Audi S1 Review and Prices
The Audi S1 is a super-fast small hatchback that rivals the Ford Fiesta ST, the Mini hatchback John Cooper Works and the VW Polo GTI.
What's good
What's not so good
Find out more about the Audi S1
Is the Audi S1 a good car?
With 0-62mph taking just 5.8 seconds, the S1 is the quickest car in its class and although it might not have the enthralling dynamics of some of its rivals, the grip of its four-wheel drive system means even a powerful sports car will have trouble keeping up on a tight twisting B road.
Based on the A1, the S1’s interior is starting to look a little dated, particular when compared to the much newer Mini. The quality of the fixtures and fittings is indisputable, though, and the fast hatch marks itself out from the rest of the range with a sprinkling of S1 badges, alloy pedals, a sports steering wheel and leather sports seats.
As a small car, it is not particularly spacious, but the Audi makes the best of the room that is available and four adults can fit so long as it’s not for too long. It’s also available in five-door ‘sportback’ form if you need easier access to the rear seats.
From outside the S1 is easy to distinguish from a regular A1 thanks to its 17-inch alloy wheels, sporty body kit and roof-mounted spoiler, while the four exhaust pipes hint at the powerful engine shoehorned under its tiny bonnet.
A long standard equipment list goes some way to justify the car’s high price – you get xenon headlights, auto lights and wipers, climate control and adjustable dampers, but sat-nav remains a £570 option.
The all-weather S1 treads on the heels of some very capable, more expensive machinery
The Audi S1 has many positive characteristics – it’s fast, stable and feels upmarket. It has one of the best engines Audi currently offers and would show most of the competition a clean pair of heels point to point. Some rivals offer more thrills, but the S1’s biggest problem is a price that makes it look expensive.
If you want to read a more in-depth review of the S1, look at the interior, practicality, driving and specifications sections over the following pages. Or, if you simply want to see how much you can save on an S1, just click through to our deals page.
How practical is it?
The S1’s all-wheel-drive eats into the boot space, but the difference isn’t enough for it to be an issue. Two people will be happy in the rear seats, although with three abreast it’s a bit of a squeeze
A good thing about the cosy boot is that your shopping will be kept in place as you fly through the corners
What's it like to drive?
The S1 is devastatingly effective – on tight country roads it’ll keep a supercar honest – but it’s too well behaved to be truly engaging.
The all wheel drive system means the performance is accessible whatever the weather
What's it like inside?
Like any Audi, the S1 has an interior that is built to last and stylish to look at, but the small infotainment screen points to this being an older model and some of the switchgear is also showing its age.
Audi S1 colours
-
- Free
-
- From £390
-
- From £390
-
- From £390
-
- From £390
-
- From £390
-
- From £390
-
- From £390
-
- From £475
-
- From £475