Rightnow, while all the WLTP emissions testing backlog is stacked up, there’s only one engine choice for the A1. It’s a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, sourced from you-know
StretchedTiming Chain. Another of the common Audi 1.8 TFSI Engine problems is stretched timing chains. This tends to affect the Gen 1 and Gen 2 1.8 TFSI engines most. While a timing chain is made of harder materials than a belt, they are composite parts with links and rollers wearing against each other over time.
Its certainly quick enough, managing 62mph from rest in 8.1 seconds, which used to be the preserve of a respectable hot hatch. Aside from the smart engine tech, the A3 35 TFSI feels remarkably conventional. The Volkswagen Golf-derived underpinnings work well enough, and weight distribution is remarkably evenly spread, front-to-rear.