Following yesterday’s leaked photos, Audi has lifted the veils off its new S1 and S1 Sportback hot hatchbacks, the new flagship models of the renewed A1 lineup.

Powered by a 228hp (231PS) 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque, the Audi S1 is the fastest car in the A1 model line. Thanks in part to the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the S1 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds (5.9 seconds for the S1 Sportback), with top speed being 250 km/h (155 mph).

Average fuel economy is 7 l/100 km (33.6 mpg US) for the S1 and 7.1 l/100 km (33.13 mpg US) for the S1 Sportback, with CO2 emissions of 162 and 166 grams per kilometer, respectively.

The Quattro system consists of a hydraulic multi-plate clutch located on the rear axle, with its control software tuned to offer a dynamic setup. The S1 features an electronic differential lock with fine-tuned wheel-selective torque control as part of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC). It features two-stage deactivation and supplements the work of the multi-plate clutch with additional finely metered braking intervention on the inside wheels – helping achieve “extremely agile, precise and stable handling,” according to Audi.

The suspension has been extensively modified, with a four-link design replacing the compound link rear suspension used on regular A1 models. The S1 also features larger brake discs, with red calipers with S1 logo offered as an option. 17-inch wheels are standard, 18-inch wheels are optional.

Both the Audi S1 and S1 Sportback feature redesigned xenon plus headlights and LED taillights with new, horizontally structured graphics. Other styling changes include the modified front and rear bumpers, side sills and exhaust system, while the optional Quattro exterior styling package offers more aggressive features such as a large roof spoiler.

On the inside, the S1 is finished in dark tones and features S-specific dark-gray scales, brushed stainless steel pedal caps, sport seats and color accents – the latter as part of the Quattro interior styling package.

In Germany, the Audi S1 is priced from €29,950 ($40,820), with the S1 Sportback starting from €30,800 ($42,025). Both models will be available at dealers in the second quarter of 2014, following their world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

By Dan Mihalascu

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