Abt delivers 240hp Audi A1
There isn't going to be another Audi S1 - so an Abt-tuned A1 might be the next best thing...
Believe it or not, the last Audi S1 was an immensely likeable little car. Of course the style and speed (courtesy of a 231hp, 2.0-litre turbo) were givens, but the Audi impressed with agile handling that defied its weight, well sorted ride and manual-only curio appeal. It was desirable beyond the usual Audi parameters, and therefore quite cool. Its cost counted against it, but the S1's strong residuals - you'll still pay £16k for one - are a reflection of its status.
Given how funky the new A1 looks, then, it's a shame that Audi will not make another S1. It's even more of a shame, actually, given its de facto replacement is the SQ2, a car described by Top Gear magazine as devoid of "any hint of driving zing or sparkle". Damn crossovers.
Anyway, for those keen on a sporty new Audi A1, ABT is at hand. Its ECU work has yielded 20 per cent more power for a 40 TFSI, meaning 240hp - more than the old S1, or a Mini Cooper S JCW, or even a Mountune'd Fiesta ST. With torque at 266lb ft, expect an improvement on the standard car's 6.5 seconds to 62mph, especially with the standard dual-clutch gearbox.
That should be enough for most, though for those not content there are a range of other Abt upgrades available. Lowering springs reduce the ride height by 25mm, and are compatible with both the passive and adaptive dampers, while the Abt Sport GR wheels are unique to this A1. Dare it be said, this looks pretty good...
Abt currently only lists a €3,790 price for the springs and wheels as a package, with the power upgrade cost as yet unconfirmed. Finally, fear not those buyers in the UK worried it might be Germany only - Richter Sport in Bletchley is an official distributor over here for Abt. Might be worth giving them a call...
1. Torque steer - very noticeable particularly around roundabouts engaged at pace
2. Cramped rear - rear seat and boot space very small indeed, might be Ok for some but we were looking for a Polo replacement
3. Price - typical Audi pricing
Was looking forward to a resolution of the first two issues with the new model and the promise of a future classic - a missed opportunity I think Audi...
Certainly doesn’t have torque steer, at least no where near as bad as it’s sister Polo GTI.
Yes it’s cramped in the rear, especially when you spec the buckets, and the boot is almost comical, but as a commuter to get me to work when half my journey is stop-start in large town and the rest is very narrow and slippery (in the winter) country lanes I can’t think of a better (or quicker) car.
To those that bought and didn’t like the previous S1 - didn’t you try one first? From experience, fast Audis don’t disguise their poor dynamics very well, it normally comes out after a few hundred yards. I guess a test is not always possible, which is why I never buy a car I haven’t driven first however positive the magazine reviews might be - knowing how low the standard of journalism is these days....
If that means I can’t be an early adopter, so be it....
I'm not a fan, those nostrils are unnecessarily fussy (and plain weird on the cooking versions), and it looks absolutely huge - it must be the size of a MK1 A3? The reputation and price mean I'm unlikely to ever find out whether it drives better than it looks.
What took its place ?
I thought the gear change was too light- I thought I was going to rip the gear stick off every time I changed from 2nd to 3rd whilst giving it the beans. I also found that where I live (South Dorset), I was always getting baited into racing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very fast and capable car, but it’s when you look at what you could have got for the same money... (I.e. £20k used).
I couldn’t stand the gearbox, too light, and the constant stories of people’s clutches going on the S1- Audi forum meant I was very conscious of it when driving.
It was fast though....
I couldn’t stand the gearbox, too light, and the constant stories of people’s clutches going on the S1- Audi forum meant I was very conscious of it when driving.
It was fast though....
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