Audi 1.4 TFSI Sport – Australian pricing & specs

Audi Australia has just launched its pocket rocket A1 1.4 TFSI Sport. With 136kW/250Nm provided by the twincharge engine and a 7-speed S tronic gearbox the A1 Sport can reach 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The A1 Sport is based on the 1.4 TFSI Ambition we tested last December and we reckon the extra 46kW on offer will be worth the wait.

Quality and power in the A1 range does come at a price, though. That price starts at $42,500 (manufacturer’s list pricing). While the A1 Sport is reasonably well specced, with current must-haves such as bi-xenons headlights and Bluetooth connectivity, among other goodies, driveaway prices in the $50K range won’t be hard to achieve. Remember, the Volkswagen Polo GTI, essentially the same car underneath a less premium skin, is comfortably cheaper.

MINI has been able to establish a strong niche for high-cost hatchbacks without too much fuss. Is there room for another heavy-hitter in the premium hot hatch market?

After the break there’s Audi Australia’s press release, plus three PDFs for download which will tell you everything you need to know about the A1 1.4 TFSI Sport. For now, we can’t wait for a drive.

The Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport – The A1 In Sport Mode

• A1 range welcomes new top-of-the-line Sport model
  
• S line exterior kit, sports suspension and muscular 136 kW engine
  
• High level of standard equipment combined with Audi’s renowned quality and luxury

The Audi A1 has been a major success following its market debut in Australia and now Audi introduces the new top-of-the-line version – the A1 1.4 TFSI Sport. It is the next big Audi … in sport mode.

Based on the top-spec A1 Ambition but offering even more standard features, the A1 Sport boasts expertly-tuned sports suspension, ensuring razor-sharp handling. The dual-charged 1.4 TFSI engine pumps output to 136 kW and the Audi’s 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission comes standard. The A1 1.4 TFSI Sport also impresses with groundbreaking efficiency, consuming just 5.9 litres of fuel per 100 km, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km.

“The Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport is the next step in expanding our A1 line-up. With a powerful yet efficient engine, sports-tuned chassis and the quality and technology expected of an Audi, it is sure to take the segment by storm,” said Uwe Hagen, managing director of Audi Australia.

“The A1 has been a great success in Australia and now this expertly executed Sport model will expand the A1’s appeal and provide even more excitement for those customers who desire performance in a compact, yet entirely premium package.”

Design
With its sleek yet powerful design and continuous shoulder line, the newest Audi fits right in with the large model family. The distinctive roof arch ends in a flat, coupe-like C-pillar. The wrap-around bonnet is another prominent design feature.

The tornado line begins where the bonnet meets the fender, runs through the door and the rear flank, and passes just above the rear wheel arches.

But what really sets the A1 Sport apart is the muscular S line bodykit. Comprising lower and deeper front and rear bumpers, as well as the S line roof spoiler and a rear diffuser, the A1 Sport exudes a powerful presence.

Interior
The flowingly curved, horizontally staggered instrument panel is reminiscent of an airplane wing; the round, boldly protruding air vents resemble the turbines of a jet and can be adjusted using a sophisticated ball mechanism. With its large round dials, the instrument cluster features clear, elegant lines. Operation is logical and the layout of the controls is ergonomically perfect – as is always the case in an Audi.

The premium character of the A1 1.4 TFSI Sport is manifested in every detail of the interior. Just as with Audi’s larger models, no compromises were made compared with respect to the choice of materials, their fit and finish and the tight, even gaps.

Engine
The A1 1.4 TFSI Sport boasts an exceptional engine – 1.4 TFSI, which exemplifies Audi’s philosophy of performance and efficiency through downsizing. The lightweight four-valve engine produces a hefty 136 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes just 6.9 seconds, and the top speed is 227 km/h.

The secret of all this power from the small displacement of 1,390 cc is the dualcharging system. From idle, a mechanical, engine-driven supercharger provides more than 1.0 bar of relative boost pressure. The positive-displacement supercharger, which is equipped with an internal transmission, is upstream of the exhaust turbocharger. The second stage is a high-efficiency turbo which starts to join in from 1,500 rpm.

At Audi, efficiency and dynamics go hand in hand: The 1.4 TFSI uses on average just 5.9 litres of fuel per 100 km and emits just 139 g CO2 per km. These excellent figures are the product of the FSI concept, the dual-charging system and technologies from the modular efficiency platform.

S tronic
Power from the 1.4 TFSI is funneled to the front wheels via the standard sevenspeed S tronic. It is perfectly suited for pairing with the transversely mounted engine. The shifting process takes place as the clutches switch in just a few hundredths of a second and with no detectable interruption of pulling power. The process is so smooth, dynamic and comfortable that it is barely noticeable.

Suspension
Standard with taut sports suspension – even more focussed S line suspension is available as an option – the dynamic qualities of the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport are personified in its handling: It corners with precision, is quick, steady and responsive in corners and accelerates out of them with tenacious grip.

Another standard specialty of the chassis is the ESP stabilisation program with electronic limited slip differential. When the system detects an impending loss of traction at the inside wheel during fast cornering, it initiates very brief braking of that wheel. This causes the excess torque to flow to the outside wheel, which can transfer more power. At the same time, the A1 1.4 TFSI Sport turns very slightly into the corner as an aid to the driver. The handling becomes more neutral, more precise and more stable.

Equipment
The safety package comprises six airbags: two front airbags, thorax and pelvis side airbags and full-length head airbags. Belt tensioners, tension limiters and Audi’s integral head restraint system round out the package. The Audi A1 Sport is a fivestar crash performer.

Many of the standard features on the A1 1.4 TFSI Sport are taken directly from the luxury class, including the xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, the LED tail lights, the LED interior lighting package, 6.5-inch full colour screen, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity and light and rain sensor.

Optional extras include MMI navigation systems and a 465-watt Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers.

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport Manufacturers List Price:
(MLP excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

• Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport 7-speed S tronic: $42,500

Downloads

• Audi A1 1.4 TFSI – Australian press kit (91kb PDF)
• Audi A1 1.4 TFSI – Technical data (108kb PDF)
• Audi A1 1.4 TFSI – Brochure & options (500kb PDF)

Note: All images before the press release can be viewed as 2000px super images by clicking on each pic. The images below can be viewed in larger sizes, as well, but not at AUSmotive’s preferred sizing.