Audi S1 and S1 Sportback revealed (at last)

Following various limited editions and show cars, Audi has finally decided to introduce a proper production S1.

The new arrival should have a major impact on the performance supermini segment. Featuring both quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a turbocharged, 2.0 litre, four-cylinder engine, its headline figures are 228 bhp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 370 Nm (272 lb/ft) of peak torque.

Audi S1 Sportback (2014) Front Side

They translate into a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) and a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.8 seconds for the three-door S1 (the five-door S1 Sportback is slower by 0.1 of a second). By comparison, a Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo achieves 143 mph (230 km/h) and 6.7 seconds for those benchmarks, but bear in mind it has a power deficit of 30 bhp (23 kW / 31 PS) versus the Audi.

To complement the S1’s extra output, its specification includes adjustable dampers, upgraded brakes, 17” alloy wheels and a unique four-link rear axle design.

Audi S1 (2014) Rear SideAudi S1 Sportback (2014) Interior

Visually the most noticeable differences are at the rear, where LED light clusters sit within a black panel and four exhausts poke out from a diffuser. The rest of the car is fairly subtle, although a brasher tone can be achieved by specifying some larger wheels, a two-tone paint scheme and the quattro styling package with its bigger roof spoiler. All can be found on the extensive options list.

For the UK prices have been set at £24,900 for the S1 and £25,630 for the S1 Sportback. To put those amounts into perspective, the regular A1 range starts from £14,115.

Audi S1 (2014) DashboardAudi S1 Sportback (2014) Front

Prospective buyers might want to wait and see what the S1’s closest competitor is like before placing their orders though. That rival is the upcoming Volkswagen Polo R, which beneath the skin is reputed to be virtually identical to the Audi.

What’s more the Polo is arguably a better looking car, plus it has the kudos of last year’s World Rally Championship win (with motorsport fans at least). It’ll probably cost less too.

Related posts:
New Audi A1 S line Style Edition
Limited edition A1 Quattro
Audi A1 clubsport Quattro
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI, not S1

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