Audi's A1 supermini will mark the first of its smaller cars to sport a three-cylinder petrol engine. The A3 will be the next model to receive the unit as well. According to CEO Rupert Stadler:

“In the A1 and the A3, the three-cylinder will be a standard engine in the future, for sure. It gives a good feeling and plenty of torque,” Stadler told Auto Express. Asked if the three-cylinder engine will arrive first on the A1, Stadler replied: “Yes, for sure.”

The Volkswagen Group already uses three-cylinder engines vehicles of the VW, Skoda and Seat brands. The facelifted VW Polo is offered with both a 1.0-liter TSI petrol and a 1.4-liter TDI diesel in the UK. Each produces 89 hp (90PS), but in the A1 three-cylinder units could be tweaked to deliver more power and torque.