The next time somebody asks you what's the coolest supermini ever made by the Volkswagen Group, just point him to this article and we'll do the rest. We'll explain why the S1 is like the perfect combination between a Abarth 500 and a Golf GTI. After all, the most powerful car in its class deserves a decent writeup.
By now, Audi fans should be familiar with the spec sheets. A 231 hp 2.0 TFSI has been fitted, or rather squeezed in, under the bonnet. Together with 370 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, this is delivered through an all-wheel drive system that uses a Haldex coupling to deliver up to 50% of the torque to the back. There's also a very practical, reasonable side to the car, as fuel consumption is a very reasonable 7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, not much more than a family hatch.
This frugalness makes a great everyday car, but that doesn't mean it's not fun an exciting either. The next video was released by Audi a few days ago and shows some pretty awesome test driving on the frozen lakes in Sweden where German engineers first developed the S1.
Being an Audi means the S1 also has access to some extreme customization options that something like a Skoda Fabia vRS, which is based on the same platform, wouldn't. The minty green color which just popped up on our radar is not an official tone available through the configurator, which means it's likely from the "individual" catalog for the measly sum of €2,300. For extra impact, you can also order a nicer interior for €1,700, contrasting roof for €400, painted brakes, bigger wheels and the quattro cosmetic package.
By being playful with the audi.de configurator, we've managed to take the S1 over €40,000. $55,000 for a 4 meter car would never work in America since it's Corvette money, but Audi has its own quattro fanbase for which 60/40 is the perfect power distribution.
Update: Audi has confirmed the Hulkish S1 is covered in "Viper Green" from the exclusive quattro GmbH catalog. We like!
This frugalness makes a great everyday car, but that doesn't mean it's not fun an exciting either. The next video was released by Audi a few days ago and shows some pretty awesome test driving on the frozen lakes in Sweden where German engineers first developed the S1.
Being an Audi means the S1 also has access to some extreme customization options that something like a Skoda Fabia vRS, which is based on the same platform, wouldn't. The minty green color which just popped up on our radar is not an official tone available through the configurator, which means it's likely from the "individual" catalog for the measly sum of €2,300. For extra impact, you can also order a nicer interior for €1,700, contrasting roof for €400, painted brakes, bigger wheels and the quattro cosmetic package.
By being playful with the audi.de configurator, we've managed to take the S1 over €40,000. $55,000 for a 4 meter car would never work in America since it's Corvette money, but Audi has its own quattro fanbase for which 60/40 is the perfect power distribution.
Update: Audi has confirmed the Hulkish S1 is covered in "Viper Green" from the exclusive quattro GmbH catalog. We like!