Two years ago, we spent some time behind the wheel of a limited-edition Audi A1 Quattro,
and we were left in awe of the 256-hp supermini’s perfectly balanced
chassis and incredible performance. In the immediate aftermath, Audi
functionaries insisted that a not-so-limited-production successor was on
the way to complement the brand’s tiny, Volkswagen Polo–based A1.
And then all went quiet. Until now, when the 2015 S1 was introduced
ahead of the car’s in-the-metal debut next month at the Geneva auto
show.
The S1’s specifications are quite similar to its limited-run
predecessor’s. The new car is also powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four,
and uses a six-speed manual, while top speed is 155 mph—3 mph faster
than the A1 Quattro’s.
In order to make this S1, engineers had to make a number of
modifications from the front-drive A1, which is about three inches
longer than a Ford Fiesta ST but nearly identical in every other
dimension. For starters, an all-wheel-drive system needed to be fitted,
making the S1 the first mass-produced all-wheel-drive A1, as was a new
multilink rear suspension and making accommodations for the larger
engine—the A1’s powertrain lineup maxes out at a 1.4-liter.
Rated at 231 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, the S1's EA888 2.0-liter turbo four
is less powerful than the A1 Quattro’s EA113 powerplant, but it
produces more torque. Audi says that the S1 can sprint from standstill
to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds, or 5.9 seconds in the five-door S1 Sportback,
and achieve 34 mpg on the utopian European cycle. Those performance
estimates handily outgun what we achieved in our test of a Fiesta ST, which was good for a 7.0-second run to 60.
The S1 looks aggressive, with its unique fascia treatments and quad exhaust outlets. The look can be enhanced with an exterior design package that adds “Quattro” graphics, a large rear wing, and blacked-out trim on the hatch.
The interior is fitted with special gauges and sport seats, although
buyers can upgrade the latter to "S" seats with integrated headrests.
Interior materials are dark and businesslike, lending the cabin the air
of seriousness that’s commonplace in the car’s larger siblings.
Given the S1's performance and level of refinement, its German-market
price of €24,259 (roughly $33,000 at today’s exchange rates) is almost a
steal. We doubt the 2015 S1 will ever reach America air, but when the
standard A1 was launched we were told the car could be certified to meet
U.S. safety standards with relative ease. We suggest ringing Audi and
registering a request
