Audi S1 as a quiet comfortable, everyday car. (or maybe S3)

[baggister]

Toying with the idea of getting one of these S1 bad boys; however, I sometimes need to drive my old folks around. Also, the missus will drive it too.
My understanding is that the S1 has three driving modes. Can anyone let me know if the S1 can be comfortable and quiet? To compare, I have a standard Ford Fiesta 2014 Titanium.

In terms of this quiet,comfortable context, Is it any different to S3?

[the-photographer]

I've test driven the S1 on 18 wheels and against my MK5 GTI it had very poor "road roar" from the tyres and general lack of sound insulation against a the next bigger chassis (Golf/A3).

I would try both!

[va1o]

Yeah if you want comfortable and quiet I'd probably say an S3 is a better bet. Can be super smooth and refined when you want but also capable of making serious pace when needed.

The current shape 'normal' A3 Quattro with the 2.0 TFSI is probably worth a look too, quite rare but subtle and quick. Or if you don't need 4WD a Mk7 Golf GTI is also a very talented all rounder and has come down in price nicely

Lots of choice in the VAG stable!

[baggister]

the-photographer said:

I've test driven the S1 on 18 wheels and against my MK5 GTI it had very poor "road roar" from the tyres and general lack of sound insulation against a the next bigger chassis (Golf/A3).

I would try both!

OK cool. I remember trying out a polo blueGT, and was quite surprised at the road noise.

Anyway, thanks.

[baggister]

va1o said:

Yeah if you want comfortable and quiet I'd probably say an S3 is a better bet. Can be super smooth and refined when you want but also capable of making serious pace when needed.

The current shape 'normal' A3 Quattro with the 2.0 TFSI is probably worth a look too, quite rare but subtle and quick. Or if you don't need 4WD a Mk7 Golf GTI is also a very talented all rounder and has come down in price nicely

Lots of choice in the VAG stable!

Thanks dude. Shame, as the S1 justs looks so cool, easy to park in London, and me not being tall. it suits me - I find the S3 a tad on the large size

[baggister]

fesuvious said:

I've done 39,000 miles in an S1 over the last 2.5 yrs.
More than 35k of those urban & rural miles. The rest m'way.

It was bought new. Sits on 17's. Opted for the non sports seats. Does have Bose,

The sat nav is ponderous to program. Phone system can be infuriating in the amount of time it sometimes takes Bluetooth to connect. These are the everyday downsides for me.

Mechanically it's been faultless. This far.

My driving varies from Aunt Mildred slow to the type of pace you'd scarcely believe.

Yes, it'll do exactly what you want. Fantastically competent.

Boring, but competent in the extreme

I'm in the car, on average @2-3 hours per day 5 days per week

Boring is not quite how I expect S1 drivers to describe their cars! haha!
But since you are driving Aunt Mildred (in im guessing automode?) , do you get alot of road noise / tyre noise? Is it relatively quiet?

[baggister]

fesuvious said:

It's a manual. I wouldn't have anything else...

Road noise; no it's fine.
I run the 17inch wheels. 'proper' tyres and keep an eye on pressures.

It's a perfectly refined car.

I race and also drive some quite funky road cars, so it's all relative and in context as to the 'boring' comment.

The S1, in my experience is a great car. I'd imagine too that the one I run has had a more thorough and proper real world test than any other.

I meant the drive mode when i said auto.(not the gearbox) aren't there three modes? Dynamic, auto, economy.
Any no matter.

I do want to know what these funky road cars are !!

[Dr G]

Back seat and boot are bordering on useless (but it is a small car). If it's jsut for you and the occasional passenger you'll be fine. Anyone you put in the back will hate you. If you do a week's shopping some will end up on the back seat.

The S3 is a lot more practical and retains most of the fun.

[sixspeed]

baggister said:

Toying with the idea of getting one of these S1 bad boys; however, I sometimes need to drive my old folks around. Also, the missus will drive it too.
My understanding is that the S1 has three driving modes. Can anyone let me know if the S1 can be comfortable and quiet? To compare, I have a standard Ford Fiesta 2014 Titanium.

In terms of this quiet,comfortable context, Is it any different to S3?

I can't comment on the S1 specifically, but if its anything like the A1 185 Black Edition we had (on 18" Rotors) the ride was beyond abysmal. Even the girlfriend developed a knack for weaving along the road dodging any and all imperfections as the slightest bump or dip crashed through the car and was exceptionally jarring.