The current generation of the Audi A1 has been on sale since 2018 of which the flagship remains the EA888-powered 40 TFSI. While somewhat of a hot hatch, this isn’t considered a thoroughbred Audi S1. A new report suggests that this will remain the flagship of the range.
Speaking to Autocar, Audi RS3 product boss Marcel-Alexander Hübner said the RS3 will remain the smallest RS model for the foreseeable future because below that “we only have the A1 right now,” which is “not getting an RS version at the moment”.
The previous generation model based on the PQ25 platform supported the idea of an Audi S1. This model employed the Volkswagen group’s turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine with a power output of 170 kW and 370 N.m of torque. This was sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual exclusively due to there being no space to fit the firm’s self-shifting transmission.
One also has to consider whether an Audi S1 would be feasible for the brand. A recent report, sourcing information from Renault’s current CEO Luca de Meo, suggests that the cost of combustion-powered supermini B-segment hatchbacks from Europe such as the Volkswagen Polo and subsequently, the Audi A1, could double in price by 2025 due to the EU’s strict emission regulations.
Therefore, where an internal combustion Audi S1 is concerned, we may have to hold our breath. Looking into the future, there’s still somewhat of a possibility that the concept could return in EV guise.
Shortly after the launch of the current generation A1, the brand’s head of communications confirmed that an Audi S1 was not on the cards.
Honestly, it’s difficult with that platform, it’s difficult,” Oberndorfer told the Australian publication.
“This was quite an investment. You remember the first series of the A1 quattro was very expensive to build.
“The S1 was also not easy to do because it was done later; it was not originally on the platform. It was quite an investment.
