TFSI or FSI?
TFSI stands for Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection and signifies that the engine is a turbocharged petrol unit:
A turbocharger or supercharger makes a TFSI out of an FSI. In 2004 Audi was the first manufacturer worldwide to combine forced induction with gasoline direct injection. The two technologies harmonize perfectly: the directly injected fuel swirls intensely in the combustion chamber, which in turn cools the walls of the combustion chamber.
- Audi Technology Portal
And the numbers before TFSI?
You’ll also find that there are double digits in front of this badge ranging from 30 to 70. It relates to the power on tap - yes, we know, it doesn't make much sense to us, but there's a certain code for each power range. For example: Cars with 110 to 120 kW will have the 35 before the TFSI.
Here's a chart with both horsepower as well as kiloWatt that can help you decipher the nomenclature on the tails of Audi models:
30TFSI = 109-128 hp (81-96 kW)
35TFSI = 147-160 hp (110-120 kW)
40TFSI = 167-201 hp (125-150 kW)
45TFSI = 226-248 hp (169-185 kW)
50TFSI = 281-308 hp (210-230 kW)
55TFSI = 328-368 hp (245-275 kW)
60TFSI = 429-455 hp (320-340 kW)
70TFSIa = 536+ hp (400+ kW)
This is the local lineup and pricing of Audi A3 models:
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI, R590 300
Audi A3 sedan 35 TFSI, R605 300
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Advanced, R615 300
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line, R630 300
Audi A3 sedan 35 TFSI S line, R645 300
Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI S line, R674 300
Audi A3 sedan 40 TFSI S line, R689 300
As you can see they're all 35 TFSI, except the two 40 TFSI variants.
The 35 TFSI models have an output of 110kW and 250Nm of torque from their 1.4-litre turbocharged engines while the 40 TFSI models have 140kW and 320Nm coming from their 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. It's easy - one is a 1.4 and the other a 2.0, and both are forced induction units, ie. turbocharged. The word Sportback indicates four doors (five if you include the rear tailgate), while older A3 models without the Sportback name were essentially 2-door hatchbacks.
So, the A3 Sportback 35TFSI is a four-dour A3 with a turbocharged, 1.4-litre petrol engine with 110kW and 250Nm.
We hope this helps to clear up some confusion!
