possible on the combined cycle and emissions are just 89 grams of CO2. Its top speed of 182 km/h is not exactly stellar, but it's acceptable.

1.6 TDI with 116 PS

The other TDI engine is not a high-output 1.4 like on the Polo and Fabia, but a 1.6 TDI. This four-cylinder has been pushed from 105 PS to 116 PS without any negative effects on fuel consumption.

Audi has dropped the 2.0 TDI engine from the roster. Too bad! We would have loved to see them bump the power to 184 PS and see what happens in a duel against the new MINI Cooper SD.

Chassis updates

Besides the new engines, our favorite part about the new A1 are the upgrades to the rest of the drivetrain. For example, they installed a new electromechanical steering that provides less assistance at higher speeds. The supermini can also be ordered with adaptive suspension and all models come as standard with VW Group's drive select dynamic handling system. The driver can use it to vary the engine characteristic, the optional S tronic and adjustable shock absorbers. God knows there aren't enough fast, but comfortable superminis in the world.