Audi leaks details on a 185-hp A1 ahead of Paris

What's the one thing that can make almost any car better?

That's right, more horsepower!

To that end, Audi is juicing up its sporty little compact with a 1.4 litre direct injected 4-pot. This trick little motor has 4 valves per-cylinder, a supercharger that kicks in at 1,500 rpm, then disengages at 2,400 rpm, so that a turbocharger can take over.

This complicated arrangement allows for even distribution of the car's 185 hp/184 lb-ft torque throughout the rev band. Quattro AWD won't be available, so power is sent to the front wheels through Audi's 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Thanks to its tiny, efficient motor, and the 7-speed transmission, the A1 1.4 TFSI can hit 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds. And, it can do that while returning a very nice MPG figure of 39 miles-per-gallon. Underneath, the new A1 gets a sport tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, and an electronic limited-slip differential.

Combine all of that, with the S-Line exterior package, and you have a small hatch that goes as good as it looks.