Audi A1 1.4 TFSI, plenty of power, but it's not the S1

Curiously, according to information provided by organisers of the Paris Motor Show, the presentation of the Audi S1 had been confirmed and it was said that it would be a version of the A1 with the same engine, but more powerful, like the current Volkswagen Polo GTI (which has 180 CV).

However, Audi has unveiled today this version, the most powerful so far in the A1 range. Indeed, it features a 1.4 TFSI engine with over 180 CV, 185 CV to be exact, and 250 Nm of torque. What is striking about the news is that Audi has not wanted to call it the S1, but “A1 1.4 TFSI”.

Is Audi keeping the S1 name for an even more powerful variant? We don’t know, so for now we’re going to focus on what is already reality.

Let’s start with performance. According to the brand, 0-100 km/h is reached in 6.9 seconds (the same as the Polo GTI), and it reaches a top speed of 227 km/h (2 km/h less than the Polo GTI). These acceleration and speed figures are more than respectable. Despite this, consumption remains quite modest. It manages with 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

The engine features a turbocharger and a supercharger. The usual operating range of the supercharger runs from 1,500 rpm up to 2,400 rpm. From this speed up to 3,500 rpm both work together. Above 3,500 rpm the turbocharger does all the work.

Engine power is transmitted to the front wheels through a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. To improve range, the seventh gear is longer than usual.

The Audi A1 1.4 TFSI will go on sale at the end of the year with an approximate price of €24,000. Standard equipment will include elements such as the Ambition trim line, 17″ alloy wheels, S line exterior package, manual air conditioning, an additional colour range for certain interior parts, and an interior LED lighting package.

Finally, I must say that if Audi really plans to present the S1 in Paris, I am truly eager to see what it will look like.