We all thought it was going to be called the S1, but Audi has proved us wrong. In a break from tradition, the flagship performance version of the A1 supermini will simply be referred to as the A1 1.4 TFSI S line.
No prizes for guessing that it's powered by the Volkswagen Group's existing 1.4-litre TFSI engine, but this time it's tweaked to deliver 183bhp and 184lb.ft of torque.
In a pint-sized hatch like the A1, that means 0-62mph in a swift 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 141mph. Running costs will be reasonable too at 39.9mpg and 139g/km.
Power will be channelled though Audi's seven-speed S tronic gearbox and the company is promising plenty of upmarket extras. LED interior and exterior lighting, a 465-Watt Bose sound system and a panoramic sunroof will make up just some of the lengthy options list.
UK prices and on sale dates have yet to be confirmed, but the A1 1.4 TFSI S line should be in showrooms towards the end of 2010 and European models will cost €24,250, though the starting price in sterling isn't likely to be far off that figure (about £20,500). The new car will debut at the
Paris Motor Show.
Jack Carfrae - 21 Sep 2010