Ford Fiesta vs Audi S1
What's the difference?

Ford Fiesta

—

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Audi S1

—

2015 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2023 Ford Fiesta

2015 Audi S1

By Tim Nicholson

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

7.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Punchy engine and slick gearbox combo
Light, chuckable dynamics
Excellent value for money

Sensational engine
Quattro drivetrain
Great chassis

Dislikes

Noisy cabin
Huge turning circle
Firm ride

Price
The interior is a bit dull
Stiff ride

2023 Ford Fiesta Summary

The original Ford Fiesta ST from 2013 was a modern classic. The combination of appealing pricing, point-and-shoot driving dynamics and a sweet turbocharged engine ensured it won a legion of fans.

Its follow-up from 2020 continued that formula and brought with it a refinement missing from the original. But it was just as fun to drive.

Ford has launched a mid-life update for the sprightly hot hatch, which despite arriving in Australia halfway through 2022, is still officially an MY22 model. This latest version introduces upgrades to interior tech and exterior styling, as well as a 30Nm bump in torque.

But given it’s facing a ballsy competitor from Hyundai, has Ford done enough to keep its B-segment hot hatch crown?

View full pricing & specs

2015 Audi S1 Summary

Spoilt. That's what we are. If you're in the market for a hot hatch, you can have your pick of German-built and French ones from as little as $27,000. There isn't a dud among them now that the VW Polo GTI has had a bit of an update and you can pick and choose your style. Audi's S1 is aiming to be king of the kids with its stiffly-priced S1.

Set the finances aside and consider for a moment what's on offer. As it turns out, a lot.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 Ford Fiesta 2015 Audi S1

Verdict

The Fiesta ST is an addictive car to drive. It's a modern classic and hard to beat when it comes to engaging performance and smile-inducing dynamics. Add in excellent value for money and you have a certified performance car bargain.

Verdict

Cars this small shouldn't be this fast and useable at the same time, but the Audi S1 is. It isn't without its problems - the ride is harder even than the Fiesta ST which might weary some prospective buyers.

It's also a bit difficult to justify the price - in its basic form it's missing a few creature comforts that you'd expect in a $50,000 car - reversing camera, high-res screen, that sort of thing.

However, in the hot hatch world, those things don't matter. It has the bragging rights, the tech and the outright blinding speed to take on the bonkers Focus ST and equally zany Megane RS. And even the Audi S3.

Ford Fiesta vs Audi S1 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Fiesta vs Audi S1
What's the difference?