6 August 2002: The Audi A2 supermini is to get a 1.6-litre engine using the FSI direct petrol injection technology. It is due in the UK in September, but no information has been issued about when it will be available in Ireland.

The 110bhp unit offers47.9mpg using the system, which was derived from the Audi Le Mans racing cars. A 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds is achievable, and a top speed of 126mph.

The engine can operate in two ‘modes’ to minimise consumption. When a high power output is required, the electronics select the homogeneous mode, which is the normal operating state for conventional indirect injection engines. Even in this mode, the FSI engine holds an advantage over less advanced petrol units in that it leaves no fuel unburned – the mixture is completely vaporised in the combustion chamber for greater efficiency.

At normal cruising speeds, under part load, the engine switches to ‘stratified charge’ operation. In this state, the air, or ‘charge’, is directed extremely accurately towards the spark plug using the ‘tumble’ principle, created by a tumble flap within the intake manifold and a specially shaped bowl in the piston crown.

Current A2s are powered by four-cylinder 1.4-litre petrol models and three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI diesels.