The original Audi S1 stalked the WRC stages in the early 1980s – a Group B car in the era when rally cars really did belong on another planet! Today the new Audi S1 doesn’t quite boast the fire-spitting 600 bhp engine of the original – but it is still every inch the bad-boy hot hatch it was built to be. And in our Audi S1 review, we’re going to take a closer look at this premium German brand’s latest offering.
- Unbelievable acceleration
- Class-leading handling
- High-class Audi feel
Original image by Navigator84
Design
As expected, the S1 boasts the understated aesthetic of all fast Audi models. Aluminium mirrors, extended side sills and smart 17-inch wheels make the car stand out from its regular counterparts, while quad tailpipes suggest that this is far from a regular Audi A1. Xenon lights come as standard, with flash LED running lights and a latticework grille make the car a real head-turner wherever it goes.
As you’d expect from any Audi, the S1 offers a cabin of outstanding quality – head and shoulders above any of its competitors. High grade materials are complemented by plush part-leather sports seats, while the knurled metal finish of the heating and radio controls and rising sat-nav screen add to the car’s luxury appeal.
Performance
Unsurprisingly, the Audi S1 feels seriously quick – largely due to its combination of substantial torque and Audi’s four-wheel-drive system. The 2.0-litre TFSI engine is the star of the show, propelling this hot-hatch from 0-60mph in just 5.7 seconds – and the added security of all wheel drive means you can really let loose! However, impressive performance doesn’t hinder the S1’s practicality – the Audi S1 offers a calm driving experience whether you want to simply potter around town or cruise along the motorway.
The quattro drivetrain gives the Audi a certain level of composure on the road, with a 60:40 split most of the time. The majority of power goes to the front axle, but it’ll divide up to 50:50 when needed – and the extra traction will give you confidence in the hairiest of bends. The S1 even manages to throw up impressive economy figures, boasting 40.4 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 162g/km.
Features
The equipment list in the Audi S1 is generous, with a 6.5 inch fold-away multimedia screen as standard, along with a DAB radio, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo system. Additionally, buyers can opt for a £875 SD-based sat-nav system and £690 Bose surround sound audio system – pricy but definitely worth the extra cash.
In terms of safety, the Audi S1 is undoubtedly one of the best in its class. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, Isofix and sealant puncture foam, which have helped the little Audi achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP score – so you can feel comfortable as you put the S1 through its paces.
The Audi S1 is considerably more expensive than the regular A1 – at 24,900 for the three door and £25,630 for the more practical five door model. If you’d like to get your hands on an Audi S1 of your own, the Car Loan Warehouse can help. Take a look at our Audi finance page, or try our easy to use car finance calculator to see how much you could save!
