What is an Audi S model? Beyond the silver mirror caps and the quad exhaust pipes, it's a formula for fun, a return to driving pleasure and a tribute to motorsport all at the same time. It's not surprising that when you apply that formula to a small hot hatch for the first time, the results are explosive!
Compared to other hot hatches this size, like the Ford Fiesta ST, the Audi S1 looks and sounds like a rocketship. It presents itself in Geneva as a brand new version of a car dating back to 2010, offering more power than anything else in its segment. The smallest S model ever comes as standard with a Haldex all-wheel drive system and is packed with cool features. Just to give you some examples, you can buy it with 18-inch wheels, painted brake calipers and the quattro pack which ads spoilers and such cool nonsense.
Vegas Yellow is the name of the amazing shade which the S1 put on for its Geneva debut. It's one of only two colors available at launch, the other one being called Sepang Blue.
Talking about the engine, the 2.0-liter TFSI four-banger is similar to what you get in the bigger S3, but it's been tuned down to 231 PS, basically the same output as the Golf GTI with the Performance Pack. This will be the biggest and most powerful car of its size until MINI finally reveals the JCW hatch later this year, which will also have a 2-liter turbo.
Because the S1 is so packed with "engine", it can get from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, despite not getting a quick S tronic twin-clutch option or launch control. Going around corners is not a problem either, since Audi has reworked the suspension to make this a car worthy of the S badge. At the front, modified pivot bearings provide better steering response, while the simple compound link rear setups is replaced by a four-link. Variable shock absorbers are also standard on the car.
Pricing has already been announced in Germany, where the 3-door S1 starts at €29,950, while the more practical 5-door Sportback is €30,800.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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Vegas Yellow is the name of the amazing shade which the S1 put on for its Geneva debut. It's one of only two colors available at launch, the other one being called Sepang Blue.
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