To further tempt customers away from diesel power, Audi has unveiled a new 3 cylinder engine for the A1 supermini. The first petrol unit with this configuration ever to be installed in an Audi model, the latest A1 variant promises to bring 67mpg-plus economy, peppy performance and the premium hallmarks that distinguish every Audi within even easier reach with an on the road price starting from £14,315.
The 95PS turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine effectively replaces the 89PS 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine available in the A1 since launch. It can call on a healthy 160Nm of torque to propel the A1 1.0 TFSI with standard five-speed manual gearbox to 62mph from rest in 10.9 seconds, regardless of whether it is powering the three-door or five-door Sportback body style. A seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission is also available, and with this installed the acceleration time is also unchanged in both versions. Top speed is 116mph in every case.
Equally importantly, the new engine can return up to 67.3mpg in the A1 when linked to the standard manual gearbox, or 64.2mpg in conjunction with the S tronic transmission, equating to CO2 figures of 97g/km and 102g/km respectively. Again, these figures apply regardless of the body style chosen.
For comparison, the 1.6-litre TDI which retains its position as the most frugal option in the updated range now benefits from an economy boost from 74.3mpg to 80.7mpg according to the combined cycle test, and a CO2reduction from 99g/km to 92g/km in both body styles.
Our choice? As we always indicate it is down to driving location. If motorways are included in your typical journey then the diesel may sway you. City driving and the petrol makes far more sense. Would you consider the latest engine from Audi in your A1? Answers as always in the comments below.
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