It looks like the new Audi A1 Quattro will revolutionize the small cars segment with its 2.0-liter engine that delivers 256 hp, the six speed manual transmission and Quattro all wheel drive. In other words, it’s a mini hot hatch that has no rival at the moment, no car in this class going past the 250 hp limit or featuring all wheel drive system.
The 256 hp power output is delivered at 6,000 rpm, while maximum torque also has an impressive level, 350 Nm, available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. As you can imagine, the Audi A1 Quattro becomes a small devil, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds (like and Audi S3!) and reaching a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph). What’s also interesting is that the average fuel consumption is more than decent for what the car is capable of, only 8.5 liters per 100 km (27.6 US mpg).
In order to make the small A1 handle such impressive power output, Audi engineers did some important upgrades: the electronic stability control features a new SPORT function (if you really want extreme sensations, the stability control can be completely shut down) and the steering now features a revised 14.8:1 direct steering ratio. The Audi A1 Quattro also features new 18-inch turbine-style alloy wheels, just like the famous Audi Quattro that impressed everyone in the ’80s, while the tires’ size is 225/35 R18.
By installing the Quattro all wheel drive system, luggage space was reduced by 60 liters, but the car keeps its four seats configuration on the interior, leaving enough space for daily needs. On the inside, the car features several “Quattro” badges, while the black leather upholstery has red contrasting stitching.
As for the exterior, the new Audi A1 Quattro is very well individualized in the range, “borrowing” almost all the impressive styling features of the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro concept that debuted earlier this year at the Worthersee event in May: racing style bumpers, new side sills, a large roof spoiler and two large exhaust tailpipes, Glacier White paint finish and High-Gloss Black for several interior parts and the roof.
The German carmaker announced that the Audi A1 Quattro will make its debut at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March. No pricing details were mentioned in the press release, but Audi did say that the car will be built in a limited production run, only 333 units being planned.