An advanced new 1.4-litre Audi petrol engine that punches well above its weight joins the A3 range this week, its size-defying 125PS output made possible by a combination of the latest turbo charger technology and efficiency-boosting Audi FSI direct petrol injection.

The new compact unit powers A3 and A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI models that can be ordered now in standard, SE and S line trim with prices starting at £16,365 OTR.

Replacing the existing 1.6-litre, 115PS FSI unit, the high-tech 1,390cc turbo charged engine combines a 10PS power advantage over its naturally aspirated predecessor with an impressive 45Nm torque boost to 200Nm, 80 per cent of which is available from just 1,250rpm, and 100 per cent from 1,500rpm.

The A3 1.4 TFSI can reach 62mph from rest over one second more quickly than its 1.6 FSI predecessor at 9.6 seconds, can carry on to a 126mph top speed and has the potential to cover up to 43.5mpg (combined cycle).

Despite its power, torque and performance advantage, it also registers a reduction in CO₂ output at 154g/km.

The new Audi-developed 1.4-litre engine shares its Turbo FSI configuration with the 1.8 TFSI unit also recently adopted by the A3 and the multiple Engine of the Year Award-winning 2.0 TFSI of A3, A4, A6 and TT fame. Economy-boosting FSI technology is also a feature of the vast majority of naturally aspirated six, eight and ten cylinder petrol engines across the Audi range.