Audi S1 unveiled – an A1 with all-wheel drive, 231 PS

17871799511265262619

Riding into the increasingly heated hot hatch space is this yellow pocket rocket, the new Audi S1. No, this isn’t a revival of the fire-spitting Group B rally car from the 1980s this abbreviation is famous for, but rather a hot four-wheel drive version of the A1. While not quite as potent as the 256 PS A1 quattro, the S1 will be the sportiest variant of Audi’s little runabout to be produced in significant numbers.

Available in three-door and five-door Sportback forms, the S1 can be differentiated from the regular A1 through larger front air intakes, a jutting chin spoiler, trademark silver side mirrors, flared side skirts and a rear diffuser complete with quad tailpipes. Meanwhile, the sharper head- and tail lights are expected to filter down to the facelifted version of the regular A1.

1986298461013735580

The S1 rolls on 17-inch wheels, but 18-inch ones are available as an option. A quattro styling package will also be offered, adding further aggression to the car’s looks, including a bigger rear spoiler and subtle ‘quattro’ logos ahead of the rear wheels which are obviously meant to hark back to the original Audi Quattro.

Inside, changes are limited to a more sculpted steering wheel, an S1-badged instrument cluster, stainless steel pedals, sports seats (more bolstered S sport seats with integrated headrests are also available as an option) and a ‘quattro’ badge ahead of the front passenger. As with the exterior, there will also be a quattro interior styling package, which adds a flat-bottomed steering wheel and gloss colour-coded trim pieces.

11020343261053988786

Powering the Audi S1 is the ubiquitous Volkswagen turbocharged 2.0 litre TFSI engine that also sees service in the Golf GTI. In this application it produces 231 PS and 370 Nm, propelling the car from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds (5.9 for the Sportback) on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h. The engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission; there’s no mention of a dual-clutch transmission being offered so far.

Of course, the main technical statistic that truly sets the S1 apart from the rest of the A1 lineup is the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The system varies the torque split continuously via a hydraulic multi-plate clutch on the rear axle, while the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) system is also used to lock the differential electronically by braking the inside wheels when cornering.

Elsewhere, the suspension and electric power steering has been revised, including the fitment of modified pivot bearings on the front axle to improve steering response. A multi-link rear suspension setup replaces the torsion beam unit from the standard A1.

Variable dampers are fitted as standard, the Audi drive select system controlling the suspension stiffness as well as engine response. Also included are a larger brake master cylinder and larger brake discs (310 mm at the front).

The Audi S1 is expected to share a lot of its components with the upcoming Polo R, including its engine and four-wheel drive system. The car will make its motor show debut at Geneva Motor Show next month, possibly alongside the facelifted A1 as well as the next-generation TT.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • rifle on Feb 13, 2014 at 11:40 am

    like it this way..better than prefacelift

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Achtung on Feb 13, 2014 at 11:56 am

    Somehow the rear looks ugly like Proton Savvy…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 4
  • ARIFFIN on Feb 13, 2014 at 11:59 am

    I like. Cancelled Mercs A250 and wait for this. Hope not too long.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • A330-300 on Feb 13, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    Pity it wont make into malaysian market though. Same goes to the other Audi S series. Euromobil told me it’s due to our Euro 2 grade fuel,they dont want to take the risk for warranty issue later. But you still can get those via grey importer with your ‘own warranty’ like my S4.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
    • NurburgringDriver on Feb 13, 2014 at 10:31 pm

      Why not? It uses the same 2.0 TFSI engine from the Golf GTI, and that car has no issues here.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
      • Benck on Feb 15, 2014 at 9:39 am

        Bro, every car from different market have different tunning conditions even they are exacly the same car,,especially powerful car.
        Since our fuel still contains alot of sulfur, grey import have to take this kind of risk.
        Thats why no one in Malaysia could buy the Mazda cx5 diesel which build in Kedah,but you can get the petrol version. There’s few articles about our fuel in paultan, please read more.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • sowhat on Feb 13, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    competitor for golf gti…gogo

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • kadajawi on Feb 13, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      No. The S3 competes with the Golf GTI/R. This competes with the Polo GTI, the Clio RS, Fiesta ST and 208 GTI. It is in the B segment. Though not in terms of pricing…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Joker on Feb 13, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    The car looked so weird… would rather opt for the Clio RS, DS3, 208 GTi instead..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • bringmanualcars! on Feb 13, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    please give the customer options for M/T!! damn it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • jasjos on Feb 13, 2014 at 8:06 pm

      Unfortunately the 6 speed dsg from VW is only rated to 350NM.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Enthu on Feb 13, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    What an ugly car!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
 

Add a comment

required

required