By Breda Corrigan
A fresh, self-confident road stance, plenty of room for customization and extensive connectivity all are hallmarks of the new Audi A1 Citycarver. The most progressive model in the new A1 product line-up is at home in any environment – in the city, on country roads and highways, and even on slightly rough terrain. The new A1 Citycarver is based on the A1 Sportback with respect to technology and design. It features powerful and taut, sporty body lines while also offering around four centimeters of additional ground clearance. This provides for easier entry and better visibility. The new suspension, with a higher ride height, accounts for 35 millimeters, while the other 5 millimeters is due to the larger wheels compared with the A1 Sportback.
Robust Design;
The emphatic design of the Audi A1 Citycarver is defined by a robust look. This is exemplified by the subtle air intakes under the bonnet and the side panels on the wheel arches and side sills. In similar fashion, the front of the vehicle exhibits a large octagonal single-frame grill with a three-dimensional honeycomb grid in matt black finish. Slight front and rear overhangs, broad mudguards and optional wheels of up to 18 inches give the Citycarver a powerful and sporty overall appearance, while an under-ride guard with a stainless steel finish is indicative of its off-roading abilities. The redesigned rear bumper echoes the robust look of the front end, and makes the A1 Citycarver stand out from the compact crossover.
Engine & Transmission Options;
The new A1 Citycarver is available with just one engine option – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder 116bhp petrol unit, which is available with a six-speed manual transmission, or a slick-shifting S tronic automatic, while just one generously-equipped trim option is available.
Excellent Practicality;
For a vehicle with compact dimensions, the Audi A1 Citycarver has a large boot volume of 335 litres. When the back seats are folded down, the total load volume expands up to 1,090 litres, which adds great practicality to the mix. The cabin of the Citycarver is constructed of high quality materials, while seat comfort is top class too. The car’s digital instrument cluster blends in very well with the air vents for a fluid, uncluttered look, while a height adjustable centre armrest proves very useful for motorway cruising.
Test Car;
My test car was an Audi A1 Citycarver 30 TFSI 6-speed manual 116bhp finished in dazzling Glacier White metallic paint with a contrasting Mythos Black roof for an ultra-modern look. Standard equipment includes lane departure warning, Audi Pre-sense front, a 10.25” digital cockpit with an 8.8” MMI display, hill hold, heated door mirrors, Audi e-call, sports front seats, roof spoiler, LED headlights, LED rear lights with dynamic indicators, Smartphone interface, front centre armrest, 17” alloy wheels, 3-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel, rear parking sensors, cruise control, aluminium interior switches and buttons, along with many more comfort, convenience, safety and technology features. Optional extras fitted to my test car included front parking sensors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, dual-zone climate control, multi-coloured ambient lighting, rear privacy glass, Virtual Cockpit, accent surfaces in silver-grey diamond, inlays in slate grey, and a Black Package for ultimate individuality. With 116bhp and 200Nm of torque on offer, the 1.0-litre petrol engine enables the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 9.9-seconds, and can achieve a top speed of 198km/h (where permitted), while consuming as little as 6.1-litres of fuel for every 100km’s driven on a combined driving cycle. Thanks to a low emissions figure of 117g/km, annual road tax is just €200.
Impressive Driving Dynamics;
On the road, the A1 Citycarver’s powertrain is equally as good as it is in a regular Audi A1, with a smooth, torquey and refined feel, while the car’s slick manual gearshift is precise in its operation. As in the regular A1, the ride quality of the Citycarver is excellent. With extra suspension travel to soak up bumps, the Citycarver feels softer and well settled on the road, while admirable steering precision provides great feedback to the driver.
Verdict, Pricing & Warranty;
The new Audi A1 Citycarver is a compact crossover with many advantages over a standard supermini. It is powerful, sporty, inspiring and modern in equal measure, while offering great practicality too. Pricing for the new A1 Citycarver starts at just €29,350 (ex-works), while Audi’s comprehensive 3-Year/90,000km warranty comes as standard.
Fact Box;
1) Stylish Compact Crossover
2) Rugged, Off-Road Look
3) Powerful Petrol Engine
4) Manual or Automatic
5) Priced From €29,350 (ex-works)
