Audi S1 haldex generation
Discussion
Hi All,
Does anyone know if the haldex system on the S1 is the gen 4 or 5? I've read in some places it's actually a torsen system but then that goes against it being a transverse mounted engine so not sure I believe that. Having said that, the S1 doesn't seem to come in for too much criticism about understeer whereas the mk1 Audi TTS (which is a gen 4) seems to a lot more.
Ultimately I'm weighing up whether the S! would be more fun to drive than the more powerful TTS due to a better drive system so even if no one knows the above question, has anyone had experience of driving both cars instead? I have test driven the S1 which seemed fantastic but didn't want to scare the sales lady even more by testing the handling out too much.
Does anyone know if the haldex system on the S1 is the gen 4 or 5? I've read in some places it's actually a torsen system but then that goes against it being a transverse mounted engine so not sure I believe that. Having said that, the S1 doesn't seem to come in for too much criticism about understeer whereas the mk1 Audi TTS (which is a gen 4) seems to a lot more.
Ultimately I'm weighing up whether the S! would be more fun to drive than the more powerful TTS due to a better drive system so even if no one knows the above question, has anyone had experience of driving both cars instead? I have test driven the S1 which seemed fantastic but didn't want to scare the sales lady even more by testing the handling out too much.
Hi OP, not sure whether it does use the latest version of haldex, as I thought Audi introduced Ultra, which was the latest version in 2016, after the S1 was launched.
I have driven a TTS for a day as a courtesy car and they are mighty quick, however it is a very different car to the S1, clearly less practical. I have found the S1 quite a fun car to drive, even when you push it hard, it feels quite planted and better steering feel you get from the Audi range.
Most of the reviewers liked the car at launch, however at the time it was competing with the Golf R on price so sales did not take off as well. It's weight is on the high side, not that you really feel it too much, but suspect why so many modify. Make a great used buy, not too many around either..
G
I have driven a TTS for a day as a courtesy car and they are mighty quick, however it is a very different car to the S1, clearly less practical. I have found the S1 quite a fun car to drive, even when you push it hard, it feels quite planted and better steering feel you get from the Audi range.
Most of the reviewers liked the car at launch, however at the time it was competing with the Golf R on price so sales did not take off as well. It's weight is on the high side, not that you really feel it too much, but suspect why so many modify. Make a great used buy, not too many around either..
G
I like S1s for the reasons I think you're looking for. They feel four-wheel-drive a lot more of the time than some other Haldex cars can.
Sometimes quattro cars with open differentials behave like a very high grip front wheel drive car, absolutely tons of grip and traction, and a generally neutral feel up to the point you reach the limit of the front tyres. The rear sometimes only feels alive on hard launches or in low grip conditions.
Sport differential equipped cars feel like they're working all 4 tyres much more of the time and there's a sensation that the rear axle working hard.
S1s feel more like this, it might be to do with it being a light car with a short wheel base but they've got this lovely squat, four-square kind of a vibe about them. They are lizard like in that when pushed hard your bum's telling you that all four corners are playing their part. They don't over-rotate but you get the sensation that the rear axle is there to help you have fun rather than just keep you safe.
The other thing I love is that they have a slightly 'over-engined' feel that you used to find in things like the First Clio Sport - they feel slightly naughty/cheeky.
It's a lot like the Golf GTI vs Golf R argument for me. The former is slower but feels faster (and by extension can be more fun).
Sometimes quattro cars with open differentials behave like a very high grip front wheel drive car, absolutely tons of grip and traction, and a generally neutral feel up to the point you reach the limit of the front tyres. The rear sometimes only feels alive on hard launches or in low grip conditions.
Sport differential equipped cars feel like they're working all 4 tyres much more of the time and there's a sensation that the rear axle working hard.
S1s feel more like this, it might be to do with it being a light car with a short wheel base but they've got this lovely squat, four-square kind of a vibe about them. They are lizard like in that when pushed hard your bum's telling you that all four corners are playing their part. They don't over-rotate but you get the sensation that the rear axle is there to help you have fun rather than just keep you safe.
The other thing I love is that they have a slightly 'over-engined' feel that you used to find in things like the First Clio Sport - they feel slightly naughty/cheeky.
It's a lot like the Golf GTI vs Golf R argument for me. The former is slower but feels faster (and by extension can be more fun).
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