TEENY-TINY engines are found under the bonnets of cars as large as Ford's new Mondeo these days but they probably make most sense in smaller models. That's why Audi is now fitting a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine to the A1 and A1 Sportback.
Performance is decent - 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds and top speed of 116mph - but economy and efficiency is what this A1 is all about.
The 1.0-litre A1 has 94bhp and records an EU combined fuel consumption figure of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 97g/ km means it avoids being liable for road tax.
Transmission is by either five-speed manual or seven-speed double-clutch gearbox.
The three-cylinder turbocharged A1 is now the cheapest way into the baby Audi, with prices starting at £14,315.
The new engine comes at the same time as the rest of the A1 range gets a spruce up, with some minor styling revisions, new equipment and improved engines.
The most frugal A1 still comes with a 1.6-litre diesel engine, with the promise of 80.7mpg and 92g/km.