Audi’s new A1, set for launch in Mzansi at the end of January, is probably going to get a quattro AWD package at some point in its life. Normally quattro is reserved for more powerful and performance-oriented Audis so there is hope such a model is on the cards.
Minor details of the A1 quattro are as follows: the car will use a similar system to the one employed by the A3 and TT quattro models, which is based on an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle. Most of the engine power goes to the front, essentially making it a front-wheel-drive but is distributed to the rear when the front axle loses grip.
Audi SA will launch the A1 with an 1.2-litre TFSI, a 1.4 TFSI and possibly a 1.6 TDI. Quattro will not feature in any of these cars, but is probably reserved for the performance S1 and RS 1, expected to carry about 160kW and 190kW each respectively.
