Audi restricts A1 quattro to left-hook markets

Audi has announced a limited edition A1 quattro to be built for left-hand-drive markets only.

Just 333 cars in this specification will be built — all in white — with production commencing in the second half of 2012. Audi is clearly confident that they will all sell in an instant — without needing to factor in right-hand drive conversion.

When motoring.com.au spoke with Anna Burgdorf, General Manager for Corporate Communications at Audi Australia, she explained that she couldn't "comment on behalf of Audi AG's decision-making process," in response to the question of why the A1 quattro was not available to right-hand drive markets like Australia.

But when it was asked of her whether this indicated Audi wouldn't build quattro A1 variants in right-hand drive at some future date, she had this to say: "I don't think that's a logical conclusion."

"It doesn't mean that there will never be a right-hand drive [A1] quattro," she said, but would not offer any further comment. Industry speculation has been rife that Audi would build a high-performance version of the A1 with a quattro drivetrain, but there has been no official word from the factory on that subject. the existence of the limited-production model is clearer evidence than ever that Audi will go ahead with a mainstream model  — and it's practically inconceivable it won't be built for RHD markets around the world.

The A1 quattro is powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI (direct-injected, turbocharged) four-cylinder engine, producing 188kW of power and 350Nm of torque. According to the company, the A1 quattro will reach 100km/h from a standing start in 5.7 seconds — about the same as large-capacity V8s from a few years ago — and reach an estimated top speed of 245km/h. Despite that, the official fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km.

The engine, mounted transversely, drives through a six-speed transmission to the all-wheel drive quattro system, which features a multi-plate wet-clutch system at the rear axle to split torque between front and rear wheels. Most of the torque runs to the front wheels in normal driving, with more torque going to the rear when the system detects slip. An electric pump builds up the oil pressure to operate the clutch and direct more torque to the rear.

The 8.0x18-inch alloy drive wheels are suspended by MacPherson struts at the front and a four-link IRS system behind. Steering is electro-hydraulically assisted and the brakes comprise discs all round, ventilated at the front.

Standard features will include xenon plus headlights, high-beam assist, adaptive brake lights, auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, electrochromatic mirror, reverse-parking system, climate control, alarm, cruise control, CD audio system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation.

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