Audi S1
Used Car Review

Overview

The Audi S1 proves hot hatches don’t need to sacrifice luxury for thrilling performance. The Audi S1 might be exactly what you need. This pocket rocket takes everything great about Audi’s smallest car and cranks up the excitement with quattro all wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, and genuine sports car acceleration. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want a compact car that doesn’t compromise on thrills or quality.

The S1 stands apart from rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST or standard hot hatches with its sophisticated four wheel drive system and premium interior. Where other small performance cars feel compromised, the S1 delivers a complete package. The build quality is exceptional, the technology is cutting edge, and the driving experience feels more mature and refined than you’d expect from such a small car.

Behind the wheel, the S1 transforms every journey into something special. The 2.0 litre turbocharged engine delivers serious punch, while the quattro system provides incredible grip and confidence in all conditions. It handles daily commutes with ease but comes alive on twisty country roads or track days. While the price tag reflects its premium positioning, you’re getting a genuinely unique hot hatch that combines Audi’s luxury DNA with proper performance credentials.

What's the Audi S1 Like to Drive?

The Audi S1 is built for serious performance enthusiasts who want more than just another hot hatch. The heart of this compact sports car is a 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine producing 228 bhp and 273 lb ft of torque. This substantial power output launches the S1 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, making it genuinely quick by any standard. The engine delivers its power smoothly and progressively, with strong pull from low revs and an addictive soundtrack.

What truly sets the S1 apart is its quattro all wheel drive system, a rarity in this class of compact hatchback. This technology provides exceptional traction and stability, allowing you to deploy all that power safely in any weather condition. The steering is precise and well weighted, giving excellent feedback about what the front wheels are doing. The suspension is firm but well controlled, striking an impressive balance between comfort and handling precision that makes every drive engaging.

Inside the Audi S1: Comfort & Features

The S1’s cabin proves that sportiness and everyday comfort need not be mutually exclusive. The cabin showcases Audi’s attention to detail with high quality materials throughout, from the soft touch dashboard to the precisely fitted trim pieces. The sports seats are supportive and comfortable, holding you securely during spirited driving while remaining pleasant on longer journeys. The flat bottomed steering wheel feels perfectly sized and adds to the sporty atmosphere.

The technology package is impressive for a car of this size. The MMI infotainment system responds quickly and includes smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Climate control is standard, along with a premium sound system that complements the refined cabin environment. Road and wind noise are well suppressed, creating a surprisingly serene environment at cruising speeds. The overall ambience feels distinctly upmarket, reinforcing the S1’s position as a premium performance car rather than just another hot hatch.

The Audi S1 succeeds brilliantly as a premium hot hatch that offers something genuinely different in its class. The quattro all wheel drive system transforms the driving experience, providing exceptional grip and confidence that front wheel drive rivals simply cannot match. The build quality and interior refinement set new standards in the segment, creating a cabin that feels special every time you get behind the wheel.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Audi S1?

The S1’s spirited performance and Audi premium credentials inevitably translate into elevated ownership expenses. Fuel economy averages around 40 to 44 mpg in real world driving, which is respectable given the performance on offer. The turbocharged engine requires premium fuel to deliver its full potential, which adds to the weekly fuel bill. Insurance costs will be higher than for standard small cars due to the performance and desirability factors.

The initial purchase price reflects the S1’s exclusive positioning in the market. You’re paying for the sophisticated quattro system, premium interior materials, and that distinctive Audi badge. Servicing costs align with other Audi models, requiring specialist knowledge and genuine parts. However, the S1 holds its value well thanks to limited production numbers and strong enthusiast demand. For drivers seeking car finance options, the strong residual values help keep monthly payments manageable despite the higher initial cost.

Audi S1 Practicality & Boot Space

For a performance focused small car, the S1 offers reasonable practicality for everyday use. The 210 litre boot is adequate for weekly shopping or a couple of small suitcases, though it’s smaller than some rivals due to the quattro system’s additional components. The rear seats fold to expand cargo capacity when needed, and there are useful storage compartments throughout the cabin for everyday items.

Rear seat space is the S1’s main practical limitation. While children will be comfortable, adults may find legroom tight on longer journeys. The car works best as a two person transport with occasional rear passenger capability. For drivers considering used Audi cars, the S1 represents excellent value in the performance segment. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for urban environments where parking space is at a premium, while the quattro system provides confidence in all weather conditions.

The Audi S1 succeeds where others falter: delivering hot hatch thrills wrapped in genuine premium refinement without sacrificing its nimble, pocket-sized appeal. Its quattro all wheel drive system, powerful turbocharged engine, and exceptional build quality create a driving experience that stands apart from mainstream alternatives. The interior showcases Audi’s commitment to quality with materials and technology that wouldn’t look out of place in much larger models.

This is a car for drivers who refuse to compromise on quality or performance, even in a small package. The S1 proves that compact cars can be genuinely exciting while maintaining everyday usability. For enthusiasts seeking something special in the premium small car segment, particularly those interested in cars under £15,000 on the used market, the S1 offers a compelling combination of exclusivity and capability that’s hard to match.