The Audi A1 gets supercharged and turbocharged

The Audi A1 has been taken up well by consumers, UK order books are full and no more orders will be taken till 2011 now. The A1 is taking advantage of BMW MINI’s aged looks and design, it is using the retro feel created by Citroen’s DS3 and adding a premium badge to it, the A1 is a true premium supermini.

At the Paris Motor Show Audi revealed plans for a faster yet economical A1, it will for the first time in Audi’s history have both a supercharger and a turbocharger powering the 1.4 TFSI engine. The TFSI model will do 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 141mph.

The two engine chargers work hand in hand, the supercharger intervenes at 1,500rpm to increase thrust and disengages at 2,400 rpm. At 3,500 rpm the turbo charger steps in to provide more power and thrust. Because the supercharger kicks in at low revs a larger turbo can be used which has helped deliver impressive fuel economy figures and low CO2 emissions.

A light and compact seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission is fitted as standard to the Audi A1 TFSI and it directs power to the front wheels. Consisting of two transmission structures operated by two multi-plate clutches, it performs gear changes in just a few hundredths of a second and with no noticeable interruption in speed.

The standard A1 comes with some excellent kit as standard including, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, Driver's Information System and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display. In addition to this the 1.4 TFSI comes with S line exterior treatment, 17-inch alloy wheels and part leather-upholstered sports seats.

It was difficult to get much more information on the A1 TFSI but, Audi Preston said that UK pricing has yet to be finalised and will be confirmed nearer to the opening date for UK orders.