If it was me I'd get an S1 and get some wheels which are very similar to the the A1 quattro. Tune it too. I'm curious if anyone has done a DSG conversion in these. Would be mental
The A1 clubsport quattro is featured in NFS MW 2012. Although I'm sure it's been overlooked by many (including me) whenever playing the game, it is a gem. It's sleek, absolutely good looking, and they did a fine job with the noise and handling. Although in the game the handling should be taken with a pinch of salt, mainly because it's a tumble crazy arcade game, and not meant to be taken too seriously. But I have to say, I do really like the car. If you know what you're doing, it just slides and glides like a dream. Honestly the game is why I started liking the car. I'm not a huge Audi fan, although I'm more of a Lamborghini fan (extremely.) but as a car lover, loving other cars other than basic supercars expands the horizon of your tastes. This maybe one of the few Audi's I like, and I would certainly drive one in real life.
That was the game which introduced me to this car. I liked some of the oddball cars in there which you don't really see elsewhere like the Ford focus RS500
I often thought JW looked a bit cocky and would come across the same way during reviews, so didn't watch many of his vids. I was very wrong. He's amongst the best of his type on RUclips, probably my favourite now, due to his excellent commentary and in-depth analysis. I never watch one of his vids and feel he's left questions unanswered. Lovely drone work too. And he seems like a really nice chap. Thank you sir!
Didn’t even know this thing existed until I saw Cars With Luke’s videos a couple years ago and I just fell in love with it. Those wheels are incredible, proper rally vibes
I would dare say this A1 Quattro has some classic design cues that are a homage to the famous mid-1980s Audi GT. That wing and those wheels are reminiscent of a 1985 Audi GT. Again, best channel on RUclips. PS, just returned from long weekend in London and enjoyed the car spotting!
I think the Lexus LC500 might go down as a modern classic in a few years as well. It is a very new model, but it comes at a time where everyone (Lexus included) are swapping to downsizing and turbocharging, even hybrid platforms etc.. And then comes Lexus, after people believing that the LFA was a bit of a one-time job, and they launch this incredible grand tourer with a naturally aspirated high capacity V8 and showcar-like looks and says "yes, this is production ready" and just throws it out into the market like madmen. I honestly applaud them for going against the market and proving that you don't need to play the same game as the competition to beat them.
Agreed. Some S1s were better than others aesthetically, but I prefer the A1 Q looks. The A1 Quattro is a more raw and engaging drive too - and came as standard fully loaded with the options that would total £5 - 10k in an S1, especially towards the end of production (2018). That said, the S1 is much more liveable and a superior daily driver.
I had one of these, you could get them brand new quite easily, but there just wasn't the demand for a left hand drive in the UK. Amazing car, and FYI, there are ONLY 5 on the road in the UK, 7 SORN (off road) and the remaining 7 were exported in to Europe (because demand was much greater).
£40k was a lot of money for a subcompact in 2012. Unsurprising, as that’s roughly equivalent to £56k in 2024, so many would baulk at paying that even today with new cars reaching truly absurd prices. Obviously left hand drive didn’t help sales either. However most of the 19 allocated to the UK were reserved before they arrived and I have it on good authority that with the amount of reconfiguring and engineering involved Audi made very little on these cars. Recent sales indicate they have appreciated in value, even with a fair few miles on, which is nice to see as it means (some) people are actually driving them! You’re right to say that a couple of the UK cars went overseas (mostly to the EU), but one or two came back, including EU stock. Most were purchased by collectors / investors who’ve squirrelled them away and either drive sparingly or not at all. They are good looking little cars, sprightly too and a hoot to hoon around the backroads, but more raw and less ‘daily driver’ liveable than the S1 with the adjustable dampers. Some say they are identical to drive, but that is simply not the case. It is true that the S1 wouldn’t have happened without the A1 Quattro, so it’s not only an interesting car because of the limited production, but it’s also important as it’s a sort of ‘missing link’. It should also be mentioned that it helped pave the way for the EKS JC / Rally Technic ‘s WRC2 A1 Quattro, which has a 1.6 four pot. Finally, one wonders if it spurred Toyota to give us the GR Yaris..? Both great cars, but the Yaris’ somewhat tacky cabin couldn’t hold a candle to the A1 Quattro.
Oh man, I wish the mad engineers at QUATTRO could manage to fit the 5 cylinder from the RS5 into the A1 platform. Not really just for the performance, but for the sound and character of that engine. Would be a match made in heaven, and a true throwback to the good old Quattro and group B days
@@TheDatpussy The point is to put it in the tiny and super nimble A1 platform. In a similar fashion this A1 Quattro is not the same as a comparable S3 that existed at the same time. The driving experiences between the two platforms are quite different
We didn't actually go retail, we were looking for a car in a really big audi dealership in barcelona, and the A1 quattro we own was the one used for the reviews in the spainsh car magazines and youtube videos, so when we went to the dealership we saw the car outside which was being driven by the owner of the dealership and we asked him if he would be interested in selling it to us@@ndz1748
Congratulations! What a car and love the back story of how you came to own it. Incidentally, do you happen to know what happened to the wreck of the other A1 Quattro you mentioned?
Absolutely love my S1. It’s not as rare as the A1 Quattro of course but I’ve only ever seen one other on the road here in Cornwall. Consequently I’ve surprised quite a few other drivers who have no idea what it is 😜
Old ford rs or pug 205 gti 1.9 or see if you can get hold of a 22b suburu Impreza as they are all modern classics and there values are flying....escort cosworth or Sierra there both belters too....love this series by the way congratulations
Might have funky looks but it sounds and goes like lightning. Awesome vehicle, mind sharing where you got it? I'm, trying to review all different kinds of cars and relying on my circle to get them.
i totally agree with the small car down country lanes being more fun esp. UK single track. I like my big powerful cars but my partners hot hatch is far easier to plough down those country roads.:)
Agreed - and more than enough on British back roads in most instances. I’m still surprised at how quickly I can weave in my S1, sure it wouldn’t measure up against the big boys on the open road, but that’s not what it’s for. Plus, despite Audi’s reputation for producing rather insipid driving experiences and loadsa understeer, I find the S1 to be incredibly fun to drive and capable come rain or shine.
Sorry to burst peoples bubbles, but Audi have reportedly said, they're not going to make a new S1. Which seems a little weird since they're making the A1 Allroad, which is a AWD A1.
Someone giving you 'road clear' info from somewhere in front? I can’t see how you'd avoid a head on crash on tight bends on these single track roads otherwise.
This car is literally definition of a pocket rocket. The wheels are absolutely amazing
This and the 595 bipostio fiat
@@princetubby5698 agree
🤦♂️
The wheels are shit
Renault Clio V6. Modern classic for sure
What about the Espace with the F1 engine xD
Even though I don’t really take to the Clio it is one of the best hatchbacks I’ve driven
Great idea Clio v6 phase 2 one would be better out of the v6’s but great shout
Might be the end of Mr JWW if he drives that tail happy little thing
This is my dream daily driver, I wouldn't care about the rareness, just enjoying it every single day!
get an s1.
If it was me I'd get an S1 and get some wheels which are very similar to the the A1 quattro. Tune it too. I'm curious if anyone has done a DSG conversion in these. Would be mental
Renault Clio 3.0 V6 Sport please James👍
Coming soon
Yaaaaaas
@@MrJWW mak sure its in liquid yellow aswell
Mr JWW look forward to it 👍
Cannot wait for the Clio V6! 😎
The A1 clubsport quattro is featured in NFS MW 2012. Although I'm sure it's been overlooked by many (including me) whenever playing the game, it is a gem. It's sleek, absolutely good looking, and they did a fine job with the noise and handling.
Although in the game the handling should be taken with a pinch of salt, mainly because it's a tumble crazy arcade game, and not meant to be taken too seriously.
But I have to say, I do really like the car. If you know what you're doing, it just slides and glides like a dream. Honestly the game is why I started liking the car. I'm not a huge Audi fan, although I'm more of a Lamborghini fan (extremely.) but as a car lover, loving other cars other than basic supercars expands the horizon of your tastes.
This maybe one of the few Audi's I like, and I would certainly drive one in real life.
That was the game which introduced me to this car. I liked some of the oddball cars in there which you don't really see elsewhere like the Ford focus RS500
"Adrenaline injected ferret" 😂😂
Anyone else get Group B vibes from how this looks?
That was definitely the idea of the design team 😊 those wheels are so cool!
No, not even remotely close to group B, what are you on about!?
Loving this series and every single car you've reviewed.
This modern classic series is just fantastic James! Absolutely sublime.
Awesome video , you're banging out a lot of modern day classic days, keep it coming!
Your original S1 video made me look and purchase an S1. Well done to Audi engineers and their drugs to make this A1!
You are savage !! You dared doing a handbreak turn in such a rare car.......! 😂😂😂
I often thought JW looked a bit cocky and would come across the same way during reviews, so didn't watch many of his vids. I was very wrong. He's amongst the best of his type on RUclips, probably my favourite now, due to his excellent commentary and in-depth analysis. I never watch one of his vids and feel he's left questions unanswered. Lovely drone work too. And he seems like a really nice chap.
Thank you sir!
Yeah he's not penis-y at all.
Didn’t even know this thing existed until I saw Cars With Luke’s videos a couple years ago and I just fell in love with it. Those wheels are incredible, proper rally vibes
I look so forward to this series and it’s content - love it! Great job, wonderful idea, brilliant all around. Cheers.
The A1 Quattro is definitely a Pocket Rocket, good video as always
Rare ,stylish and technically, well thought out , Audi had a winner , nice review😎
The wheels are one of my favourite designs.
Great episode James love the S1 and A1 Quattro
Great little pocket rocket. Not had the chance to drive one, but a passenger ride really impressed my. Very capable!
Pulling the handbrake, you little devil. Amazing!
quite sad that audi isnt going to be going down the S1/Quattro route for the new shape A1
whattt? You sure'
They haven’t announced it but the new A1 will get a 2L 200bhp fwd from the polo GTI
@@marcolucca5269 last i heard there was no S1 coming
No AWD A1 and deluge of EV nonsense across the rest of the range. Sad times.
The handbrake turn 👌🏻 you hero 😂
Hey James...are you gonna be in Monaco for the F1 weekend with Seb And Paul (SOL)...Bring your TDF.... *YOU ROCK DUDE*
I would dare say this A1 Quattro has some classic design cues that are a homage to the famous mid-1980s Audi GT. That wing and those wheels are reminiscent of a 1985 Audi GT. Again, best channel on RUclips. PS, just returned from long weekend in London and enjoyed the car spotting!
I think the Lexus LC500 might go down as a modern classic in a few years as well. It is a very new model, but it comes at a time where everyone (Lexus included) are swapping to downsizing and turbocharging, even hybrid platforms etc.. And then comes Lexus, after people believing that the LFA was a bit of a one-time job, and they launch this incredible grand tourer with a naturally aspirated high capacity V8 and showcar-like looks and says "yes, this is production ready" and just throws it out into the market like madmen. I honestly applaud them for going against the market and proving that you don't need to play the same game as the competition to beat them.
Fantastic job once again, loved it 👍
Luv the oz racing wheels like the old school 80s, 90s racing cars
Those wheels and the perfect headlights with the great led Audi signature pre-facelift make this car better looking than the S1 ever was.
Agreed. Some S1s were better than others aesthetically, but I prefer the A1 Q looks. The A1 Quattro is a more raw and engaging drive too - and came as standard fully loaded with the options that would total £5 - 10k in an S1, especially towards the end of production (2018). That said, the S1 is much more liveable and a superior daily driver.
I had one of these, you could get them brand new quite easily, but there just wasn't the demand for a left hand drive in the UK. Amazing car, and FYI, there are ONLY 5 on the road in the UK, 7 SORN (off road) and the remaining 7 were exported in to Europe (because demand was much greater).
Very cool info, thanks 👍🏻
£40k was a lot of money for a subcompact in 2012. Unsurprising, as that’s roughly equivalent to £56k in 2024, so many would baulk at paying that even today with new cars reaching truly absurd prices. Obviously left hand drive didn’t help sales either.
However most of the 19 allocated to the UK were reserved before they arrived and I have it on good authority that with the amount of reconfiguring and engineering involved Audi made very little on these cars.
Recent sales indicate they have appreciated in value, even with a fair few miles on, which is nice to see as it means (some) people are actually driving them!
You’re right to say that a couple of the UK cars went overseas (mostly to the EU), but one or two came back, including EU stock.
Most were purchased by collectors / investors who’ve squirrelled them away and either drive sparingly or not at all.
They are good looking little cars, sprightly too and a hoot to hoon around the backroads, but more raw and less ‘daily driver’ liveable than the S1 with the adjustable dampers. Some say they are identical to drive, but that is simply not the case.
It is true that the S1 wouldn’t have happened without the A1 Quattro, so it’s not only an interesting car because of the limited production, but it’s also important as it’s a sort of ‘missing link’. It should also be mentioned that it helped pave the way for the EKS JC / Rally Technic ‘s WRC2 A1 Quattro, which has a 1.6 four pot.
Finally, one wonders if it spurred Toyota to give us the GR Yaris..? Both great cars, but the Yaris’ somewhat tacky cabin couldn’t hold a candle to the A1 Quattro.
Great video James, loving the metaphors and the cheeky handbrake pull ;)
Amazing pocket rocket James 😍
Awesome little car! James keep the incredible content coming!!
Oh man, I wish the mad engineers at QUATTRO could manage to fit the 5 cylinder from the RS5 into the A1 platform. Not really just for the performance, but for the sound and character of that engine. Would be a match made in heaven, and a true throwback to the good old Quattro and group B days
Audi rs3?
@@TheDatpussy The point is to put it in the tiny and super nimble A1 platform. In a similar fashion this A1 Quattro is not the same as a comparable S3 that existed at the same time. The driving experiences between the two platforms are quite different
In spain 2 were brought, I own one but I’ve been told the second one had an accident and it couldn’t be repared. Which is a shame 😓
Marc Maier Hi I was wondering how do you exactly go about buying one of these (at retail) ? I wouldn’t imagine you just go on the internet.
We didn't actually go retail, we were looking for a car in a really big audi dealership in barcelona, and the A1 quattro we own was the one used for the reviews in the spainsh car magazines and youtube videos, so when we went to the dealership we saw the car outside which was being driven by the owner of the dealership and we asked him if he would be interested in selling it to us@@ndz1748
Congratulations! What a car and love the back story of how you came to own it. Incidentally, do you happen to know what happened to the wreck of the other A1 Quattro you mentioned?
Next: Beetle RSi 3.2 please!
Only 250 built, lots of wings carbon alcantara and aluminium and price when new was above that of a Porsche 911 Carrera.
Has Salmondrin still got his?
Yes I think so, its such a special modern classic.
Totally agree mate. Great car. Lets get that video done!!
Has anyone suggested the SL 65 AMG Black yet? I feel like that would be appropriate.
Can we please get a run through of what is in your garage these days?
Asking the real questions there... :D
The handbrake clip is just hilarious
James, if you want one theres one for sale in Portugal
Absolutely love my S1. It’s not as rare as the A1 Quattro of course but I’ve only ever seen one other on the road here in Cornwall. Consequently I’ve surprised quite a few other drivers who have no idea what it is 😜
The S1 is a little known and under appreciated little number. Great car for rural Cornwall.
Old ford rs or pug 205 gti 1.9 or see if you can get hold of a 22b suburu Impreza as they are all modern classics and there values are flying....escort cosworth or Sierra there both belters too....love this series by the way congratulations
I had no idea these even existed. Always thought a Quattro A1 would be so much fun
Hey James, would be cool to see a Beetle RSI on your Channel too! So rare - and with the V6 R32 Engine and 4Motion another early classic😍😎💪
There's one on auto trader for 30k and I'm seriously considering it after this video
Wont regret it....do it
Nice one James, would love to see the cosworth rs500.
Thanks for the video mate 👍
Best series ever
An another great car in your serie modern classic!!!
I would say that now that the Alfa Romeo 4C's production has stopped, you could test it too. It is kinda allready a modern classic car.
No ordinary A1... 😁 excellent review..
What about the MK2 Focus RS??
Very limited and still one of the best looking hot hatches till this day.
Is that magnesium wheels ?
Another call for the RB320.
320 made, 320 (316) HP.
Made in honour of Richard Burns, the only English world rally champion to date.
Awesome video mate!
I'm trying to build my own community as well, but it's really difficult to grow a fan base. Massive respect James!
Golf Clubsport S please. You’ll be blown away.
Absolutely love it!!
You need to drive some homologation specials from Japan and Europe. You would love them.
nice pocket rocket
even the ordinary a1 is so good, especially the Sportback version
Such a cool car
For a modern classic you think a first gen Murcialago with a manual or SV would be a good contender?
Adrenaline injected ferret, that made me chuckle
james we need a garage update!!!!
had a S line tdi since 2015 and smile every day i drive it 70 mpg goes like a scalded rat and handles
Amazing little car. And the handbrake bit 😂😂 Girls everywhere love that 👌🏼
How did your tune on the S1 effect your insurance. I have a TT TDI 2008 37K on the clock and have been considering the mod.
Had to cancel who I was originally insured with because they wouldn’t touch it and find an entirely new insurer. I THINK it was Adrian Flux 🤔
Might have funky looks but it sounds and goes like lightning. Awesome vehicle, mind sharing where you got it? I'm, trying to review all different kinds of cars and relying on my circle to get them.
Great!!
Awesome wee car.
i totally agree with the small car down country lanes being more fun esp. UK single track. I like my big powerful cars but my partners hot hatch is far easier to plough down those country roads.:)
Agreed - and more than enough on British back roads in most instances. I’m still surprised at how quickly I can weave in my S1, sure it wouldn’t measure up against the big boys on the open road, but that’s not what it’s for. Plus, despite Audi’s reputation for producing rather insipid driving experiences and loadsa understeer, I find the S1 to be incredibly fun to drive and capable come rain or shine.
Awsome pocket rocket
SUPERCHARGED MINI COOPER James please!
Theres one of these on autotrader for £29,995 right now 😂
Please review a Ds3 BRM. 39 in the world and only 10 right hand drive made for the uk
Love the series. Maybe not a classic but I'd love to see you drive a Noble M600, and get your thoughts on it compared to a Fezza or McLaren.
This channel needs some of the classic JDM cars asap!!!
Coming soon!
Mr JWW Tremendous z
Where did you get Willy Wonka's sun glasses James? Love the A1 though!
I'm glad they do the same thing as a £20 pair of sun glasses lol @Dark Horse
Review an Evo 6.5 TME next!
Great vid James. Always was a fan of the standard A1, it's just a cool little car. The A1 Quattro is the ultimate.
Are those wheels centrelock?
Not centrelock, just the way the centre cap is fitted.
One of 19 UK Spec cars but the steering is left hand drive. Were they “Uk spec” or just imported in the Uk without changes?
They were UK spec in terms of displaying MPH instead of KM etc but production numbers were so low it didn’t warrant a RHD variation.
Bring back the Audi manuals!! 🙏
Love those wheels on them
On the audi note
Audi Quattro
Rs4 mk1 manual
Rs6 mk1 manual
Next : Mini GP R53 / R56 :)
SLS Black Series please.
Watch this space 😜
Mr JWW you sir! Are on the ball.
Nice video
do a review for Modern Classics on Paul Wallace's LP640
Please do a mégane R26R or clio williams or a clio V6 or even an R5 turbo!
Sorry to burst peoples bubbles, but Audi have reportedly said, they're not going to make a new S1.
Which seems a little weird since they're making the A1 Allroad, which is a AWD A1.
Someone giving you 'road clear' info from somewhere in front? I can’t see how you'd avoid a head on crash on tight bends on these single track roads otherwise.
Stunning wheels aside it's just an S1, think I would buy that and mod the hell out of it with the spare change
Looks cool
That’s just a dream car ‚!
You should give the Renaultsport Clio Trophy a go
This is how the S1 should have looked!
Hope Auto-union Audi Vagner Horster they Do a V12 Back Midengine supercar
Give a go to a Mégane RS r26R
This car is available for less than 40K£, in Switzerland, for 49.900 CHF. So its basically depreciated less than the A1s.
while vw polo was smashing WRC audi also did something...
after this series you will have to buy a modern classic
(cgt incoming)