Audi S1 Sportback Audi's new pocket rocket, the S1 is available as a three-door coupe or five-door hatchback and will be racing into Geneva for the Motor Show before going on sale in Europe in March. The S1 starts out life as an A1, Audi's smallest, premium hatchback, but then it is force-fed on a diet of steroids.
The result is an agile and yet somehow still economic city car capable of accelerating from 0-62mph (100km/h) in just 5.8 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250kmh).
This remarkable turn of speed is down to a turbocharged, 2-liter engine boasting 231PS, and while a number of hot hatch fans will be fully aware that there are already a number of equally potent turbocharged superminis already on the road -- from the Ford Fiesta ST to the Renaultsport 200 Turbo -- what sets the Audi apart is that it comes with the Quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.
That makes the S1 and the S1 Sportback (what the company calls the five-door version) the smallest cars ever to receive this particular piece of Audi technology, and it means that drivers will be able to use all of the car's power all of the time, thanks to superior roadholding and grip, even on the limit.
To make things even sportier and even more responsive, the cars get a six-speed, short throw manual gearbox and a fully reworked suspension system, plus electromechanical power steering.
Inside, things are purposely basic -- sports seats, a 6.5-inch retractable central display screen, and a single slot CD player with support for iPod, iPhone and SD cards.
However, as with all premium German cars there is an impressive list of options for customizing the cabin. A Bose sound system is available, as is a keyless entry, Audi's hard disk-based multimedia system and a host of cloud-based infotainment services.
The S1 will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show from March 4 before heading to European dealerships later the same month. Expect the base model to cost around €30,000.
Source: Relaxnews