Audi A1 1.4T quattro

What‘s it? The choice to base the Audi A1 on a single PQ25 platform like the Volkswagen Polo’s is logical enough. Except the PQ25 was engineered for front-wheel drive only. So Audi faced a dilemma to its more powerful A1s, including its high-performance S1. Audi originally eyed doing the S1 with front-wheel drive. But after some thought in regards to the ramifications towards the image of their traditionally four-wheel-drive S-car line-up, that idea is ditched in favour of the costly engineering programme to supply the PQ25 with four-wheel drive capability – the very first fruits of that driven here as an early prototype fitted with a similar driveline like the A1 1. 4T range-topper. See pics from the Audi A1 1. 4T quattro in action What’s it like? The mods towards the A1’s existing structure are fairly straightforward. They include a propshaft running aft coming from the gearbox – a typical six-speed manual in your car – along side the adoption in an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch. Along by having an added set of two rear driveshafts, all of it adds 90kg towards the car’s weight. The new clutch – basically a similar unit applied on four-wheel-drive A3s – continuously apportions drive involving the front and rear wheels counting on prevailing traction, and it also can send 100 per cent to either axle. The primary attributes of four-wheel drive can’t be understated – especially in wintery conditions like those in our first drive from the upcoming 1. 4T quattro, a model set to become positioned one rung below the S1. Running a similar 1. 4-litre engine like the Polo GTI, it packs a solid 185bhp and 184lb ft. The four-wheel drive system brings improved off-the-line performance and greater security without altering the A1’s intrinsic driving character. But with these experience restricted to some short drive with an icy track, we’ve yet to fully really know what effect It‘ll have on day-to-day driving and also the A1’s impressive agility. Should I buy one? While giving the A1 an additional dimension, the addition of four-wheel drive towards the PQ25 structure looks like having an effect outside the Audi line-up. It‘s yet to become made official, but VW is rumoured to become looking to become taking a look at a four-wheel-drive CrossPolo and Polo R – models made possible by Audi’s insistence to reach beyond front-wheel drive to the A1. Greg Kable Audi A1 1. 4T quattro Price : £21, 800 (est ) ; Top speed : 140mph (est ) ; 0-62mph : 6. 9sec (est ) ; Economy : 45mpg (est ) ; CO2 : 140g / km (est ) ; Kerb weight : 1215kg (est ) ; Engine type : 4 cyls, 1390cc, twin-charged, petrol ; Power : 185bhp at 6200rpm ; Torque : 184lb ft at 2000-4500rpm ; Gearbox : 6-spd manual Audi A1 1. 4T quattro