The A1 quattro concept is a ‘technology demonstrator’, a precursor to a full-blown S1 model due to debut in a couple of years.

The A1’s PQ25 platform – shared with the VW Polo among others – was never designed to accommodate all-wheel drive, but the prototype we drove on a snowy track was remarkably tight and well resolved. The VW group’s excellent 178bhp 1.4-litre turbo- and supercharged petrol engine mated to a manual gearbox provides the go, though we hear this engine is unlikely to power the S1. Expect a larger capacity four-cylinder with a single turbo for the production car.

The four-wheel-drive system uses quattro tech similar to that on the A3 and TT, namely a hydraulic multi-plate clutch on the rear axle that distributes power fore and aft. During our short drive it was clear that, in normal driving, power is mostly distributed fore. Combine this with the sprightly, responsive engine and a fast gearshift, and the A1 quattro feels like a modern hot hatch. However, exceed available grip, ignore the warning signals delivered to you by understeer and power through, and it gracefully recovers its composure and even drifts with barely any steering effort after the initial application of lock.

In slippery conditions, traction, stability, braking performance and balance proved exceptional. Fun too. But we worry that with sticky modern rubber and a surplus of 4WD traction, the S1 might be safe and grippy rather than a nimble, adjustable firecracker of a car. We hope to be proved wrong.