Paris Preshow: Audi Unveils 185HP A1 1.4 TFSI but doesn't Call it the S1

Last week, we told you that the Paris motor show organizers confirmed the Audi S1 and that sources made word of a slightly more powerful variant of the new VW Polo GTI's dual-charged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing a little over 180 ponies.

Well, get this; today, Audi presented a new flagship version of the A1 powered by a tweaked dual-charged 1.4 TFSI delivering 185HP and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) - but, the Germans aren't calling it the S1. Instead, the most powerful variant of the A1 series to date is plainly named the 'A1 1.4 TFSI'.

Guess we'll have to wait for the grand opening of the Paris Show on September 30 to find out if this is the car the organizers were referring to or if Audi has a spicier surprise under its belt.

Like the latest VW Polo GTI, the A1 1.4 TFSI combines the dual-charged (supercharger and turbocharger) petrol engine with a standard seven-speed S tronic transmission that directs power to the front wheels.

To improve handling, the car comes equipped as standard with ESP stabilization program featuring an electronic limited slip differential. When the system detects a looming loss of traction at the inside wheel during fast cornering, it initiates very brief braking of that wheel. The package also include more powerful front brakes.

Audi says the flagship A1 model goes from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 6.9 seconds (same as the 180HP VW Polo GT) and reaches a maximum speed of 227 km/h (141mph). The premium supermini consumes on average 5.9 lt/100km (39.9 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 139 g/km (223.70 g/mile).

Standard features include Ambition equipment line, 17-inch wheels, S line exterior package, manual air conditioning, additional mono.pur colored interior elements, black headlining and an LED interior light package.

The A1 1.4 TFSI 185HP will be launched in Europe toward the end of the year at a price of €24,250 (about US$31,700 at today's exchange rates).