UK Product Communications – Milton Keynes
Nineteen examples of high performance, high specification all-wheel-drive A1 are destined for the UK and most are already spoken for
- Exclusive left-hand-drive-only all-wheel-drive A1 model limited to 333 examples worldwide, just nineteen of which will be imported to the UK
- OTR price confirmed at £41,020 – deposits to be converted by Audi Centres into stock orders when ordering officially opens in March
- Deliveries to begin in the second half of 2012
- Powered by 2.0-litre TFSI engine delivering 256PS at 6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque between 2,500 and 4,500rpm, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed 152mph, combined mpg 32.8, CO2 199g/km
- Unique and extensive exterior and interior specification, over 600 components either reworked or replaced
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.
Unique specification
With its Glacier White metallic paint, Glacier White 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels, high-gloss black roof complete with prominent spoiler and deep-set bumpers with 100-millimetre tailpipes at the rear the A1 quattro looks fresh from the rally stage. The quattro badges on the grille, roof arch and rear hatch further reinforce this.
Purposeful black dominates the interior, a focal point of which is the multi-adjustable Silk Nappa leather-upholstered S sport seats with their pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints, red stitching and quattro insignias. Eye-catching features also include white needles, the red-faced rev counter and the flat-bottomed multi-function sports steering wheel with contrasting red stitching and an inset limited edition plaque.
As befits its standing at the pinnacle of the range the A1 quattro will be suitably lavishly equipped with virtually the full complement of equipment, which if added to a standard series production A1 would boost its price by over £11,000. Features include xenon plus headlights, the high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, the acoustic rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, a storage package, the convenience key and cruise control.
Online services
Entertainment and information features will be even more exceptional, with a CD changer, DAB digital radio, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, hard disk-based MMI navigation plus, a 465-watt 14-speaker BOSE sound system with illuminated woofers in the doors and Mobile Phone Preparation High with Online Services all included as standard. The Mobile Phone Preparation High system enables a Bluetooth-equipped online car phone to connect to the Internet and deliver special web services, including Google Earth, to the car. Passengers can also connect their mobile devices to the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.
Audi A1 quattro is inbound – Audi UK has confirmed that nineteen examples of the high performance, left-hand-drive-only A1 quattro are destined for the UK. OTR pricing has been confirmed at £41,020, and Audi Centres already have deposits for almost all the allocation even before ordering officially opens in March.
