The Audi A1 quattro represents the pinnacle of sportiness and power in the German city car's range. With its 256 hp engine and manual gearbox, this limited edition of only 333 units has become a true urban legend. Immerse yourself in the world of this little bomb that you will probably never come across on the road.
Audi's return to the B segment
In 2010, Audi made its big comeback in the city car segment, a market it had abandoned since the Audi 50 of 1974. After the mixed experience of the A2, a small, avant-garde but misunderstood MPV, the brand with the rings returned to basics with the A1.
The Audi A1 is positioned as Ingolstadt's premium response to the Mini and other DS 3s. Available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, it however hides a well-kept secret: an ultra-sporty version which completely transcends the concept of city dweller.
The A1 quattro: when the city car thinks it's a racing car
Limited to just 333 examples, the A1 quattro is the quintessence of what Audi knows how to do in terms of sportiness. Priced at 53,600 euros, almost double the already well-equipped 1.4 TFSI 185 hp version, it justifies its price with performance and an extraordinary look.
A design that does not go unnoticed
The A1 quattro stands out at first glance:
The interior is not to be outdone with leather sports seats, a metallic gear lever knob and a rev counter with a white background.
An engine worthy of the greatest sports cars
Under the hood, the A1 quattro hides a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection engine developing a whopping 256 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Associated with a 6-speed manual gearbox and Haldex all-wheel drive, it propels the little bomb from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and allows it to reach 245 km/h at peak.
Unique driving sensations
The A1 quattro offers an intense driving experience:
A rarity that has become a collector's item
Unfortunately, the A1 quattro is no longer available for sale new. Its limited production makes it a popular collector's item among enthusiasts. On the second-hand market, the rare examples available start at 50,000 euros.
The legacy of the A1 quattro
Although the A1 quattro remained a confidential model, it left its mark and proved that a city car could compete with much more imposing sports cars. Its spirit lives on today through the S1 and RS1 versions, which offer high performance in a compact format.
A unique philosophy in the segment
The A1 quattro perfectly embodies Audi's philosophy: to offer high-performance and refined cars, whatever their segment. It demonstrates that even a city car can benefit from the brand's sporting know-how, with all-wheel drive and a powerful engine.
This uncompromising approach to performance in a compact format makes the A1 quattro a true icon, admired as much for its dynamic capabilities as for its rarity. To this day, it remains one of the most radical city cars ever produced, a status which helps maintain its legend among car enthusiasts.
SRQ Backlot