Developmental version of forthcoming all-wheel-drive premium subcompact hatchback is tested on snow-laden roads around Montreal
Newcomer will ensure quattro has full representation across the Audi range
An Audi A1 quattro prototype that brings all-wheel-drive to the premium subcompact hatchback segment for the first time is currently undergoing a baptism of fire grappling with freezing conditions on Canada’s densely snow-packed roads.

The one-off development car is one of the stars of the ‘Fascination of quattro’ event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its 30th anniversary in 2010. It reaffirms the Vorsprung durch Technik brand’s commitment, made at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, to underpin future high performance variants of the A1 with this proven driver aid.

The latest member of the burgeoning quattro family uses technology very similar to that used in A3 and TT models. At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure.

The UK A1 range currently offers a choice of ten front-wheel-driven models powered by 1.2-litre TFSI (86PS) and 1.4-litre TFSI (122PS) petrol engines and a 1.6-litre TDI (105PS) diesel, and is priced from £13,420 OTR to £18,665 OTR.

Even before it filters into the most diminutive of Audi models, the quattro system is already a feature of over 120 variants in the Audi line-up, from the A3 hatchback through to the R8 super car.

New, downsized 1.2 TSI 105bhp
1.6 TDI CR 105bhp now available with 7-speed DSG
Increased performance, lower emissions
The Škoda Octavia family hatchback and estate range is now even more attractive thanks to the addition of two new engines. A new, downsized 1.2 TSI 105bhp petrol engine is now offered along with the very latest 1.6 TDI CR 105bhp diesel engine with DSG dual-clutch transmission.

The state-of-the-art 1.2 TSI 105bhp is now available with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG gearboxes, in either hatchback or estate bodystyles and in S and SE trim levels. This engine first saw service in the recently introduced Yeti crossover, where it instantly impressed with its punchy performance and frugality thanks to its combination of a small-capacity petrol engine with turbocharging and direct injection technology.

It’s a similar story in the Octavia, where the 1.2 TSI hatch combines low CO2 emissions of 134g/km* with a 0-62mph time of just 10.8** seconds; exceptional for its capacity of 1,197cc. Fuel economy is similarly impressive, with a combined figure of 49.6mpg***. This new engine is available with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG transmissions.

Meanwhile the recently introduced, latest-generation 1.6 TDI CR 105bhp diesel is now also available with 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, combining smooth, effortless performance with CO2 emissions of just 123g/km. The 1.6 TDI CR 105bhp DSG is available with the same bodystyle and trim combinations as the 1.2 TSI as well as in Elegance guise.

These new additions to the Octavia range continue to improve an already multi-award-winning formula of practicality, comfort, value for money and low running costs.