Japan has made some of the most interesting rear-wheel drive performance cars ever. Their GT-R is also the terror of the supercar world, with its mental launch control and tower of V6 power. Yet German car companies are making headway in the land of the rising sun, thanks to their reputation and the approach they take to premium carmaking. The latest to land there is Audi's pocket rocket, the S1 supermini hot hatch.
Audi of Japan has recently begun offering this small quattro car for the relatively high price of 4,100,000 yen ($37,000). For that money, you don't get a lot of space, but you do receive a considerable amount of performance.
The smallest S car ever made measures only four meters yet is powered by a 2.0 TFSI turbo engine that delivers 231 PS at 6,000 rpm and 370 Nm of torque from 1,600 rpm. There's only one gearbox option, and that's the six-speed short-throw manual, which if used right will help you get to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.
Dressed in Vegas Yellow, this German pocket rocket is as bright as a Nike trainer. It also comes with different headlights than the regular A1 model, which incorporate LED daytime running lights. Like all S models, the S1 boasts silver door handles and a silver grille.
Taking corners in this little pocket rocket isn't a problem as the suspension has been fully upgraded. At the front, modified pivot bearings provide better steering response, while the simple compound link rear setups is replaced by a four-link. Variable shock absorbers are also standard on the car.
There's also a very practical, reasonable side to the car, as fuel consumption is a very acceptable 14.4km/l according to the JC08 Japanese domestic cycle (7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers).
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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