This is the Audi S1, and it can go from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds. Just 30 years ago, models like the Ferrari 328 and Porsche 911 were dipping under the six-second barrier for the 0-62mph sprint - now you can get a supermini that’ll do the same.
Set to be revealed in the metal at the Geneva Motor Show in March, before going on sale in the spring, the S1 has a 2.0-litre turbo engine delivering 228bhp and 370Nm of torque. It gets a six-speed manual gearbox and quattro four-wheel-drive as standard, and the three-door S1 covers 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds, with the five-door Sportback taking 5.9 seconds.
Performance changes over the regular A1 extend to the suspension as well, with a new four-link set-up at the rear and firmer dampers all-round to help improve cornering. Alloy wheels go up to 18 inches, while there are larger brake discs and new settings for the electromechanical power-steering, too. Standard Audi Drive Select lets owners vary the dampers and engine response.
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