Limited edition 256PS Audi A1 quattro is the hot hatch you can’t have
Audi UK has confirmed that the ultra-exclusive 256PS A1 quattro will be priced at £41,020 OTR when an extremely limited quota of just nineteen UK-bound, left-hand-drive examples officially becomes available to order in early March. UK Audi Centres already have deposits for the vast majority of these exceptional high performance subcompacts, which are not only unique in featuring quattro all-wheel-drive, a larger capacity 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and rally-inspired styling, but also an all-encompassing specification including equipment upgrades to the value of over £11,000.
More than 600 components have been either reworked or replaced in the creation of the A1 quattro, one of the most prominent of which is the engine. The turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit has been adopted from the TTS, and delivers its specially tuned 256PS output at 6,000rpm, and its punchy 350Nm torque peak between 2,500 and 4,500rpm. It enables the A1 quattro to power from rest to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 152mph, while also returning up to 32.8mpg according to the combined cycle test.
Power is channelled via a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the heart of which is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath. The clutch is mounted on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution. Handling precision and adjustability are also enhanced by an XDS selective differential lock and a specially configured Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which offers a sport mode with a higher threshold for intervention and can be switched off entirely for track use.
The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro also borrows heavily from the TTS, particularly the advanced multi-link rear set-up. Responsive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio complements this taut and well balanced configuration, as do ventilated disc brakes with high performance 312mm front discs.