Audi's all-new S1 is small in size but big in grunt with a 231hp engine and Audi's Quattro all wheel drive system
Audi first launched its supermini-sized A1 back in 2010. Just two years later it released the limited edition A1 Quattro with a powerful 256hp engine, and as its name suggests, Audi’s famed permanent all-wheel-drive system. At that time only 333 were made, but immediately there were suggestions that a wider production model might come into being, and now that car has arrived in the all-new Audi S1.
The Audi S1 is the smallest model in the Audi lineup to wear the S badge, part of the high performance range for the brand. It is also the first proper production version of the A1 to receive the Quattro badge, making it the only car in its class to come with all-wheel-drive. So if you are looking for a premium, small, fast and dynamic car to throw around corners, the S1 is definitely worth looking at.
As well as luxury and performance, Audi is known for its understated yet eye-catching styling, and the S1 carries on this tradition. At first glance it may look very similar to its A1 sibling, however on closer inspection its added sporty cues are very visible. The front bumper has a more chiseled angular feel, with hexagonal latticework grilles for the air intakes and wider spaced front grille with S badging. Most notable are the redesigned xenon-plus headlights, which are again sharper and edgier, and come with an optional red trim inside. A blacked-out roofline extends to the rear spoiler, redesigned taillights and quad sports exhaust pipes. The side view is accentuated by aluminium-effect mirrors, Quattro graphics, extended side sills, and 17-inch rims with red brake calipers with S1 emblazoning.
Sporty looks are one thing, but can this very small car fill the very big ‘S’ shoes? The answer to this question is clear as soon as you open the bonnet and find the 2.0 litre TFSI turbocharged engine. This is actually the same engine that you can find in the bigger S3 model, albeit with some particular tuning for the S1. This 231hp powerhouse delivers 273lb-ft of torque from 1600 to 3000 rpm and gets this small but fierce car from 0-100km/h in just 5.8 seconds. It also offers a solid warbling exhaust note that will definitely turn heads coming from such a small car.
Traction from the Quattro system is predictably strong, allowing for very precise steering and loads of grip and surefootedness. The standard A1 is actually a front wheel drive and Audi notes that installing the Quattro system on the same platform required some major alterations to the rear end. The result is a system that usually sends around 60 percent of the power to the front wheels, but can adjust easily to a 50/50 split when needed.
The S1 is also the smallest Audi to feature Drive Select, allowing the driver to switch between Efficiency, Auto and Dynamic modes, which modify throttle response, steering feel, engine note and damper firmness. Unlike in other models, this function won’t have any impact on the gear changes however, as the S1 only comes with a 6-speed manual transmission – very slick shifting and a welcome addition for real driving enthusiasts. In Efficiency mode the S1 delivers decent fuel economy at 7.1L/100km.
The athletic feel of the car is very much enhanced by the interior, which features a nice combination of high quality material and youthful, sporty styling. The exterior colour scheme of the car continues inside around the centre console and gearshift, on the seatbacks, around the air vents and on the stitching on the leather sports steering wheel and seats. Brushed stainless steel pedals, an alloy-topped gear lever and S1 badging on the instruments and seats all add further to the racing appeal.
And despite its small exterior dimensions, there is actually a surprising amount of space on the inside, especially in the front where head and legroom is quite generous.
Standard equipment on the S1 includes a 6.5-inch fold-away multimedia display, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, climate control, automatic lights and wipers, and a six-speaker stereo system. Our test drive model added Nappa leather seats, 18-inch wheels, all-round parking sensors and a thumping Bose surround system.
Overall the S1 is a very fun and engaging hot hatch that can certainly give bigger more powerful sports cars a run for their money. It is likely to be very popular in Macau among those who are really looking for a genuine driving experience in a small package, so make sure you check it out at its official launch in December at the Macau Auto Show.
Audi Macau Showroom
Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen
Chun U Villa, R/C D-F
Taipa, Macau
Tel: (853) 2831 6318
