First Drive Review
A couple of years ago, we got to put the boot to Audi's 256-hp A1 Quattro, an instant collector's item of which just 333 units were built. At the time, Audi hinted at wider production, and now that car is on sale in Europe.
An evolution of the original A1 Quattro, the new S1 is priced at €29,950 (including tax), significantly less than its limited-edition predecessor. That doesn't turn it into a bargain: To put it into perspective, the S1 still costs €1275 more than the current Volkswagen GTI, which is larger and powered by the same 2.0-liter EA888 engine. But as a lifestyle minicar coming from a premium brand and fitted with somewhat luxurious appointments, it doesn't have to be cheap.
The S1's TFSI engine huffs air through a single turbocharger that provides up to 20.3 psi of boost. It is rated at 231 horsepower (available at 6000 rpm) and 273 lb-ft of torque (from 1600 to 3000 rpm). By comparison, the A1 Quattro's older EA113 engine made 256 horsepower but only 258 lb-ft of torque. The S1’s redline is marked at 6500 rpm.
Packaging constraints prevented Audi engineers from putting the company's wet-dual-clutch automatic into the S1, so the only transmission is—blessedly—a slick-shifting six-speed manual. The all-wheel-drive system transmits engine torque to the front or all four wheels depending on road conditions and driver input; up to 50 percent can be directed toward the rear axle. It’s also possible to induce oversteer and keep the S1 in a controlled drift, which is rad.
The front axle and the electrically assisted power steering have been fortified for the S1, while the rear axle is a carry-over part from the larger PQ35 platform. On the road, the S1 feels light and agile, and the steering is nicely weighted. Electrically adjustable dampers are standard, while the S1 is available with either 215/40R-17 or 225/35R-18 rubber. The latter meats help both looks and performance.
Straight-line performance is convincing, too. We estimate the sprint to 60 mph will take 5.8 seconds, and the S1 tops out at a lofty 155 mph. Fuel economy, we figure, would fall at 23 mpg city and 33 highway if the EPA were to rate it—which won’t happen for this not-for-America hottie—but observed figures during our drive were closer to 25 mpg. The S1 also makes interesting noises: A sound enhancer on the firewall feeds some intake timbre into the cabin, and bypass flaps in the exhaust open at higher engine loads and speeds to deliver more rear-end blat. In typical Audi S fashion, four tailpipes punctuate the rear graphics.
The S1 precedes an imminent face lift of the regular A1 that will bring more-angular headlights and redesigned taillights. The front air intakes display an RS motif, and the overall look is one of refinement and toned aggressiveness. The exterior can be modified with a blacked-out lower rear hatch, a nod to the A1 Quattro. An available styling package plays a retro theme with a large rear spoiler and "Quattro" lettering on the flanks, as well as red trim in the headlights that, thankfully, can be deleted from the package.
Inside, the S1 looks the part of mighty mite with specific gauges and supportive sport seats. Audi offers various levels of individualization to make the interior even sportier, or to bring the luxury. Somewhat surprisingly, adults can squeeze in to the rear seats unless someone tall is sitting up front. The S1 is available with three or five doors—the latter gets Sportback nomenclature.
The only direct competitors to the S1 are the Citroën DS3 Racing and the Mini John Cooper Works hardtop. Both of these models are restricted to front-wheel drive, and they trail the S1 in torque and horsepower, as well. For now, the S1 is the best car in its segment. But as Audi has decided against bringing the A1 family here, we won’t get to see the sporty S1 in the U.S. You'll have to settle for a Mini JCW hardtop—or go bigger with a Volkswagen GTI.
