Audi has been very busy this week both locally and internationally with its performance models. The German car maker is launching its S3 Sportback, SQ5 SUV and has recently announced the arrival of the RS Q3 and RS7.

The product offensive continues today with the announcement that the baby of the Audi range receives a flagship model. A source at Audi South Africa said the Audi S1 and S1 Sportback are due to arrive in South Africa around July 2014. The rally fans amongst you will remember the Audi S1 rally car from the 1980s and this 2014 version will carry on the legend of fearsome turbocharged quattro performance.

Audi S1 engine

Nestled in the Audi S1’s engine bay is a 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder motor boasting 170 kW and 370 Nm. Power is transmitted through the quattro all-wheel drive system using a manual transmission and combined with the low weight, performance should be rather entertaining. Audi claims its new S1 hits 100km/h in 5.8 seconds and will go onto a top speed of 250 km/h. While it may scream performance, the Audi S1 is claimed to be quite light on petrol. A figure of 7.0l/100km (7.1 for Sportback) and an emissions output of 162g/km (166 for Sportback) have been reported.

Aggressive looks

Both the Audi S1 and the S1 Sportback are quite eye-catching and there’ll be no mistaking them for anything other than the top of the range A1. Xenon headlamps and redesigned LED rear lights are fitted as standard, while four bright new colours will make the Audi S1 stand out. An aggressive front grille, quad exhausts and rear roof spoiler further underline the performance of this new pocket rocket.

The model will also come standard with 17-inch 5-parallel-spoke design cast aluminium alloy wheels in S design, Audi drive select with adaptive damping, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, an all-round, independent S sports suspension, progressive Steering system with dynamic ratio, and brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts.

Optional extras

Standard features for the Audi S1/S1 Sportback are quite comprehensive, however you may add the high-quality MMI satnav, Bose audio system, Audi connect which turns the car into a mobile WiFi hotspot, red brake calipers as well as larger 18-inch alloy wheels.

Audi S1 and S1 Sportback price in South Africa

Audi S1 2.0T quattro manual – R442 000

Audi S1 Sportback 2.0T quattro manual – R449500

The Audi S1 range will come standard with the 5 year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan.

Check out the Audi S1 Sportback video which was filmed in the Western Cape.