Audi S1 available from under $50,000

The latest high-performance Audi S model, the S1, is now available on the Australian market. As predicted, the S1 hot hatch is priced at $49,900, making it the cheapest Audi to ever wear the sporty S badge.

Launched in five-door Sportback form, the Audi S1 is now the flagship model in the A1 range, but it eschews modern convention being available solely with a six-speed manual gearbox. As such it forgoes the cutting-edge dual-clutch self-shifters found on the upper rungs of Audi's S and RS ladder.

The S1 is powered by a 170kW version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine commonly used within the Volkswagen Group, Audi's parent company.

Peak power is generated at 6000rpm and is backed up by a stout 370Nm torque figure, available from 1600-3000rpm, resulting in a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250km/h.

Claimed fuel consumption is 7.2 litres of primo petrol per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, and the car makes use of fuel-saving features like stop/start engine technology.  The turbo engine also adopts a lightweight construction, tipping the scales at 148kg, and the S1's total kerb weight is 1340kg.

Of course, the S1 Sportback uses quattro all-wheel drive, its hydraulic multi-plate clutch located on the rear axle to help achieve a 60:40 front to rear weight distribution.  An electronic differential lock works in conjunction with the stability control to finely monitor torque distribution, furnishing grip where the car needs it most.

Audi drive select is fitted as standard and allows the driver to choose between efficiency, auto and dynamic settings, which adjust throttle mapping, damping force and steering response via an electro-mechanical steering system, programmed specifically for the S1. Modified pivot bearings in the front axle are said to aid agility, while the four-link rear end is bespoke to this model and design to improve road-holding.

Braking is also enhanced over lesser Audi A1 models via a larger master cylinder, tweaked booster and 310mm ventilated front and 272mm solid rear discs. Standard wheels are 17-inches diameter with 215/40 tyres; 18-inchers with 225/35 rubber are optional.

Standard equipment includes an MMI infotainment setup with navigation, a 6.5-inch colour screen, 10-speaker audio with Bluetooth streaming, sports seats in combination leather/cloth trim, and a leather multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel. Automatic headlights and wipers, single zone climate control, auto dimming interior mirror, rear-parking sensors and Xenon headlights with LED DRLs are other highlights.

Audi has followed the recent trend to offer packaged options to customers wanting a bit more razzle dazzle, which represent savings of around 30 per cent when 'bundled' together, claims Audi. These include the $4990 S performance package that adds S sport seats in Nappa leather, BOSE surround sound system, 'Audi exclusive' aluminium air vent sleeves, S design red brake calipers and the 18-inch alloy wheel and tyre package in grey.

A quattro exterior package ($3990) includes Xenon plus lights, red calipers, 18-inch alloy rims in matt black, quattro roof spoiler and logos and a front spoiler lip in aluminium-look trim. This package is fitted to the car in the photos.

Finally, the quattro interior package ($2490) provides a centre console in a choice of high-gloss black, red or yellow, S sport seats with similar back rest colour options, Nappa leather door armrests that match the seat colour, upgraded floor mats and matt black air vents with red sleeves, also pictured.

Metallic paint is $990, heated front seats $600, and a convenience proximity key is an additional $670.