Ever since Audi released the A1 supermini we have been patiently waiting for the inevitable 'quattro' tuned version to rival the JCW MINI and Clio RS. Rumours persist that S1 and RS 1 models will eventually join the line-up and Audi even teased us with the positively mental Clubsport quattro at Wörthersee but the recent announcement regarding the 256hp A1 quattro has still caught us by surprise.
Designed to take the crown of most powerful and fastest car in its class the A1 quattro will sport a slightly detuned version of the S3's turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder TFSI engine. Producing 256hp and 350Nm the A1 quattro should be good for a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds and top speed of 245km/h. As the name suggests the A1 quattro is outfitted with Audi's all-wheel drive system making it the first A1 model not to be front-wheel drive.
All examples of the A1 quattro will be finished in Glacier White metallic paintwork with contrasting black colouring on the roof, rear hatch and diffuser. New bumpers front and rear, a new grille and 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels will set the A1 quattro apart from its lesser siblings.
Unfortunately the A1 quattro does come with a rather sizeable downside. Only 333 examples will be produced so finding one of these über superminis could be difficult, but worse still is that - for the moment at least - all cars will be left-hand drive only. Audi will gauge customer interest in the car before determining whether or not to offer it in right-hand drive.
The A1 quattro will be available in mainland Europe in the second half of 2012. No official word yet on pricing but the latest reports suggest that, should you be lucky enough to find one, you will not get much change back out of €50,000.