Audi S1 and Volkswagen Polo R to Get AWD

Here is one interesting development pathway of the Volkswagen Group: when one platform/engine is developed or upgraded, we can expect it to give birth to a multitude of fresh models or versions, each offering its own assets.

This process is particularly pleasant to watch when it implies a performance vehicle development. And this is exactly what we are going to talk about.

The Volkswagen Group’s engineers are currently working to modify the PQ25 platform in order for it to be fitted with all-wheel-drive, as autocar reports.

This is the final piece in the Audi S1 and Polo R puzzle. Let us explain. The Audi S1 has been a constant presence in the headlines, as it was uncertain if the vehicle would use a 1.4 TSI or a 2.0 TFSI engine, with all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive.

Audi introduced a new top-of-the range version for the A1 at the Paris Auto Show, but decided not to badge this as an S1. This is because the vehicle comes with front-wheel drive and would have been the only Audi “S” model that doesn’t use four-wheel drive.

So, we will get a proper S1 that will send the power to the road using all four wheels. In addition to that, the vehicle is expected to come with a segment-topping power output of 270 hp.

As the PQ25 platform is also used by the Polo, VW is expected to release two new versions of the sub-compact that will use all-wheel-drive. The first should be the Polo R hot hatch, while the second would be the CrossPolo soft-roader.