Audi 252bhp A1 gets green light 21 | 12 | 2011
JUST IN TIME for Christmas, Audi has confirmed it's set to blow away rivals in the supermini class by launching its limited-production, 252bhp, four-wheel-drive A1 (see more official photos of the A1 quattro).
Not only will the pocket-rocket go head-to-head with Audi's own S3, but it's likely to impact on sales of the Renault Clio Cup and Ford Fiesta ST, plus the bigger full-size not-hatches, the Renault Mégane 250 and Ford Focus ST.
Power for the 252bhp A1 comes from the same turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine used in the S3: it produces 252bhp at 6000rpm and 258lb/ft from 2500-4500rpm.
The mighty atom uses a six-speed manual gearbox linked to a Haldex-style four-wheel drive system which Audi has engineered for the A1’s PQ25 platform.
Audi engineers are remaining tightlipped about official performance figures, but it's understood the A1 equals the S3's 0-62mph sprint time of 5.7sec. The newcomer will also reach a top speed of 152mph.
Provisionally, combined economy is said to be 33.2mpg.
Read our exclusive roadtest of the 2012 Audi A4
So far, so good then: but here's the bad news. At the moment Audi has no plans to produce any of the initial 333 A1 quattros in right-hand drive. That said, given the fact the UK is one of Audi's major market, that stance is believed to be 'fluid'.
Next month Audi UK will decide whether to import left-hand-drive examples of the car.
The car's styling cues hark back to Audi's golden world rallying era, with a deep new bumper housing enlarged air ducts and a large black-framed grille.
Substantial 18-inch centre-lock white-painted wheels shod with 225/35 tyres dominate each corner, while flared sills help give the car a wider stance.
But take a look at the car's rear-end, and you're in for something of a shock. There's a prominent spoiler to provide added downforce at high speeds for greater stability; plus a deeper rear bumper with a prominent valance panel and twin chromed exhausts.
There's significant changes too in the cabin. There's heavily bolstered sports seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and new door trims, all decked out in black leather with red stitching.
The A1 quattro will go on sale in selected European markets in the second half of next year. Price? Not even a hint yet, but you can be guaranteed it'll be substantially higher than the current range-topping S-tronic-equipped 1.4 TFSI at £20,710.
Audi reveals five-door A1 Sportback
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Jim McGill