New Mini rival gets a wee bit hotter with introduction of twin-charged Polo GTI engine…
Good news! Audi has announced its A1 supermini will now be available with a 182bhp 1.4-litre TFSI engine, making it the fastest and most powerful A1 on sale today.
Bad news! It's still around two grand more expensive than the equivalent Mini Cooper S.
The new S-line A1 gets the supercharged and turbocharged engine from the Polo GTI generating 182bhp and 184lb ft of torque. Audi claims it will do the 0-62mph sprint in 6.9 seconds, just 0.1 seconds quicker than the 185bhp Mini Cooper S.
It's quite an engine too. The supercharger kicks in at 1,500rpm and retires at 2,400rpm, after which a turbocharger takes over duties from 3,500rpm. Audi says because the supercharger handles the low-range, it has been able to slot in a bigger turbo, for efficiency and economy, you understand, not powerrr.
The A1 gets the S tronic seven-speed twin clutch auto box as standard, together with ESP and an electronic limited slip diff; this brakes the inside front wheel briefly when sensors detect a loss of traction, or, in layman's terms, immediately after saying ‘watch this', and immediately preceding a potentially expensive ding.
It comes with sports suspension, naturally, exterior S-line bits, 17-inch alloys and part-leather seats.
Yours for just £20,075. Which would you rather have, this or a Cooper S?
Bad news! It's still around two grand more expensive than the equivalent Mini Cooper S.
The new S-line A1 gets the supercharged and turbocharged engine from the Polo GTI generating 182bhp and 184lb ft of torque. Audi claims it will do the 0-62mph sprint in 6.9 seconds, just 0.1 seconds quicker than the 185bhp Mini Cooper S.
It's quite an engine too. The supercharger kicks in at 1,500rpm and retires at 2,400rpm, after which a turbocharger takes over duties from 3,500rpm. Audi says because the supercharger handles the low-range, it has been able to slot in a bigger turbo, for efficiency and economy, you understand, not powerrr.
The A1 gets the S tronic seven-speed twin clutch auto box as standard, together with ESP and an electronic limited slip diff; this brakes the inside front wheel briefly when sensors detect a loss of traction, or, in layman's terms, immediately after saying ‘watch this', and immediately preceding a potentially expensive ding.
It comes with sports suspension, naturally, exterior S-line bits, 17-inch alloys and part-leather seats.
Yours for just £20,075. Which would you rather have, this or a Cooper S?
