Geneva Show 2014: Hot Audi S1 arrives

ONE OF THE smallest cars on the Audi stand at the Geneva Motor Show was also grabbing the most attention, as the German firm unveiled the new S1.

Based on the A1, the smallest Audi in the range, the S1 also takes inspiration from the strictly limited edition A1 Quattro that appeared in 2012. Packing a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine under its compact bonnet it is comfortably the fastest A1 in production, with a top speed limited to 155mph and 0-62mph taking 5.8 seconds.

Despite that Audi claims combined fuel consumption of 40.4mpg and CO2 emissions of only 162g/km, although figures are changed slightly for the five-door model.

There are significant changes underneath the S1 too, with revised front suspension and a more sophisticated setup at the rear to give the sharp handling expected from a hot hatch. Wheels, tyres and brakes are all bigger, which the option of still larger wheels available at extra cost.

On the outside there are four new colours to choose from as well as LED lights and a more aggressive appearance thanks to revised bumpers front and rear plus larger side skirts.

Expected to reach the UK later in the Spring, the Audi S1 is expected to cost just under £25,000 for the three-door model and a few hundred pounds more for the five-door.

By Press Association reporters