Test Drive: The Audi S1, the Smallest S Model | Audi
Audi S1 | Audi S1
Test Drive: The Audi S1, Its Smallest S Model
The "S1" is based on Audi's most compact model, the "A1." Its small body houses a 2-liter turbo engine producing a maximum output of 231ps, and it's equipped with the full-time 4WD Quattro system, befitting an S model. Its manual-only transmission is also a distinctive feature, rare in Audi's current lineup. Satoshi Shiomi test drove the S1, Audi's hot hatch.
Text by SHIOMI SatoshiPhotographs by ARAKAWA Masayuki
A 2-Liter Turbo Crammed into the A1
Recently, a model equipped with a 1-liter, 3-cylinder inline-3 turbo engine,the "A1 1.0TFSI"was added. While its catalog specs are modest—95ps/5,000-5,500rpm maximum output and 16.3kgm/1,500-3,500rpm maximum torque—it felt powerful in everyday driving. Combined with the well-chosen gear ratios of the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and its high efficiency, it was more than enough to propel the 1,120kg car with vigor.
This is Audi's smallest displacement engine to date, boasts the best fuel economy at 22.9km/ℓ (JC08 mode), and is the most affordable starting at 2.49 million yen—a truly landmark model.
Although it's a 3-cylinder, vibrations and noise are well-suppressed, making one wonder ifthe previous 1.4-liter inline-4 turbo engine modelis even necessary.—However, if you were to drive them back-to-back, the 1.4 would likely be smoother, quieter, and more powerful. Premium brands are exceptionally skilled at differentiating their models to maintain a hierarchy.
So, while the "A1" offers a choice between the 1-liter and 1.4-liter engines, the "S1" is essentially the A1 with a 2-liter turbo engine crammed in. Audi typically uses the "S" designation for its sports models, and the S1 is the A1's sports variant—its smallest S model.
Audi has used the "S1" name before. The "Sport quattro S1," an evolution of the "quattro" (the car name, not the 4WD system) which adopted full-time 4WD, was a competition vehicle for rallies and hill climbs.
The 2-liter inline-4 turbo engine in the modern S1, while featuring minor tuning differences, is fundamentally the same engine found in larger models like the"A5"and"A6."
Audi S1 | Audi S1
Test Drive: The Audi S1, Its Smallest S Model (2)
"Don't Underestimate Me!"
The S1 boasts a maximum output of 231ps/6,000rpm and a peak torque of 37.8kgm/1,600-3,000rpm. Both figures are more than double those of the 3-cylinder A1. With a vehicle weight of just 1,360kg (1,380kg for the S1 Sportback), the power-to-weight ratio is a mere 5.9kg/ps.
While the A1 is front-wheel drive, the S1 naturally employs the Quattro (4WD) system designed for transverse engines. Unusually for a modern car, it's exclusively offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. This is my second time testing the S1. I still vividly recall the excitement from my first drive in Hakone in late 2014, before the eruption incident. Upon starting the engine, it emitted a deep exhaust note that seemed incongruous with its small size, almost as if it were saying, "Don't underestimate me!" – a statement that made me flinch slightly.
The high rigidity of all controls and the excellent hold of the bucket seats compel you to drive with enthusiasm. Perhaps the phrase "a car that makes you want to drive with the seatback more upright than usual" conveys the feeling.
I engaged first gear with the spherical shift knob, which offers a unique, simultaneously gritty yet smooth feel. Unlike some modern cars, the steering and clutch pedal are not heavy.
Even with a slightly rough clutch engagement from a standstill, torque is instantly distributed to the rear wheels as needed, preventing wheelspin and leading to a forceful acceleration. You feel ample torque from low RPMs, and the speed builds rapidly as you press the pedal. For someone accustomed to automatics, the upshifts feel frequent, but it's enjoyable.
While sporty driving often involves intricate suspension designs and meticulous tuning, the compact body size is, fundamentally, a superb advantage.
Audi S1 | Audi S1
Test Drive: The Audi S1, Its Smallest S Model (3)
Small Body, Big Thrills
The car responds to steering inputs quickly and precisely, turning exactly as much as needed. Nowadays, even sporty models rarely feature rock-hard suspensions. The S1 is no exception; while not soft, it's comfortably compliant. Its 4WD system provides excellent traction, and its compact size enhances cornering performance. Therefore, there's no need to excessively stiffen the suspension.
The lineup includes both the 3-door "S1" and the 5-door "S1 Sportback." They share the same 2,465mm wheelbase, and the Sportback is only 15mm taller. While the Sportback doesn't offer significantly more rear space, its easier ingress and egress make it the better choice for those who frequently carry three or more passengers.
Audi offers numerous S models, as well as the more extreme "RS" variants,such as the"S3,""S5,""S7,"and"RS5."It's undeniable that models with higher numbers are more powerful and faster than the S1. However, in terms of sheer excitement, I believe the S1, with the smallest number, ranks very high.
The European version features a blacked-out panel between the rear combination lamps, which looks incredibly stylish. I sincerely hope this option becomes available in Japan.
Audi S1 | Audi S1
Body Dimensions | Length 3,990 x Width 1,740 x Height 1,425 mm
Wheelbase | 2,465 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,460 / 1,455 mm
Weight | 1,360 kg
Engine | 1,984cc Inline-4 Direct Injection DOHC Intercooled Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 82.5 x 92.8 mm
Compression Ratio | 9.6
Maximum Output | 170 kW (231ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 370 Nm (37.8 kgm) / 1,600-3,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Manual
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | 4-Link
Tires Front/Rear | 225/35 R18
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs / Discs
Trunk Capacity | 210 Liters
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.0 Meters
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 14.4 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 161 g/km
Price | 4.23 million yen
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