It seems that the downsized trend which has already hit many automakers from various segments will soon have an impact on Audi as the company’s CEO has announced small three-cylinder engines will be offered for the A1 and A3. Needless to say, these tiny motors will power the entry-level versions of both models and will be offered as standard.
Audi CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed these three-cylinder engines will find their way onto U.S.-spec cars as well while models above the A3 will continue with four-cylinder and higher displacement engines since Audi believes customers might be reluctant to buying a three-cylinder A4, for example. However, in the long run, Stadler says that it could happen taking into consider mid- and high-end models from 10-15 years ago came most of the time with six-cylinder engines and now a four-banger is the predominant choice.
Volkswagen is already offering these small and frugal three-cylinder engines in a wide variety of models, starting with their own Polo but also in several Skoda and Seat models.
Aside from introducing three-cylinder engines, Stadler says Audi will continue focus on plug-in hybrid technology and one example is starting production of the A6 L e-tron later this year but only for the Chinese market.
