AUDI is staking a claim to producing the most powerful and fastest accelerating car of its kind ever created, with a special limited edition version of the A1 supermini.

The exclusive new A1 is not only the first to enter production with quattro all-wheel-drive but is also the first to adopt a larger capacity petrol engine ramping power up to a whopping 256PS.

At present the plan is to limit production to just 333 examples worldwide, with a mainland Europe launch in the second half of 2012.

Depending on customer reaction, a decision will be made whether to import cars into the UK.

What's more certain is that the A1 quattro will become a sought-after model thanks to its turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

It enables the six-speed manual Audi to power from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 152mph, while average fuel consumption is 33.2mpg.

The car, which is slightly longer than a standard A1, is finished exclusively in Glacier White metallic, complemented by 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels also in Glacier White and a high-gloss black roof.

There's also an exclusive design for the front and rear bumpers and grille, red painted 'wings' within the headlights, a large two-colour rear spoiler and two 100mm polished exhaust tailpipes.

Finishing touches such as tinted LED rear lights, tinted rear windows and a contrasting black colour for the rear hatch and diffuser will also mark out the A1, along with quattro badges on the grille, roof arch and rear hatch.

Inside, there's a high gloss finish to the centre console, the seats and door armrests are finished in black Silk Nappa leather with contrasting red stitching and the front S sport seats have pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints and quattro insignias on their backrests.

Equipment includes Xenon plus headlights, adaptive brake lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, acoustic rear parking system, automatic air-con, a storage package, convenience key, cruise control and Audi Music Interface.