Audi releases new TFSI 1.8T for A5

The VAG 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four was a staple of Audi and VW's product lineup for close to over a decade, but with the addition of the two-liter turbo'd engine a couple years back, it quickly lost its place as the defacto work horse for both brands. However, Audi determined that with a few tweaks, primarily the addition of a direct-injection system, they could revive the erstwhile mill in a move to appeal to consumption-conscious consumers.

They've fitted the TFSI 1.8T to the new A5, making it the cheapest way to get into Audi's newest hotness. Before, a base A5, sporting the 3.2-liter FSI V6 would set you back just over £33,000. When the A5 1.8 TFSI (mit manual) goes on sale, European buyers will be able to get behind the wheel of the Teutonic coupe for over £6,000 less -- and they aren't going to skimp on features either. Buyers abroad will be able to get Milano leather, tri-zone climate control, parking sensors, and an electromechanical parking brake, all standard.

For all the details, Audi's full press release is posted after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

ALL-NEW TURBO FSI ENGINE FOR AUDI A5

Replacement for highly successful 1.8-litre Turbo engine brings yet more FSI efficiency to A5 coupé

* New four-cylinder FSI engine for A5 combines turbo charging with direct petrol injection for excellent all-round performance
* A5 1.8 TFSI available to order now with six-speed manual transmission for £26,190 OTR or £27,140 with Sport specification – first UK deliveries in late November
* 170PS @ 4,800-6,200rpm, 250Nm @1,500-4,800rpm, 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, 140mph, 39.8mpg, CO2 169g/km

The first four-cylinder engine to power the all-new Audi A5 coupé joins the UK range this week, and fittingly it too is also a completely new design. The advanced, directly injected successor to the familiar 1.8-litre Turbo petrol unit that has powered A3, A4, A6 and TT models in the past creates the A5 1.8 TFSI, which is available to order now for an OTR price of £26,190. First UK deliveries are expected in late November.

Performance-enhancing turbo charging and fuel-rationing FSI direct petrol injection combine in the new unit to deliver 170PS at 4,800rpm and a healthy 250Nm torque peak that remains available from 1,500rpm through to 4,800rpm. As a result, the front-wheel-driven A5 1.8 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission passes the 62mph yardstick 8.4 seconds after take off, and can continue to a top speed of 140mph, all the while demonstrating a healthy dislike for petrol, with up to 39.8mpg possible according to the combined cycle test.

The extensive equipment list from which the first phase of V6-powered A5 models benefits is carried over largely unchanged to the four-cylinder version. It includes luxuries such as Milano leather-upholstery, advanced three-zone climate control and rear acoustic parking sensors, as well as sophisticated features like a space-liberating electromechanical parking brake which are more commonly to be found only in larger luxury cars.

Key optional features for this new lead-in model include Xenon head lamps with LED daytime running lights (£775), a Sport upgrade bringing larger 18-inch wheels, sports seats and further lowered sports suspension (£950), a 505-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system (£525), the Audi Parking System Advanced with rear-mounted camera (£650) and Adaptive Light swivelling headlights (£325).
A5 1.8 TFSI manual 170PS £26,190 OTR
A5 3.2 FSI multitronic 265PS £33,230 OTR
A5 3.2 FSI quattro manual 265PS £33,375 OTR
A5 2.7 TDI multitronic 190PS £31,640 OTR
A5 3.0 TDI quattro manual 240PS £33,430 OTR
S5 quattro manual 354PS £39,825 OTR