KYALAMI – 170 kW… 370 N.m… 250 km/h… R449 500. Those are some sizey numbers. Especially for a small hatchback. They’re numbers boasted by the new Audi S1 Sportback and they tell you that this little five-door machine is both very quick and very expensive. What do you get for your R450k then (or R442 000 if you opt for the three-door S1 derivative)?
What’s new in the trouser department?
For starters you get the same 2,0-litre TFSi engine found in both the Audi S3 and the Golf R – both of which cost roughly R50k more. In the S1, it’s detuned from 206 kW down to 170 kW. Like its brother and cousin, the S1 also gets permanent all-wheel drive in the form of Audi’s Quattro system. Drive is primarily through the front wheels though up to 50% of the power gets channeled to the back via a hydraulic multi-plate clutch located on the rear axle.
Given that the A1 platform (one shared with the VW Polo) is front-wheel drive, the S1’s underpinnings – particularly rear of the front seats – have been extensively revised to accommodate the Quattro linkages. For one thing it’s meant there’s no space to fit a dual clutch DSG transmission and the S1 is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox
For the first time in the A1 range you also get Audi’s Drive Select system that lets the driver choose between “Efficiency”, “Dynamic” and “Auto” modes. You also get a heavily revised rear suspension and, instead of the compound link set up on the cooking A1s, you now get independent rear suspension in the form of a four-link set-up. The front retains the McPherson struts with lower wishbones set-up and front axle also gets modified pivot bearings – said to enhance turn-in. In another first for the A1 range, the S1 features electro-mechanical steering.
And new in the looks department?
Having forked out R450k, one would definitely like one’s fellow road users to know you’re in something special. Typically of all Audi’s “S” derivatives though, this isn’t always easy to spot. Actually, let me put that a different way – they’re easier to spot now, but they won’t be easy to spot by next May. That’s because the S1 also heralds the upcoming A1 range facelift that launches here in SA around May 2015.
The facelift includes all new xenon plus headlights and rear lights that now have LEDs with horizontally structured graphics, and a revised grill and bumper. (The facelift will also see the introduction of some new 3-cylinder turbo engines too).
So besides that facelift stuff, the S1 detailing is quite subtle. There are two small S1 badges, a revised bumper, small roof spoiler, and quad exhausts which are the only other give aways. Inside, there’s S1 insignia embroidered or stamped on various interior bits, the usual grey-toned instrumentation Audi S derivatives all have, and brushed aluminium pedals. There is a R22 590 super sport seat option that gives you bucket seats with a colour-coded rear plastic cowling that’s repeated on the front dash.
And it goes like…?
… stink, yes. It’s a properly quick little motorcar. At the launch we got to drive it around Kyalami and on the highway back to O.R Tambo. You can’t tell much on the highway, of course, though it does highlight the 2,0-litre TFSI’s valve lift system that gives you access to more torque at lower revs… noticeably handy when driving in traffic. The track, though, reveals one or two of the S1’s other characteristics…
It tells you, for example, that the Audi’s all-wheel drive system is adept at railing you out of corners in the S1 as it is in their models higher up their pecking order. Yes it can be a tad understeery, but that’s more about driver error than automotive deficiencies. Go in too hot and apply power to early in a rookie attempt to get out of jail and the S1 does understeer a little. Most other cars would understeer a lot being put in the same situation.
Aiding and abetting this dark magic is a torque vectoring system that actively pushes the rear around under sharp cornering. It’s a little disconcerting at first, but you quickly understand what the car is trying to do and you can quickly incorporate it into your driving style.
Even in detuned mode, the 2,0-litre turbopetrol provides big dollops of acceleration right through the gears, affording elasticity in-gear selection around Kyalami. Initially, for example, I was changing down to 3rd for some high-speed corners, where it turned out keeping it in 4th provided more than enough power.
All in all then?
An impressive little car. Expensive, for sure, but it’s a niche model that will appeal to fans who like rarity. Indeed, only 75 have been allocated to SA for 2015, though it can be ordered if those sell out. So far 35-40 Audi customers in SA have their names down for one.
Oh… and there won’t be an RS1 by the way. Though, said Audi cryptically, who knows with the next generation A1. That’s still four years away but we hear they’re quite far down the road with its development.
Standard equipment:
17″ 5-parallel-spoke design cast aluminium alloy wheels in S design
Xenon Plus headlights with LED rear taillights
Audi drive select with adaptive damping
Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming
All-round, independent S sports suspension
Progressive Steering system with dynamic ratio
Brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts
S1 Sport seats in Sector cloth/leather combination
S1 sports flat bottom steering wheel
