Road test: Audi S1

Audi introduced its smallest car, the A1, for people who wanted premium quality in a small package. Now there’s an S1 version to provide fizzing performance as well.

Available as a three or five-door (badged Sportback), the two-litre TFSI engine delivers 231PS and 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and has permanent all-wheel-drive to keep it on the straight and narrow.

The gearbox is a six-speed manual, with no auto option planned.

Such punchy performance and tenacious grip make it a hoot to drive quickly, but it’s a noisy business. As well as lots of mechanical din there’s plenty of tyre roar and although the suspension, with variable dampers, is fine in comfort mode, it becomes harsh and crashy in its firmer setting.

Externally it gets two twin-pipe exhausts, a roof spoiler, Xenon headlamps and LED rear lights and, like other S models, aluminium covers on the door mirrors.

In the cabin, optional styling packages are available, including glossy black, red or yellow coloured backrest covers and centre console trim. Creature comforts include a 6.5-inch retractable colour display screen and a six-speaker single CD audio system.

The Audi connect option allows passengers access to internet-based services such as Google Earth and Google Street View, and they can email on their mobile phones via the car’s Wi-Fi hotspot.

At £24,905 (£25,635 for the Sportback) it is competitively priced for a premium brand, against such cars as Mini’s JCW Clubman, Citroen DS3 Racing and Ford Fiesta ST3.

What Audi claims to have created is “the most potent sub-compact car ever made”. One thing is for sure — it’s the only sports car of its size to boast four-wheel-drive.

Audi S1
Top speed: 155 mph;
MPG: 40.4 mpg;
Emissions: 162g/km;
Price: from £24,905