Having unveiled the Audi A1 clubsport Quattro concept in May, Audi fans would have been hoping to see the A1 Quattro before now. But with the announcement of the high-performance limited-edition variant of their subcompact hatch, Christmas has come early. Equipped with the legendary AWD system, power comes from the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine used in the S3 creating 252hp and 258lb-ft of torque, eclipsing the standard 1.4-liter A1 by 70hp and 74lb-ft.

Center-locking 18-inch wheels mimic the original 80s-era Quattro and put the power to the tarmac via a six-speed manual linked to a Haldex AWD setup, with a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds and top speed of 152mph that matches the S3. An impressive 27.67mpg offsets these sports car performance figures. The front suspension is McPherson construction with a four-link axle used at the rear, and huge 12.28-inch brakes are gripped by black calipers. Available exclusively in Glacier White metallic with a high-gloss black roof, the muscular front bumper sets the special edition apart as do the red wings and curved bars in the headlights.

Two polished dual tailpipes feature at the rear where the LED lights are tinted and black accentuates the hatch and diffuser. Sporty black dominates the interior, with S sports seats and door armrests covered in Silk Nappa leather with contrasting red seams. A new instrument panel, infotainment equipment coupled with a 14-speaker Bose sound system, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and a host of aluminum elements including pedals and shift lever knob complete the look. Sales of the A1 Quattro begin in the second half of 2012 limited to 333 models. Unfortunately it seems unlikely any will be heading stateside.