2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S-Line details prior to Paris debut

As the name suggests, this sporty A1 will use a 1.4-litre engine. It is turbocharged and also supercharged though resulting in 136kW and 250Nm of torque. This puts it right up against and in front of the Mini Cooper S, in terms of engine performance anyhow. (Mini Cooper S; 1.6-litre turbo, 128kW/240Nm). The new A1 1.4TFSI is said to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds (7.4 seconds for the Mini Cooper S) too, and capable of reaching 227km/h thanks to the standard seven-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox.

The use of the twin charging system allows the engine to be grunty down low in the rev range as well as during high-revving stints through the use of an innovative shut-off mechanism fitted to the supercharger.

Basically, the supercharger provides oomph for the engine from idle to 2400rpm, about the time when the turbocharger starts producing usable power, so the reins are then handed over to the turbo which goes on to provide strength all the way up to the redline.

It's an identical engine to the one used in the larger and heavier Volkswagen Golf GT, and in that, it's detuned and it still goes quite fast. So in this, the numbers could only be half the story.

There's no doubt that this new car will be a performance-oriented model but the car is also luxurious, of high specification and very fuel efficient as per typical Audi; it chews through just 5.9 litres of fuel per 100km.

The car will also be fitted with electronic stability control and an electronic limited-slip differential, resulting in an almost unparalleled package. One of the closest cars to come near this kind of offering is the Mini Cooper S - apart from the obvious Volkswagen Polo GTI, but there's no need to bash a brother here - which is generally regarded as the bench mark in the mini car performance segment. And up against that, it looks like it'll do just fine.

Luxury appointments include LED lights inside and outside the car, rain-sensor wipers, panoramic roof with sunroof integration, satellite navigation and a 465-Watt, 14-speaker Bose surround sound system.

Audi says the new model will go on sale later this year in Europe at prices starting from 24,250 Euro (about $34,000 Australian). Stay tuned for more details and pricing.