Audi S1 | Spotted
The days of relatively simple Audi Sport cars look done - making the old ones look more enticing than ever
The new RS5 is more significant than just another M3 rival from Audi. Its first PHEV marks the beginning of Audi Sport’s truly electrified era. All future models will surely have to come with some sort of electric assistance, meaning more power, more tech, more weight and more money. We’re already at the point where the car called the RS4 until recently is a £100,000, 639hp, 2,355kg prospect; where on earth will the RS6 land?
It’s not all doom and gloom, of course. Reviews for the RS5 have been positive, thanks to the torque vectoring advances made possible by electric; and we shouldn’t forget that the e-tron GT remains a fine large EV. This is the future of fast cars, seemingly, if we want to keep combustion as well as emissions compliance. Audi is hardly alone in its strategy. But for those of us who buy secondhand, a petrol-electric drivetrain seems even more daunting than a 8,000rpm one…
The move towards hybridisation is doubly disappointing because, while Audi is hardly known for light and simple cars, its sole attempt at just such a hot hatch was absolutely brilliant. The S1 was always a bit of an outlier, and all the more charming for it. Having a 2.0-litre engine was odd in a class full of 1.5s and 1.6s; being offered only with a manual gearbox was strange given Audi's auto obsession; and featuring an entirely new rear axle - benefitting from the A1 quattro’s development - made it more exotic than any regular Audi A1.
Plus it was a proper little hoot to drive. Not Fiesta flingable, sure, but fast, agile, well-balanced and engaging. Larger S3s never quite delivered the same feeling of effervescence that coursed through the S1. Which it managed while still retaining a great interior and smart design. It was all the good bits of an Audi and all the good bits of a small hot hatch in one car.
No wonder they were popular. Despite a price that rivalled larger hatches like the Leon Cupra, the S1 was little slower, and of course meant getting the four rings on a performance car for less than anything else in the range. Some cool colours and options were offered, as was a five-door; using the EA888 engine meant all sorts of tuning possibilities as well. Despite being on sale for just four years from 2014 to 2018, it feels like the S1 sold well. Certainly it proved that Audi could do relatively back to basics fun. What felt like old school a decade ago now seems like an incredible throwback to a simpler time, complete with buttons, beautiful HVAC controls and - brace yourselves - silver wheels. This one appeals with its full Audi history, excellent MOT record and spotless condition.
That and the small fact that it’s 10 grand. Well, £10,985 to be specific, though it still looks like good value against similar cars. Of course you could go and buy a Clio, Fiesta or 208 for the same (or less), but the vibe is undoubtedly different. You wouldn’t be against an S1 holding onto its value a little better as well, with none on PH less than £8,000 yet. Plus the fact that, sadly enough, cars like this won’t happen again from Audi - or anyone else, for that matter - in the immediate future.
SPECIFICATION | AUDI S1
Engine: 1,984cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 231@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 273@1,600-3,000rpm
MPG: 40.4 (NEDC)
CO2: 166g/km (NEDC)
First registered: 2015
Recorded mileage: 77,875
Price new: £25,635 (Sportback)
Yours for: £10,985
Great cars I am sure, but I remember being a little disappointed with the reveal after the great looking A1 quattro. But then again S's have always been a bit more subtle. Now the yoof have tried to fix that with vape vents and a chameleon tint
I guess it does depend on your use and if you prefer the styling though, small car/big engine is an attractive option. I've also seen a 5-cylinder swapped one make its way round the Nurburgring, which makes it even more interesting
Nearly bought one when they came out, but needed needed a bit more space, so went for an S3 instead.
Shame Audi don't do an S1 today.
There were rumours of an RS1, but I think they said it would take sales off the S3.
Still, the S1 is a great little car. Audi seats are never much fun on my back, but the car itself is great.
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