Think you've had it tough over recent winter months? Then spare a thought for the test-drivers putting this quattro-euqipped version of the Audi A1 through its paces in snow-laden Canada.
The one-off development car is undergoing what Audi describes as a "baptism of fire", grappling with freezing conditions on densely snow-packed roads around Montreal.
The unique A1 is one of the stars of the "Fascination of quattro" event taking place in the city to celebrate the past, present and future of the four-wheel-drive system which reached its 30th anniversary in 2010. It reaffirms the company's commitment, made at the last Paris Motor Show, to underpin future high performance variants of the A1 with the all-wheel-drive system.
The latest incarnation uses technology similar to that in the A3 and TT models. At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch in front of the rear axle. Inside is a package of plates rotating in an oil bath. During normal driving the clutch sends most of the engine's power to the front wheels, but it instantly transfers power to the rear axle when it's needed.
When will quattro reach A1s in the showroom? Audi won't say but it's widely expected to be available within a year or so. Quattro is already featured on more than 120 Audi variants, from the A3 through to the R8.
