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).