Which Audi model has a three-cylinder engine?

[LailaRose]

Audi Q2 is equipped with a 1.0T three-cylinder engine. Introduction to Audi Q2's engine: The Audi Q2 in the Chinese market will feature a three-cylinder 1.0T engine, which delivers a maximum power of 85KW and a peak torque of 140Nm. Introduction to three-cylinder engines: A three-cylinder engine consists of three cylinders. Inside, three identical single cylinders are arranged on one engine block sharing a single crankshaft to output power. Its primary function is to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. The basic principle of a three-cylinder engine involves converting the chemical energy of gasoline (or diesel) into thermal energy, which then causes the combustion and expansion of the gas mixture in the sealed cylinder, driving the piston to perform work and transforming thermal energy into mechanical energy. Its main applications include providing power for traditional fuel-powered vehicles and new energy hybrid models.

[AndrewFitz]

I find the topic of Audi's three-cylinder cars quite interesting. Audi rarely dabbles in three-cylinder engines, primarily due to its positioning as a luxury brand. To be precise, back in 2018, the third-generation Audi A1 in Europe offered a 1.0TFSI three-cylinder version, but that model has since been discontinued. Currently, all Audi models sold in China, including the entry-level A3 and Q2L, use 1.4T or 2.0T four-cylinder engines. Even the hot hatch S3 sticks with a four-cylinder, as the vibrations and noise from a three-cylinder don't quite align with Audi's pursuit of refinement. In fact, Audi prefers using 48V mild hybrid systems for fuel efficiency rather than risking its reputation with three-cylinder engines, which is a wise move.

[IsabelleRose]

As someone who frequents car enthusiast groups, I've noticed Audi barely dabbles in three-cylinder engines. Current showroom hits like the A4L and Q5L all start with four-cylinder configurations - even the imported TT sports car avoids three-cylinder options. The only remotely relevant case was the previous-gen Audi A1, but its 1.0T three-cylinder variant never entered the Chinese market, and Audi discontinued the entire A1 lineup in 2023. I think Audi's approach is quite savvy - luxury car buyers prioritize refinement, and three-cylinder engines inherently tend to vibrate more while being trickier to maintain. Just look at how badly BMW's three-cylinder 1 Series depreciates in the used car market. Audi clearly wants to avoid repeating that mistake.

[ReidMarie]

I've checked the configuration sheets on Audi's official website, and currently, there are indeed no three-cylinder engines available in their lineup. The smallest displacement is the domestic A3's 1.4T four-cylinder, producing 150 horsepower. Historically, the Audi A2 used a 1.2TDI three-cylinder diesel engine, and the A1 had a 1.0T three-cylinder gasoline version, but these models were discontinued long ago. Nowadays, even Audi's hybrid vehicles stick to four-cylinder foundations, like the Q5 plug-in hybrid. To be honest, if you're buying an Audi, you're paying for stability – the buzzing sound of a three-cylinder during acceleration just feels cheap.