Audi released full details of the new S1 family a few weeks ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The high-performance 1-Series Audi launches in two S1 and S1 Sportback guises, boasting proper hot-hatch recipe with a 231PS and 370 Nm 2.0 liter turbo engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Being a fast Audi, they’ve also thrown in the Quattro all-wheel-drive system for good measure. Traditionally, this means catastrophic understeer. But Audi says because the S1 is fitted with electronic differential lock with the fine-tuned wheel-selective torque control, Electronic Stabilisation Control with two-stage deactivation, and braking intervention on the inside wheels, it should be quite agile and responsive through corners.

Four-wheel-drive may spoil the driving fun a little bit, but it helps the car achieve brilliant straight-line performance. Audi S1 and S1 Sportback go from 0 to 62mph in 5.8 and 5.9 seconds respectively, and can reach a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). As for fuel economy, the S1 does 40.3mpg, while the sportier Sportback manages 39.8mpg.

Featuring sport suspension with Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, Audi S1 and S1 Sportback comes with 17-inch wheels and 215/40 R17 tires as standard, while 18-inch rims with fatter rubber are also available. The lager wheels can also be had with larger brake discs.

The ‘S’ treatment also brings new xenon headlights and Led tail lights, two new exterior colours – Vegas yellow and Sepang blue, and an optional exterior package with a roof spoiler. Inside, you get piano black trims, sport steel pedals, and Milano leather and Olympic cloth upholstery. Standard kit includes electronic climate control, a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection and SD card reader linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour display, a Bluetooth interface and a Driver’s Information System.

Prices for the Audi S1 and S1 Sportback in the UK market start from £24,900 and £25,630, respectively.