Audi S1 Sportback 2014 review

If you thought VW's Polo GTI was a bit of a hotrod, same with Ford's Fiesta ST or the Renault Clio RS... better think again.

All are rocket propelled roller skates but they've just been bested comprehensively by a newcomer from Audi in the S1 Sportback. It takes performance to a new level in the tiddler class offering a strident 170kW/370Nm from a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four cylinder.

Adding more weight to the S1's credibility rating is quattro all wheel drive that boosts grip through corners and gives the car startling off the mark acceleration. And it's a five door "hatch" for want of a better description.

Seating capacity is four and there's a reasonable amount of luggage space in the back - expandable when you fold the rear seats. The cabin is to luxury car level particularly in S1s with the optional Sports pack(tested) that features Bose audio, Nappa leather sports seats, 18-inch alloys and other goodies - it adds $5000 to the S1's price tag of $49,900.

That's a fair old ask for a car this size. And you can't really compare it to something like the Benz A45 AMG for example because the Audi is smaller. Small is beautiful in this case with the S1 scoring an aggressive body aero kit to enhance its classy looks and aerodynamics.

KIT

Compared with lesser A1 Audis, the S1 gets bigger brakes, switchable suspension dampers and steering and suspension setup for sports driving. It gains a multi link rear suspension as opposed to a simple torsion beam on A1.

Standard kit is generous and includes xenon headlights, D-cut sports wheel with multiple controls (piart of option pack), metal pedals, Audi rear parking system (no reversing camera though), premium audio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, auto wipers and headlights and climate control.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine in one form or other is used in many VW/Audi products and features dual direct injection into the combustion chamber and also the inlet manifold. The turbo is close-coupled, with the inlet manifold integrated into the cylinder head.

There's variable valve timing and other technical stuff helping to optimise performance in the S1. But this engine is capable of delivering much, much more as evident in the Golf R for example rated at over 200kW. Despite this level of performance, the S1 sips at a rate of 7.2-litres/100km - of 95 octane or better.

DRIVING

However, the S1 doesn't really need this level of power because it's already a damn quick car capable of seeing off many more fancied runners in pure acceleration let alone around corners. Only available with a six-speed manual gearbox at this stage, the S1 has a seriously sporty drive feel enhanced by the Audi Drive Select system with multiple modes changing various dynamic calibrations.

The engine is whip crackin' good with strong performance whenever you want it. And there's a flap system in the exhaust to accentuate the fact. The gear change is slick and all controls are firm but not too firm.

It has awesome brakes and corner grip though the test car had noisy pads from previous heavy use (probably at the race track). Which is where this car would be really at home - track days.

It's no lightweight at 1340kg but the drive out of corners from all four wheels is amazing. Bigger (wider) tyres would be even better.