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The first impression

To me Audis resemble tailored men’s fashion. Their designs are homogenous with one another and fit together like a collection of formal suits from Hugo Boss. Their tailoring is simple, precise and stylish, albeit somewhat classical, which can appeal boring - especially the even numbered A4 and A6 models. The odd numbered A1, A3 (the least of the butch), A5 and A7 are just that much more fashionably fabulous.

The A1 is Audi’s junior executive. He is a well-educated go-getter. Getting to the top is on his priority list and doing so with a smile on his face, which is part of his cheeky charm. The S1, like all Audi “S” models, are created to be the pinnacle in sporting performance.  Attention to detail and sharpened agility makes a great Audi an even better S Audi.

On the road

The S1 is a honed and fine-tuned version of the standard A1. First off, the S1 is an all-wheel drive vehicle, badged with the iconic ‘Quattro’ nameplate. This makes an enormous difference to the car’s performance. Here’s why: the S1 is fitted with a potent 2.0 turbo engine that produces a prodigious 170kW and 370Nm of torque. Those figures are common place in many hot hatches, though not in a mini hot hatch, like the S1. Being mini means it is light, having all-wheel traction to the road means that power is divided by four. The result, the S1 has a mother to child bond with the road - it is inseparable, glued with a bond second to none. As the driver, its privilege to share in the magnetic bond. Corners, bends and fast straight line pull offs are adrenaline filled moments of pure joy.

The S1 on test was manual - a quick, precise and gorgeously accurate six speed shifter. Suspension has been tuned - it is firmer than the standard setup, but not jarring - supported by S sport suspension. The result: improved dynamic handling.

The character of the S1 is variable with switchable dampers via Audi’s drive select system, the driver is able to select either Economy, Dynamic or Automatic modes. Each of which alters the S1’s acceleration and steering feel. I drove the S1 in Economy mode most of the week. Cars with engines this size and driven with zest usually prove to be less than economical, overshooting the manufacturer’s claimed fuel figures. In the case of the S1, I was able to average fuel consumption in the high 8’s to low 9’s. Amazingly low, especially for athletic driving!

What I liked

• The most refined and solid car in its class.
• Cute but masculine design detailing makes the S1 attractive.
• Outstanding performance - speed, road holding, breaking and overall sporting character.
• High quality interior.

What I’m not mad about

• Although the interior is beautifully appointed and oozes quality, it feels fitted. Snug.
• Oh, how I wish the Rand was stronger. Maybe then, the S1 would be priced lower?

The figures

The extra stuff

The entire Audi A1 and S1 range comes standard with a 5 year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan. The A1 and S1 range also scored 5 stars in the EuroNCAP crash test.

The verdict

The S1 is glorious. It is the polka dot pocket square in Audi’s handsome artillery of tailored suiting. An accessory for the adrenaline junky. The delicious espresso that makes your day.

As you can hear - I love this car.

The problem - the Golf R. It’s similarly priced, offers even better performance and has the accommodation credentials to seat up to five gym okes and their protein shakes - and their egos in the nicely sized boot.

www.audi.co.za