After making its debut in the MK 7 Golf Sport, VW's new 1.4 TSI with cylinder deactivation has found its way into the hoods of the Audi A1 and A3.

The primary goal of the system is to reduce fuel consumption significantly by temporarily shutting off two of the four cylinders during low to mid loads. The greatest benefits are realised while driving at constant moderate speeds. The 1.4-litre unit is also fitted with a start-stop system.

The 1.4-litre engine pumps out 138bhp at 5,000 rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. Installed in the Audi A1, the mini hatchback with S-tronic goes from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds while the Sportback version takes just 0.1 second longer. For the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback, the century sprint takes 8.3 seconds and 8.4 seconds respectively. Looking at how the new engine replaces the 'Twincharger' in the Golf Sport, it won't come as a surprise if the same thing happens for the A1 S-Line.

Volkswagen is the first carmaker to implement cylinder deactivation technology in a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in large-scale production.