Engines

Whether running around town or going on a weekend excursion, driving the new Audi A1 Sportback is great fun (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.0–4.6* (39.2–51.1 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 137–104* (220.5–167.4 g/mi)) thanks to its powerful engines in particular. There is a choice of efficient TFSI engines with outputs ranging from 70 kW (95 metric horsepower) to 147 kW (200 metric horsepower). The right engine is available whatever the requirements—in accordance with the Audi rightsizing philosophy. The basis is formed by three cylinders with one liter of engine displacement; above this, there are four cylinders with 1.5 or two liters of engine displacement.

The Audi A1 Sportback comes with four different engine versions: the 25 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.7–4.6* (50.0–51.1 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 106–104* (170.6–167.4 g/mi)), the 30 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.9–4.8* (48–49 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 111–108* (178.6–173.8 g/mi)), the 35 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.1–5.0* (46.1–47.0 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 116–115* (186.7–185.1 g/mi)) and the 40 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.0* (39.2 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 137–136* (220.5–218.9 g/mi)). Turbocharging, direct injection and a particle filter are a standard feature in all engines.

A1 25 TFSI: the 1.0 TFSI with 70 kW (95 metric horsepower)

The smallest TFSI in the A1 range produces 70 kW (95 metric horsepower) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.7–4.6* (50.0–51.1 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 106–104* (170.6–167.4 g/mi)) and develops a maximum torque of 175 Nm (129.1 lb-ft). The charged three-cylinder with 999 cm³ engine displacement accelerates the new A1 Sportback in 10.8 seconds from a standstill to a speed of 100 km/h (62.1 mph)—and reaches a maximum speed of 191 km/h (118.7 mph). Its NEDC consumption correlated from the WLTP values is restricted with manual transmission to 4.6 liters per 100 km (51.1 US mpg)—CO₂ emissions of 104 grams per kilometer (167.4 g/mi).

The compact design of the three-cylinder engine and its aluminum crankcase make for a weight of only 88 kilograms (194.0 lb). The forged connecting rods and aluminum pistons are so finely balanced that the engine does not need a balancer shaft for quiet and smooth running. There are twelve valves at work in the cylinder head; their intake and exhaust camshafts can be adjusted by 50 and 40 degree crank angles, respectively. The valve train module in which they rotate is lightweight and rigid. Below the module lies the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head—an important part of high-performance thermal management. Just like the crankcase, the head also has its own cooling circuit. Throughout the crank drive, the masses are low in magnitude, as is the friction loss.

A1 30 TFSI: the 1.0 TFSI with 85 kW (116 metric horsepower)

With the efficient 1.0 TFSI that produces 85 kW (116 metric horsepower) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.9–4.8* (48–49 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 111–108*) (173.8–178.6 g/mi), there is no shortage of driving fun. The powerful engine delivers a torque of 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) at between 2,000 and 3,500 rpms. The A1 Sportback thus sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 mph) in 9.4 seconds. Its top speed is 203 km/h (126.1 mph). For the variant with S tronic, the NEDC consumption correlated from the WLTP values is 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers (49.0 US mpg), corresponding to a CO₂ equivalent of 108 grams per kilometer (173.8 g/mi).

A1 35 TFSI: the 1.5 TFSI COD with 110 kW (150 metric horsepower)

The 1.5 TFSI COD (cylinder on demand) is an agile and cultivated turbo four-cylinder with 1,498 cm³ engine displacement. Its maximum power output of 110 kW (150 metric horsepower) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.1–5.0* (46.1–47.0 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 116–115* (186.7–185.1 g/mi)) is produced between 5,000 and 6,000 rpms. At an rpm of only 1,500 to 3,500, it develops a maximum torque of 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft). With manual transmission, over a distance of 100 km (62.1 mi), the new A1 Sportback 35 TFSI can make do with 5.0 liters of fuel (= 47.0 US mpg), with CO₂ emissions of 115 grams per kilometer (185.1 g/mi). In only 7.7 seconds, it accelerates to a speed of 100 km/h (62.1 mph); its maximum speed is 222 km/h (137.9 mph).

The 1.5 TFSI COD is a genuine high-tech engine. Combined with the six-speed manual transmission, the COD system deactivates the second and third cylinders at loads up to 100 Nm (73.8 lb-ft) and while coasting when the engine speed is between 2,000 and 3,200 rpms. If the seven-gear S tronic is installed, cylinder deactivation occurs as early as between 1,400 and 3,200 rpms. This is done by means of pins that are extended within milliseconds electromagnetically to activate what are called cam pieces—sleeves that each have two different cam profiles—on the camshafts.

When the zero-stroke sections are rotating above the valves, they do not actuate the valves, and the valve springs keep them closed. Injection and ignition are deactivated. The switchover process takes just milliseconds. The operating points in active cylinders one and four are displaced toward higher loads, increasing efficiency. Even with a firing interval of 360 degrees, the new 1.5 TFSI COD is quiet and vibration is low. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the deactivated cylinders are reactivated.

Compared with the 1.4 liter TFSI with COD technology, the new 1.5 TFSI COD represents a systematic further development. Internal friction has been reduced through the use of a fully variable, characteristics-controlled oil pump and a polymer-coated first main bearing of the crankshaft. A further highlight is the increase to 350 bar of the injection pressure of the common-rail system.

Indirect charge air cooling with an improved cooling output is now performed even more efficiently. Temperature-sensitive components such as the throttle valve are now located behind the charge air cooling system. The 1.5 TFSI COD features innovative thermo management with a new characteristics field cooling module. Among the special features here are the APS-coated cylinder working surfaces, valve cooling between the cylinders as well as a cross-flow cooling system in the cylinder head.

The COD system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent with a moderate driving style.

A1 40 TFSI: The 2.0 TFSI with 147 kW (200 metric horsepower)

The top gasoline engine for the new A1 Sportback is the 2.0 TFSI. It draws 147 kW (200 metric horsepower) of power from its 1,984 cm³ displacement (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.0* (39.2 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 137–136* (220.5–218.9 g/mi)) and produces 320 Nm (236.0 lb-ft) in the wide engine speed range from 1,500 to 4,400 rpms. In just 6.5 seconds, the new A1 Sportback with the six-speed S tronic sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 mph); its maximum speed is reached at 235 km/h (146.0 mph). The NEDC consumption correlated from the WLTP values is 6.0 liters per 100 km (39.2 US mpg). This corresponds to CO₂ emissions of 136 grams per kilometer (218.9 g/mi).

The new combustion process of the 2.0 TFSI and a comprehensive package of high-tech solutions ensure sporty driving performances and exemplary efficiency. The technical finesses also include the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head, the rotary slide module for thermal management, the Audi valvelift system (AVS) for the intake valves and the electrical wastegate of the turbocharger and dual injection—in the partial load range, indirect intake manifold injection enhances the direct injection. In partial-load operation, the four-cylinder engine realizes the fuel economy benefits of a smaller-volume engine, while offering the benefits of an engine with large displacement at higher loads.

The new top engine system 40 TFSI features, as standard, the dynamic package “Performance,” and presents exclusively visible tail pipes to the vehicles behind. 

*Fuel consumption and CO₂ emission figures given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used.

All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.