A1/S1 [Official] Audi S1 Quattro


The Audi A1 is a luxury supermini car launched by Audi at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Sales of the initial three-door A1 model started in Germany in August 2010, with the United Kingdom following in November 2010.
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2015 Audi S1 Review


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The Audi A1 has been on the market for a number of years now. First introduced at the Geneva Motor Show 2010, we have since seen a range of diesel and petrol engined cars, even a 333 unit special edition Audi A1 quattro model. That model was of course the pre-cursor to the subject of our latest review, the Audi S1.

The Audi S1 badge has quite a heritage behind it. The name appeared on the legendary Audi Quattro which dominated the World Rally Championship back in the 1980’s. It seemed fitted therefore that the world press release for the brand new Audi S1 would include a unique experience of that historic rally car. Our destination? Sweden.


Engine & Performance

Audi have been lauded recently for the strength of their turbocharged petrol engine offerings. The Audi S1 is a prime example of this. Nestled in the front is a potent 2.0 litre TFSI four-cylinder packing a 230 hp punch together with 370 Nm of torque.

This version of the 2.0 litre TFSI engine features uprated aluminium pistons, higher-strength connecting rods, a reinforced crankcase and an aluminum-silicon alloy cylinder head. The turbochargers run at 1.4 bar of pressure. As you would expect from Audi, the engine is a technical highlight of the package.

In terms of performance, the Audi S1 offers a 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) time of just 5.8 with the Sportback slightly slower at 5.9 seconds. Both will hit an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Some will ask about efficiency; 7.0 (33.60 US mpg) and 7.1 liters (33.13 US mpg) of fuel per 100 kilometers with CO2 emissions of 162 and 166 grams per kilometer (260.71 g/mile and 267.15 g/mile) respectively.

Powertrain and Suspension

Audi’s quattro system sits centre stage here. Its the reason we have had to wait for four years. The system uses a hydraulic multi-plate clutch mounted at the rear axle and an electronic differential to distribute power to and from each wheel. The system has necessitated the complete rebuilding of the A1 suspension system.

A new rear axle differential takes up the space at the rear where the spare wheel would normally sit in the Audi A1. Similar to the Audi A1 quattro which came before it, the Audi S1 gets an upside down saddle tank to replace the standard fuel tank.


At the rear the Audi S1 gets a new multi-link suspension setup to replace the torsion beam version found in the lesser A1 models. The S1 also sits 25mm closer to the ground on stiffer spring and damper rates. Weight distribution is 60 percent front and 40 percent rear.

Power is driven to all wheels through a manual six-speed gearbox. Five of the gears feature short ratios whilst the sixth and final gear acts as an economy gear. The housings feature magnesium transfers.

The micro Audi also gets three selectable drive modes including Efficiency, Auto and Dynamic. Each remaps the various settings and gives different feelings to the adjustable dampers.

Design

This is of course the important part. As with all Audi’s you pay extra for the premium image. The S1 is more subtle than the A1 quattro is succeeds. The spoiler is more subtle, the front facia is less aggressive and the look overall is less bulbous.

So the S1 is more subtle overall. It gets the normal S-line quad exhaust tips at the rear – a tell-tale sign of a performance Audi. The spoiler also blends nicely into the roof line. The rear hatch gets a contrasting panel below the rear window and that all-important S1 badge.

The front and rear panels also get subtle additions which add to the character of the car. What cements the youthful look though are the bold colour schemes. Three stick out in particular. A vibrant Misano Red, Vegas Yellow and Viper Green. All new-age Audi colours designed to appeal to the Youth.

Interior

Inside, the Audi S1 gets four seats. The interior is typical Audi with plenty of black. The seats are special Audi sport seats and finished in cloth, or optionally in Nappa leather (with integrated head restraints). They feature side bolsters, height adjustment and lumbar support. As you would expect, they are supremely comfortable.

Its the small touches that really matter in here though. The air vent surrounds are finished in a high-gloss black (or optionally in aluminium effect), the pedals are finished in brushed stainless steel and grey dials contrast with white needles. The gear stick surround adds some colour to the package.

As standard, the Audi S1 comes fitted with a basic Audi “Chorus” radio, with the Concert radio, the connectivity package or the navigation package also available as a cost option. Those that chose the Concert radio or above will be rewarded with a 6.5-inch screen. The top of the range MMI navigation plus features two SDHC card readers, a Bluetooth interface, a DVD player and voice command.

The standard Audi speaker system is also upgradeable. The BOSE 14-speaker system has a 465 watt. As you would expect, it is pretty good. The Audi connect function included within the MMI navigation plus package also allows for a feathered internet connection using a mobile network to create a wifi hotspot. If you tick enough boxes, the Audi S1 can become extremely luxurious. That luxury comes at a price though.

Driving Experience

We got to experience the Audi S1 in Sweden, just as spring started to break through after a harsh winter. With four-wheel drive and manageable levels of power, our experience really helped to understand what the S1 is all about.

The feeling as you slip behind the wheel is one of supreme quality. Its that same feel you get from all S and RS Audi models. Our car had the optional leather and MMI navigation plus package which obviously contribute to that feeling. There are very few supermini’s this side of an Aston Martin Cygnet which offer these levels of luxury.

To get things started you press an aluminium starter button. The quad exhausts give a nice sporty sound to let you know the performance potential before quietening down to idle. Its refreshing to see a manual gearbox in a performance oriented Audi. Normally we get an S-tronic multiplate gearbox but here, the addition of the manual unit seems perfect.

As we hit the road, the drive package makes for an interesting experience. The engine is excellent. It feels nimble, fast and revs easy. There is plenty of power both low down and at higher revs. We had the opportunity to drive the S1 on a range of terrains from smooth tarmac to snow and ice covered forrest roads, a frozen lake and even a ski slope. Due to its quattro system and a short wheel base its not the best drift car but on a frozen lake you can still have heaps of fun with it.

The suspension feels noticeably firmer, as you would expect from a performance Audi. The ride can be pretty bouncy on rough surfaces and especially on some of the winter-damaged Swedish roads our spine took quite a few hard bumps. On a bit smoother surface though the ride is excellent – steering is very direct unlike any other car in the Audi line-up, something we truly love the S1 for!

The brakes are responsive and like the steering exactly like you want it in a car like this. Another unexpected feature is the inclusion of torque vectoring by braking. In theory, this analyses the driving situation and brings the car closer into the apex of the corner. We confess that we barely noticed this working.

The Audi S1 is a completely different proposition to its rivals though. The quattro system gives it a more neutral feel, as a result it feels more stable than anything else in its class. The low Swedish temperatures provided a testing environment here. The Audi S1 excelled and kept a grin on our face the entire time.

The final piece to our puzzle? For this we head back to the original Audi Sport S1 quattro we mentioned back at the start. The Audi Sport S1 quattro left its mark on the World Rally Championships, not because of its success, but instead because of its technical prowess.

It featured a five-cylinder aluminium-block engine with an officially rated 476 bhp. It had a recirculating air system that kept the turbocharger running at maximum ability with many speculating that it actually hit figures in excess of 500 bhp at 8,000 rpm.

Audi’s veteran Audi Sport driver Stig Blomqvist took all guests for a quick spin in a Walter Röhrl car. Although the two share a name, the Group B rally car is a whole entire universe apart. So aggressive and raw, a real assault on the senses and a little bit silly to experience on the launch of a new hot supermini!

Rivals

Perhaps the biggest rival that comes to mind is the Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works. Both have similar price points and similar performance levels but thanks to its four wheel drive and higher quality interior the Audi S1 is more appealing to us. A host of Abarth-tuned Fiat 500’s also provide some potent competition for the S1 although the Audi S1 certainly offers more space and more car.

Audi’s German rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz specifically don’t offer anything that would trouble the S1. In truth, none of the Audi’s natural rivals feature four-wheel drive or even the premium luxury feeling of the S1.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the word “niche” comes to mind when we think back on our experience with this particular supermini. The Audi S1 has a subtle look to it with a well sorted engine and excellent interior.

What really draws the attention though is the handling and whole driving experience, from the manual gearbox to the matching sound, it proved to be exactly what we wanted it to be: a pocket rocket with style and everything you want from a fun daily driver.



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http://www.gtspirit.com/2014/04/08/audi-s1-review/
 
Autoexpress review



Verdict:
We loved the A1 because it was everything that Audi stood for condensed in to a smaller package. Now the new Audi S1 takes that everything S stands for and packs it in to a four-wheel-drive supermini. It’s quick and it’s luxurious but, as with all S models, it’s not the best in its class for outright fun. The Fiesta ST is still the shining light for enthusiasts – and it’s much cheaper – and for just a little bit more cash you could have the much larger, more comfortable Golf GTI. The S1 is a good car, but it’s not our go-to choice.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/s1/86891/new-audi-s1-review#ixzz31893khA9
 
Autocar's first drive review in the Uk:

Should I buy one?
That depends on what else is on your shopping list, and what you want for the outlay.

The best £25k full-size performance front-drivers on the market – the likes of the Renault Mégane RS 265, Ford Focus ST and Seat Leon Cupra – offer a slightly more rounded, precise and rewarding driving experience.

None, of course, match the Audi’s four-wheel drive, nor its German premium-brand allure. But they do offer that extra bit of practicality. You wouldn’t ask an adult to travel in the back of an S1 for long, for example.

Meanwhile, if you can manage with that lesser practicality and you just want the best fast supermini you money can buy, a Mountune-fettledFiesta ST offers greater pure amusement than this Audi – and is £7000 cheaper.

But for its mix of pace, desirability and thrill factor, the S1 makes a welcome addition to the hot hatch class. It’s a giggle, and it doesn’t feel at all like a token gesture, a place-holder or a half-measure.

Truth be told, it’s been a while since an S-branded Audi appealed so much.

Link to the article
 
Audi RS1 Sportback Rendered


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The new Audi S1 might seem like an insignificant little product from Audi, the least powerful and smallest of all the S models at 231 hp. However, it's had a tremendous impact on the Audi brand, especially in Germany, where the S1 helped A1 sales grow by a quarter.

Not surprisingly, people want even more power from German pocket rockets now. The RS1 seems like the next logical step and this fresh rendering shows us what we could expect from quattro in the coming years. It's been created by RM.Design, using the design language of the RS6 and some of Audi's recent show concepts.

It's Possible

During a recent interview with Australian magazine Motoring, Audi S1 designer Frank Gruner stated that an RS1 version is possible. Also asked about the car, Ulrich Weirl, team leader in the technical development of the Audi S1, said a more powerful 2-liter from the EA888 can be fitted into the little A1 body.


With two officials already talking about the RS1, it's all too easy to presume that Audi is already developing it.
But we think this would be too much of a niche car to justify mass production. Remember, even the RS3 was a limited production car that not too many people were willing to buy.

There is, however, a reason for Audi to at least consider limited production. That reason comes in the form of the possibly upcoming MINI JCW GP III. MINI has always stuck the GP badge on its more radical, track focused hatchbacks and the third incarnation might arrive with 250 hp in the next few years. Having a bigger 2-liter engine at its disposal, raising the output to Ford Focus ST levels should be relatively easy for MINI, especially since a 245 hp version is longitudinally fitted to BMW 28i models.

To battle that, Volkswagen group already has a 280 hp version of that four-cylinder turbo that's ready and willing to serve. Anything more than that will probably be overkill. And if you don't think 280 hp in a 4-meter long car is enough, then consider this: between 1985 and 1989, the 328 was the pinnacle of Ferrari V8 technology, but it only mustered 270 hp.

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/audi-rs1-sportback-rendered-82254.html

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Audi S1 upgraded to 310 PS by ABT

Torque bumped by 70 Nm
ABT Sportsline has revealed a massive power hike for the 2014 Audi S1 Sportback.

As if the standard Audi S1 wasn't already a little monster with its 231 PS (170 kW) output in such a small package, ABT is raising the stakes with a power bump for the four-cylinder 2.0-liter TFSI engine. After ABT applied its know-how, the engine is now capable of developing no less than 310 PS (228 kW) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft).

Besides the added oomph, the S1 Sportback seen here has custom springs lowering the ride height by 30mm while for shoes the tuner went for an 18-inch gun metal set wrapped around in 225/50 R18 sports tires. Other changes include fender inserts along with built-in entrance lights and bespoke floor mats.

Performance details have not been released but this tuned S1 should be a tad quicker than the standard version which needs 5.9 seconds until 62 mph (100 km/h) before hitting an electronically-capped top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Needless to say, ABT is offering this upgrade package also for the three-door S1.

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Source: ABT
 

Audi

Audi AG is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. A subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the company’s origins date back to the early 20th century and the initial enterprises (Horch and the Audiwerke) founded by engineer August Horch (1868–1951). Two other manufacturers (DKW and Wanderer) also contributed to the foundation of Auto Union in 1932. The modern Audi era began in the 1960s, when Volkswagen acquired Auto Union from Daimler-Benz, and merged it with NSU Motorenwerke in 1969.
Official website: Audi (Global), Audi (USA)

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