Top 3 Audi S1 features that stand out from the competition.

By Farzana Chaumoo

The Audi S1 truly encapsulates the "pocket rocket" ethos and combines scintillating performance with superlative handling. We take a look at the top 3 features that make it stand out from the competition.

 

1. Flagship model in the A1 family

Back in the 1980s, the Audi S1 garnered a legendary reputation as it allowed Audi to dominate the World Rally Championship during that time. The moniker was brought back­ on a road-going version that offers all the virtues of a sports car: great performance, direct handling and quattro ® all-wheel drive. The high-performance four­ cylinder unit develops 170 kW and produces up to 370 Nm of torque and its engine is paired with a manual gearbox. The 2.0-litre engine takes the Audi S1and the S1 Sportback from 0 - 100 km/h in 5.8 and 5.9 seconds respectively, on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h. On average the Audi S1 claims fuel consumption of 7.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, corresponding to an emissions figure of 162 and 166 g/km respectively.

 

2. Suspension

The suspension on the two compact sport models, the S1 and S1 Sportback, was extensively revamped on its last update. The electromechanical power steering was newly developed, while modified pivot bearings on the front axle enhance spontaneity when turning. At the rear, a four-link design replaces the compound link rear suspension used on the A1 models. The setup is sporty and firm; the Audi drive select dynamic handling system comes with a range of settings to vary the response of the engine, automatic air conditioning and the likewise standard variable dampers.

 

3. All-Wheel Drive

Like all Audi S models, the Audi S1 also comes with quattro® permanent all-wheel drive onboard. At its heart, a hydraulic multi-plate clutch is located on the rear axle. Its specifically tuned control software boasts a decidedly dynamic setup. The electronic differential Lock with the fine-tuned wheel-selective torque control is a function of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC). It features two-stage deactivation and supplements the work of the multi-plate clutch with additional finely metered braking intervention on the inside wheels- the interaction of both systems makes for extremely agile, precise and stable handling.

 

Discover the new second-generation Audi A1 Sportback