Wednesday 12th February 2014
Audi S1 - official
Four-wheel drive, a 2.0-litre turbo and 231hp for Audi's new hot hatch baby
The hot hatch world has just got that bit hotter with confirmation today of the new Audi S1. Meaning if you liked the look of the
A1 Quattro but couldn't stomach the £40K pricetag or left-hand drive only your wait hasn't been in vain. Indeed, although the S1 has 231hp against the A1 Quattro's 256hp it actually has more torque with 272lb ft against 258lb ft. Other performance figures - including the 5.8-second 0-62mph time and 155mph top speed - are pretty much the same. Like the A1 Quattro the S1 runs a six-speed manual, not the compulsory seven-speed dual-clutch of the 1.4 TFSI.
Quattro styling pack isn't for the shy and retiring
How much the official S1 shares with the more skunk works A1 Quattro will remain to be seen but this kind of power and four-wheel drive brings a new level of potency to the hot hatch world. Available in three-door and five-door Sportback formats, from the initial batch of pictures it'd appear you can have your S1 in the traditional low-key S look with trademark chrome mirrors or with a more in-your-face Quattro pack that includes a large wing and side graphics. This also livens up the interior with additional flashes of colour while sports seats with integrated headrests are also available.
Mechanically the S1 runs permanent four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled rear locking differential that works in partnership with two-stage ESC. This means 'e-diff' style brake interventions to the inside wheels in bends as well as electronic torque distribution, which the promise of resulting improved agility and adjustability. Audi's also tweaked the steering and boasts of 'modified pivot bearings' on the front axle to 'improve spontaneity when turning' while the rear axle uses a four-link independent design. The familiar Audi Drive Select configurability also features, acting on the standard-fit adjustable dampers (described as 'sporty and firm') and various other functions too. Bigger brakes also feature, optionally available with branded red calipers if you so wish. 17s are standard, 18s optional.
Standard S1 is the more stealthy option
That's a lot of tech for a hot hatch. A hell of a lot, prompting the inevitable 'how much' question. Audi has confirmed orders opening in March for spring delivery and starting prices of £24,900 for the three-door and £25,630 for the Sportback. Don't forget, there's going to be
a Polo R equivalent too...
