Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Launched in the UK

This latest addition of the Audi premium subcompacts has been launched in the UK, benefiting from a unit that delivers no less than 182 hp, thanks to the combination of a supercharger and a turbocharger. The new top-performing A1 derives its impressive performance from a potent combination of the two forced induction methods working sequentially, but manages to be frugal at the same time. It is available for order starting this week at a price of £20,705 ($32,970).

Previously, the most powerful engine in the A1 range was the 1.4 TSI, a 16-valve aluminum-block motor with a single small turbocharger integrated into the wastegate, and an air-to-water intercooler integrated in the intake manifold. Its 122 horsepower could be considered sufficient for such a compact car, but there is no such thing as too much power. For the new TFSI, Audi has adapted the VW’s “TwinCharger” system that includes both a belt-driven supercharger and a turbocharger.

The supercharger is an Eaton positive-displacement unit with a magnetic clutch on the drive pulley, which allows it to begin operating at 1,500 rpm. At about 3,500 rpm, a boost from the turbocharger delivers even more power. As the supercharger takes care of low-range boost, it has been possible to use a larger turbocharger designed with optimum efficiency in mind, and this is reflected in the impressively combined cycle fuel economy of 47.9 mpg UK (39.9 mpg US) and emissions as low as 139 g/km.

The complex engine is mated to an equally complex gearbox, in the form of an S tronic seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. Sadly, power is only sent to the front wheels and this is probably why Audi didn’t call this an S1. The A1’s suspension gets MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear. Thanks to all this new-found power, the A1 1.4 TFSI will do 0-61 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds (about 2 seconds faster than the 122 horsepower TSI model), and tops out at 227km/h (141mph),