Audi launches hot A1 turbodiesel

Audi has unveiled a higher-performance 2.0-litre TDI 143 diesel version of the A1 supermini, blending 68.9mpg economy with a 0-62mph time of just 8.2 seconds.

Driven: Audi A1

The new 135mph A1 2.0 TDI costs from £17,945 and complements the existing 1.6 TDI 105. It still manages to post a green CO2 rating of 108g/km though, just 9g/km more than the current diesel A1.

MSN long-term Audi A1

The engine is taken from the larger Audi A4 and boasts a very impressive 236lb/ft of torque spread between 1,750-2,500rpm. So much pulling power in a compact supermini is sure to prove pretty effective on the road: sister brand SEAT offers the 2.0 TDI 143 in its performance-orientated Ibiza FR variants and we know from experience how vibrant those cars are in action.

Driven: SEAT Ibiza FR TDI

Audi has also launched two new trim lines for the A1 range. The Contrast Edition costs £1,350 more than an A1 Sport and adds, yes, a contrasting floor for the roof and its new bodykit. It also gets larger alloys.

The Black Edition is based on the range-topping S line model and includes black detailing for the grille, dark rear glass and 18-inch titanium-finish alloys. It also includes an uprated 180-watt sound system.

It costs £1,100 over S line models and, fittingly, is only available with the two fastest engine variants: 1.4 TSI 185 and 2.0 TDI 143.