Audi does a U-turn on S1 name for A1 1.4 TSI

2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

Audi decided against using the 'S' label on the A1 because it doesn't come with the Quattro all-wheel drive system

According to PistonHeads.com, Audi considered using the S1 name for the range-topping A1 1.4 TFSI, which it will be premiering at the Paris motor show next week, but later chose not to put an 'S' label on the car.

Apparently, Audi didn't want to dilute the 'S' badge's cache by applying it to a car without its famed quattro all-wheel drive system.

The Audi A1 1.4 TFSI is a front-wheel drive compact hatch fitted with VW Group's award winning 1.4 liter TFSI engine. For the A1's top variant, the engine is dialed up to 136 kW (185 PS / 182 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The A1 1.4 TFSI is also fitted with Audi's seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. The 0-100 km/h sprint for this A1 takes just 6.9 seconds and the car has a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph). Fuel-economy is 5.9 liters/100km (40 US mpg) and CO2 emissions are 139 g/km (224 g/mile).

The model will make its public debut at the Paris motor show on October 2 (September 30 for the press) and will go on sale later in the year.

Source: PistonHeads.com

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kimbo

glad they did what they did

September 24, 2010 7:03 am

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Wojtek

Good decision. Although we can have now (for exemple): Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S-tronic S-Line...

September 24, 2010 7:27 am

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AmazingJerry

smart move Audi, preserve the S badge

September 24, 2010 7:31 am

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MTC

Good, so a 250hp Audi S1 with Quattro?

September 24, 2010 9:28 am

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1 reply

greg

There is sadly no chance to see an A1 with Quattro : the PQ platform of this car can only get 4wd at high costs. So to make it more economical, Audi planned two suv using the same 4wheel system : the Polo SUV and the Q1. But after VW took 20% of Suzuki, they decide to use the platform of the next gen sx4. So the plan using quattro on the A1 has been dropped.

September 25, 2010 2:14 pm

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N20_Purge

Hmm, that would have been a first, a fwd 'S' peformance car from Audi. Hardly keeping the spirit, is it?

September 24, 2010 9:38 am

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2 replies

Mikeado

That's why it's not going to be an S anymore...

September 24, 2010 11:58 am

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N20_Purge

Oops, I meant to say 'that would have been a first' instead of 'that's a first.'

September 25, 2010 4:26 am

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Kakumbaz

This looks like a performing car but without quattro it didnt deserve the S badge, am glad Audi kept true to that. History.

September 24, 2010 9:46 am

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ahargra

They didn't have a problem calling the A6's super-charged 3 liter a 3.0T... guess you have to draw the line somewhere...

September 24, 2010 10:56 am

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6SPEEDV8

IMHO using the "S" name on any A1 AWD or not will dilute its image. Same with the A3 and anything that comes with that puny 3.0 TFSI. Great engine and whatever but it sounds like a Civic fart can.

September 24, 2010 11:45 am

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Mikeado

Good on Audi for sticking to their guns. We have a turbocharged M car, a Porsche SUV, a heavy and powerful Lotus [Elite], but not a 2WD Audi S-model.

September 24, 2010 12:13 pm

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GTurbo

That is a sign of an organisation true to its philosophical heritage, corporate strategy and global positioning. The S-Line is just a sports kit package for drivers that aren't interested in full-fat offering like the S and RS series. This little rascal should be offered with an S-Line package. The 1.4litre TFSI engine has won Engine of the Year Award already. So, a lot going for this car albeit with a FWD chassis from the high quality VeeDub parts bin.

September 24, 2010 3:45 pm

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BackInTheRealWorld

To be fair, Audi employ the abs system to mimic a limited slip diff and keep power to the wheel with grip. On a car that weighs just over a tonne and has most of the engine weight over the driving wheels, this is more than sufficient for slippery conditions, let alone when it is dry. Perhaps marketing didn't want the coveted S moniker to be associated with a car under fifty grand, i doubt it has to do with awd.

September 24, 2010 5:33 pm

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1 reply

Mikeado

Front-wheel-drive is front-wheel-drive. You can't send power rearwards without a centre and rear differential. As for S-cars under 50k, what about the S3?

September 26, 2010 3:22 am

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cronan

good call!

September 26, 2010 3:54 am

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rnsaza

"Audi didn't want to dilute the 'S' badge's cache" ROFLOL, give them time and they'll CASH IN on the badge.

September 26, 2010 3:56 am

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tootall

And a top speed of 140. You don't see that everyday from a 1.4, fresh off the assembly line.