Audi recently announced that its quattro technology will soon be made available in the A1 – making the new sub-compact the first car in its segment to feature all-wheel-drive.
In a press release Audi explains that this vehicle will use similar technology to what is utilised in the A3 and TT line-ups with “an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight”.
The quattro technology comes into play when sensors detect that the front wheels are losing grip. The clutch transfers torque to the rear axle, while a pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure. For the normal day-to-day driving, most of the power is sent to the front wheels.
Audi recently took a prototype version of this car to a snowy Canada for testing. It will form part of the Fascination of Quattro event that will take place in Montreal. This event celebrates and commemorates 30 years of all-wheel drive technology from the Ingolstadt-based company.
The first quattro Audi made its debut at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show. This was the start of many road and race triumphs for the company. Audi claims that since then, it has produced close to 3,7 million cars with permanent all-wheel-drive technology.
In terms of local A1 offerings, the new A1 will be launched in SA next month with the choice between a 63 kW 1,T FSI (five-speed manual), 90 kW 1,4T FSI (six-speed manual) and a 77 kW 1,6 TDI (five-speed manual) versions. A 132 kW variant will join the line-up later in the year.