Unrequited love: Audi releases another Euro-only jewel
You’ve been warned: Like the current Audi S3/RS 3 Sportback, Q3, A5 Sportback, A6 Avant, and RS 6, this here new A1 Quattro, above, is strictly a “look but don’t touch” proposition only for Canadian new car buyers.
Based on the subcompact A1 two-door hatch (which also isn’t heading our way anytime soon), the A1 Quattro is yet another highly-desirable Euro-only Audi. Its motivated by the same 2.0-litre turbo four found in the compact A3-based S3. Its 252 hp and 258 lb-ft allow Audi to claim a 5.7-second 0-60 mph and a top speed of 152 mph. A six-speed manual sends power to a Haldex all-wheel-drive system, and subsequently, to its unique 17-inch alloys that mimic those from the 1980s Quattro rally cars.
Very nice indeed. Just don’t get your heart too set on this little beast. If Audi won’t import the A3-based S3 compact, there’s even a smaller chance the smaller A1 will make the trip across the Atlantic, that is unless Audi starts making them in Mexico.
I, being a fan of small cars with waaay too much power and grip, think bringing the A1 Quattro to Canada is a great idea. It has the potential to totally smoke its closest rival, the 208 hp Mini John Cooper Works. Plus, you have to think the limites edition is a test trial of sorts. Only 333 examples will be made. But if folks line up quick and deep enough, don’t be surprised if a less-radical version shows up for series production with the S1 moniker.
What do you think of the A1 Quattro?
Do you think it would fly with Canadian small car performance enthusiasts?
And if Mini can charge $36,900 for its JCW, and it only has FWD, what would you pay for this latest Audi?
Wow, what a dreamy subcompact. Love to get my hands on it these holidays but it certainly will be for Canadian buyer only. How sad...
Posted by: Chevy HHR cold air intake | December 22, 2011 at 07:14 PM
I guess we are stuck with the FIAT 500 Abarth.
Which might not be such a bad thing :)
Posted by: RP | December 23, 2011 at 03:31 PM
Maybe if we ever sign that trade agreement with the European Community we'll get cars like this. I can't imagine they would stand for Canada's oddball vehicle regulations that are designed to just this type of vehicle away from our shores.
Posted by: Anthony van Osch | December 31, 2011 at 10:24 PM
You may also consider the closest thing available in Canada in 2012 - the VW Golf R, which has the same engine as the Audi S3, comes with the 4th generation Haldex system.
Posted by: DeepFry | January 03, 2012 at 05:00 PM
Europeans just "get" it with small cars. Sigh. We'll just have to add this to the list of cars we can't have.
The only silver lining is that VW Group have sometimes brought cars to Canada later than initial European release. The R32 was not originally sold in Canada, but the related Golf R is definitely here now. Perhaps something similar with Audi?
Then again, I'm not sure they'd want to bring direct competition for their own car....
Posted by: JP | January 05, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Everyone has it. Small cars with great power. Every one should considering to try this too.
Posted by: CGS cat back exhaust | January 06, 2012 at 07:24 AM