Audi A1 citycarver crossover unveiled
Audi has expanded its A1 model line-up with the new A1 citycarver. Based on the original A1 Sportback, the citycarver represents a toughened-up crossover version of the standard hatchback.
By Divyank K. Bansal
Based on the A1 Sportback, the A1 citycarver can be pegged as an 'all-terrain' crossover version of the compact hatchback, with higher ground clearance & reinforced bodywork.
Audi has expanded its A1 model line-up with the new A1 citycarver. Based on the original A1 Sportback, the citycarver represents a toughened-up crossover version of the standard hatchback. The sporty & dynamic credentials of the A1 citycarver become instantly recognisable by the off-road inspired bodywork (underbody protection, additional cladding on side skirts & wheel arches), higher ground clearance & bigger wheels.
While the dimensions remain more or less similar on both models, the A1 citycarver boasts of marginally longer length and 40mm additional ground clearance. Audi says that 35mm of this increase is due to a new suspension setup & the remaining 5mm can be attributed to larger, 16-inch alloy wheels, as compared to the A1 Sportback.
In terms of visual differences, the A1 citycarver features a significantly revised front fascia (to differentiate it from the A1 Sportback). Replacing the hexagonal grille is an octagonal Singleframe unit (borrowed from the Q models) with a honeycomb design layout & a black-painted Audi logo. The triple-slot air intake over the grille has also been changed to a twin-nostril design. Further, the bumper features revised air vent styling and it gets a silver-painted lower lip. As mentioned above, the A1 citycarver also gets additional body cladding on the side skirts & wheel arches. A redesigned rear bumper ditches the diffuser for a silver-finish faux skid plate.
Inside, the A1 citycarver gets the same equipment list as the A1 Sportback but offers coloured accents (Mint, Copper, Orange or Silver-Grey) around the AC vents, centre console & door handles. Standard feature offerings include a 10.25-inch fully-digital instrument cluster (with Audi Virtual Cockpit & MMI Navigation Plus), a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen & a 560W Bang & Olufsen Premium 3D Sound system.
The new suspension setup can be further upgraded, courtesy of the optional Dynamic package (includes sporty red-painted brake callipers, Audi Drive Select Dynamic Handling System, a sound actuator, adjustable dampers & wheels which can be upsized to 18-inches).
The Audi A1 citycarver will be available to order at the beginning of August 2019. First units are expected to reach European dealerships by fall 2019.
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