The new limited edition Audi A1 stakes a claim to be the most powerful and fastest accelerating car of its kind ever created. The new ultra-exclusive A1 is not only the first to enter production with quattro all-wheel-drive but is also the first to adopt a larger capacity petrol engine ramping power up to 256PS. Limited to just 333 examples worldwide, it will combine its unprecedented performance and agility with a suitably rarefied equipment list.

The A1 quattro has a turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which delivers its maximum 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.

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.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If traction decreases there, the clutch can transfer torque steplessly to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds by forcing the packages of plates together by a defined amount. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the oil pressure. If a wheel on one of the axles starts to skid, it is braked by the electronic differential lock (EDL). The electronic stability program (ESP) also includes a sport mode which sets a higher threshold for intervention, and can be switched off entirely for track use.

The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro has been adapted to suit the dynamics of the drivetrain, and the multi-plate clutch has also been positioned on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution. The front suspension is a McPherson strut construction, while a four-link set-up is used at the rear. Responsive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio complements this taut and well balanced configuration.

Finished exclusively in Glacier White metallic, complemented by 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels also in Glacier White and a high-gloss black roof, the A1 quattro will stand out from the outset. It will also distinguish itself visually through an exclusive design for the front and rear bumpers, the grille and its frame, red painted ‘wings’ within the headlights, a large two-colour rear spoiler and two sizeable, 100-millimetre diameter polished exhaust tailpipes.

Finishing touches such as tinted LED rear lights, tinted rear windows and a contrasting black colouring for the rear hatch and rear diffuser will also mark out the top-ranking A1, as will quattro badges on the grille, roof arch and rear hatch which bear testament to this car’s unique position as the first ever all-wheel-drive production A1.