New Audi S1: 231hp, sub-£25k price

Pictures and full details of the Audi S1 have been released ahead of the car’s public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. If the bright yellow colour of the car pictured doesn’t grab you, the stats probably will – this pocket rocket has four-wheel drive, a 0-62mph time of just 5.8 seconds and prices starting from less than £25,000 (just).

Audi

Audi hinted that an S1 was in the pipeline when it built the limited-run A1 Quattro, which we drove last year. Like that car, the S1 has substantial changes over the standard A1, including entirely new rear suspension, with a four-link design instead of a torsion beam set-up. The front suspension has also been upgraded, while Audi’s Drive Select system allows the driver to choose from various settings for the suspension and throttle response.

Uprated brakes provide increased stopping power, while the four-wheel drive system works in tandem with an electronic differential lock that uses the stability control system to maximise traction.

Audi

Power comes from a 231hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. On top of a sub-six-second 0-62mph time, Audi quotes a top speed of 155mph, combined fuel economy of 40.3mpg and CO2 emissions (for the three-door model) of 162g/km.

Audi

Cosmetic changes include bespoke bumpers and wheels, while an optional styling package adds a roof spoiler. Two new exterior colours – Vegas yellow and Sepang blue – are available.

The S1 also has subtly reshaped headlights, with a more angular outline than the current A1’s. These will be part of a mid-life facelift for the rest of the A1 range, although lesser models won’t get the xenon bulbs and red inserts of the S1. They are unlikely to receive the LED rear lights of the S1 either, although updated lenses are expected to be introduced across the range.

Interior upgrades for the S1 include special finishes, brushed stainless steel pedal caps and sports seats. Optional extras such as additional coloured trim and a ‘Quattro styling package’ will be available.

The Audi S1 goes on sale in mid-March, priced from £24,900 for the three-door model and £25,630 for the five-door S1 Sportback. First customer deliveries will be in the spring.

Click through the gallery above for more pictures of the Audi S1

On Bing: pictures of the Audi S1
Find a used Audi A1 on Auto Trader
Read our review of the Audi A1 Quattro
Read Audi new car reviews

By Leo Wilkinson, senior editor, MSN Cars