Initial Drive Assessment
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The ultimate subcompact.
A couple of years ago, we got to place the boot to Audi’;s 256-hp A1 Quattro, an immediate collector’;s item of which just 333 units have been constructed. 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 (such as tax), drastically less than its limited-edition predecessor. That does not turn it into a bargain: To place it into point of view, the S1 nevertheless charges €1275 more than the current Volkswagen GTI, which is bigger and powered by the identical 2.-liter EA888 engine. But as a life style minicar coming from a premium brand and fitted with somewhat luxurious appointments, it does not have to be low cost.
The S1′s TFSI engine huffs air via a single turbocharger that provides up to 20.3 psi of boost. It is rated at 231 horsepower (accessible at 6000 rpm) and 273 lb-ft of torque (from 1600 to 3000 rpm). By comparison, the A1 Quattro’;s older EA113 engine created 256 horsepower but only 258 lb-ft of torque. The S1’s redline is marked at 6500 rpm.
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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 6-speed manual. The all-wheel-drive system transmits engine torque to the front or all 4 wheels based on road circumstances and driver input up to 50 percent can be directed toward the rear axle. It is also feasible to induce oversteer and hold the S1 in a controlled drift, which is rad.
The front axle and the electrically assisted energy steering have been fortified for the S1, while the rear axle is a carry-over element from the bigger PQ35 platform. On the road, the S1 feels light and agile, and the steering is nicely weighted. Electrically adjustable dampers are common, although the S1 is obtainable with either 215/40R-17 or 225/35R-18 rubber. The latter meats support both looks and performance.
Supermini Me
Straight-line overall performance is convincing, as well. 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 had been to price it—which will not occur for this not-for-America hottie—but observed figures during our drive had been closer to 25 mpg. The S1 also makes fascinating noises: A sound enhancer on the firewall feeds some intake timbre into the cabin, and bypass flaps in the exhaust open at larger engine loads and speeds to deliver much more rear-finish blat. In standard Audi S fashion, 4 tailpipes punctuate the rear graphics.
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The S1 precedes an imminent face lift of the normal A1 that will bring much more-angular headlights and redesigned taillights. The front air intakes show an RS motif, and the all round appear is 1 of refinement and toned aggressiveness. The exterior can be modified with a blacked-out reduced rear hatch, a nod to the A1 Quattro. An accessible styling package plays a retro theme with a massive rear spoiler and “Quattro” lettering on the flanks, as nicely as red trim in the headlights that, fortunately, can be deleted from the package.
Inside, the S1 looks the part of mighty mite with distinct 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 an individual tall is sitting up front. The S1 is obtainable with 3 or 5 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 effectively. For now, the S1 is the ideal auto in its segment. But as Audi has decided against bringing the A1 loved ones here, we will not get to see the sporty S1 in the U.S. You will have to settle for a Mini JCW hardtop—or go larger with a Volkswagen GTI.
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