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Audi · Supermini · 2012–2018

Audi S1 8X

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

231 PS

2.0L TFSI Benzin

231 hp manual AWD — rare and underrated

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

190–192 PS

1.8L TFSI Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

185 PS

1.4L TSI Benzin

8 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Audi S1 8X is available with one engine variant at 185 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

S1 · Benziner· 185–231 PS Engine Change
2012 2014
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2014 2018
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2014 2018
Good Choice 6 weaknesses

The Audi S1 (Benziner, 185–231 PS) comes with 4 different engines: CTHG (2012–2014, Stay Away!) und CXZA (2014–2018, Good Choice) und CWZA (2014–2018, Be Careful) und CYJA (2014–2018, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the S1!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Axle springs break after 7+ years

From the seventh year of operation, axle springs can break or fatigue. With the sportier, stiffer suspension tune the problem occurs earlier in the S1 than in the standard A1.

Symptoms: Clicking noises when compressing the suspension, vehicle sitting low on one side, poor cornering behaviour
from 100,000 km
Ad Achsfeder Audi S1 8X frontspring Audi A1 8X Sport
 Medium
●Front wheel bearings prone to wear

Wheel bearing damage manifests as a light humming noise at increasing speeds. The added weight from the S1's all-wheel drive system stresses the wheel bearings more than in the front-wheel-drive A1.

Symptoms: Humming or droning that increases with speed, amplified in corners
from 90,000 km
Ad wheel bearingsatz Audi S1 8X frontwheel bearing A1 8X 2014
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 29 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi S1 8X (2012–2018) — 24 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CTHG (1.4L TSI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Gearbox, Electronics. Considered reliable: CXZA (2.0L TFSI), CYJA (1.8L TFSI).

What to watch out for with the Audi S1? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi S1 8X have? +
The Audi S1 8X has 24 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi S1 8X? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: CXZA (2.0L TFSI), CYJA (1.8L TFSI). The most reliable engine is the CYJA (1.8L TFSI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the CXZA (2.0L TFSI). Problem engine: CTHG (1.4L TSI) — stay away!
Which Audi S1 8X engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Audi S1 8X. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Audi S1 8X engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi S1 8X — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Only ~25,000 built, manual only. The S1 grips like a mini Impreza — AWD, short wheelbase, direct steering. No longer cheap on the used market, but one of the last analog compact AWD hot hatches. On tight roads, almost nothing beats it.
Is the Audi S1 8X worth buying used? +
The Audi S1 8X is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi S1 8X? +
The Audi S1 8X is available with engine variants from 185 to 231 hp. Petrol: CTHG (1.4L TSI), CXZA (2.0L TFSI), CWZA (2.0L TFSI), CYJA (1.8L TFSI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee