A welcome show of strength from Audi
SOBER- SUITED Audi is not usually noted for its tearaway cars
However, every once in while the engineers from Ingolstadt are left to their own devices and cars like the S1 are the result.
Based on the A1 supermini, the S1 packs a 228bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, so it offers more power than a Volkswagen Golf GTi in a smaller car.
Being a fast Audi, the S1 in threeand five-door forms also comes with Quattro four- wheel drive to make sure it uses every last prod of that power.
Use a heavy right foot and the S1 zips from 0 to 62mph in 5.8 seconds and on to 155mph, which puts it among the elite of hot hatches.
A six- speed manual gearbox is a welcome piece of standard equipment rather than Audi’s DSG dualclutch automatic gearbox.
With the manual ’ box, there is greater engagement between the driver and the car, which helps when pressing on along a favourite country road.
With all-wheel drive, the S1 always feels sure- footed on the UK’s weather-scarred roads, but you have to be careful about which driving mode the car is used in.
Audi’s selectable suspension settings cover Dynamic, Auto and Efficiency. In the latter two modes, the suspension is supple and unobtrusive.
However, switch to Dynamic, which you might think is perfect for a punch hot hatch, and you’ll be disappointed at the over- firm, jiggly ride and control.
Fortunately, this chink in the S1’s armour is easily avoided, so you can get on with enjoying the car.
On any road, it’s rapid and assured, though it perhaps misses that last degree of fun found in a Ford Fiesta ST or BMW M135i. Still, the S1 steers with precision and inspires confidence in all conditions.
Price-wise, the Audi sits slap bang in the middle of these two superb hot hatch rivals, costing from £24,900 for the three- door and £ 25,630 for the five-door Sportback.
Whether you think the Audi is pricey compared to the Ford or good value next to the BMW boils down to perception rather than any performance or driving advantage of the four-wheel drive Audi.
The S1 can manage 40.4mpg and 162g/km, which better the BMW, but trail the Ford’s figures.
Inside, both S1 models offer the same space and practicality as their less sporty siblings. They are also beautifully built and come with front sports seats and steering wheel.
With so much quality and performance packed into a compact car, it’s hard not to like the S1, especially when it’s one of those rare moments of madness that escapes over the wall from Audi. Even so, it’s not quite as thrilling as its rivals.