Because of the Audi A1 Quattro launch timing, the press got its first drive of the car in snow and ice, which is hardly the perfect condition to try out a high-performance hatchback.

We’ve brought to you many videos of this little mega hot hatch sliding about on the Arjeplog frozen lake track in Sweden, but this time it’s Chris Harris taking the wheel.

Watching this little white best playing in the snow is very fun, and it’s probably doubly fun from behind the wheel, but the fact is you don’t really get to know the car’s limits of grip and cornering capabilities because of the condition. We have to wait until the snow melts and the car gets tested on tarmac to find out what a Quattro 250bhp hot hatch is really capable of.

The dynamic Audi A1 quattro, limited to just 333 units, moves to the head of the compact class. Its two-liter, turbocharged engine produces 188 kW (256 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, which is delivered to all four wheels. The Audi A1 quattro sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph).

The Audi A1 quattro is powered by the 2.0 TFSI engine. The 1,984 cc, four-cylinder engine combines gasoline direct injection with turbocharging in the classic Audi manner. Among its highlights are the adjustable intake cam shaft and the two balance shafts, which ensure smooth operation. Maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is continuously available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, and peak power (188 kW/256 hp) is developed at 6,000 rpm.