The newest Audi A1 can now be ordered in a new trim version called Citycarver, which boasts added ride height and some exterior décor. The carmaker claims the vehicle is suited for moderate cross-country driving. Why not call it Allroad, then? The answer: no 4WD.
On the outside, the compact sports a matte-black octagonal grille (like in the Audi Q range) instead of the hexagonal one. It has different side sills and fenders, as well as a stainless-steel bumper insert.
A special production batch called the “Edition One” will hit the market first with some additional perks, such as tinted headlights, unique Pulse Orange and Arrow Gray paints, side mirrors and roof painted to stand out against the rest of the body, 18-inch wheels, blacked-out logos and badges, “Edition One” labels, and an S line interior trim interspersed with silver or orange accents (you choose).
The car features 40 millimeters (1.6 inches) of road clearance and ships with larger, 16-inch wheels (the regular A1 has 15” wheels in base).
The engine range will likely remain untouched in the special edition. You will be able to choose out of four options: 1.0l @ 95 hp (71 kW), 175 Nm (129 lb-ft); 1.0l @ 116 hp (85 kW), 200 Nm (147 lb-ft); 1.5l @ 150 hp (112 kW), 250 Nm (184 lb-ft); and 2.0l @ 200 hp (149 kW), 320 Nm (238 lb-ft). Transmission can be manual or DSG.
The standard equipment is limited to a digital dashboard. Options include Google Earth-powered satellite navigation, a WLAN hotspot, a Bang & Olufsen audio system etc. Electronic aids are also mostly optional. There is an Audi Drive Select system with four selectable drive modes, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, lane control, red brake calipers, electronically-adjustable suspension etc.
The new A1 Citycarver will be available in nine different color schemes, plus two different roof colors. The interior trim levels are: Basic, Advanced, Design Selection, and S line. The upholstery represents a combination of imitation leather with either Alcantara or textile elements. Highilights can be Copper, Mint, Orange or Silvery Grey-tinted.
The previous-gen Audi A1 did not have a dedicated “cross-country” version, but higher trims more than compensated for it by shipping with the Quattro 4WD system. The upcoming Audi Q2 crossover SUV may or may not get the 4WD. The two cars share similar dimensions: the Citycarver is 4,040 millimeters (13.25 feet) long with 2,563 mm (8.4 ft.) separating the axles. In turn, the Q2 measures 4,190 mm (13.75 ft.) long and has 2,595 mm (8.51 ft.) of wheelbase.
Pre-orders for the new 2019 Audi A1 citycarver will begin in August, and the sales launch is scheduled for this fall.