Citycarver

Showcasing what a big splash a compact car can make, Audi has revealed the A1 citycarver, a special edition of the new Audi A1 model.

Although this limited edition model won’t be making its way Down Under, we will be seeing the all-new second-generation Audi A1 Sportback on Australian roads before the end of the year, so the city carver may serve as inspiration for those awaiting this new model.

Certainly the A1 citycarver is based on the A1 Sportback in terms of its impressive technology and distinctive design, although this particular model also offers an additional four centimetres of additional ground clearance over the A1 Sportback. This is due in part to an additional 35mm thanks to its new suspension and the rest is a result of larger wheels than standard.

‘Tough’ and ‘no compromise’ are pretty fair descriptions of the A1 citycarver, with its big octagonal Singleframe in black matt honeycomb. Then there are the two characteristic slots above the grille that differentiate it from the A1 Sportback, while underbody protection painted in stainless steel adds to the overall effect. 

Wheel arches and the redesigned side sills sport add-on parts in a contrasting colour and the redesigned rear bumper echoes the robust look of the front end. Customers in Europe will have the choice of nine colours and Audi offers a contrasting roof in either Mythos black metallic or Manhattan grey metallic. 

But the A1 citycarver is not just a pretty face, but a real driver’s machine. A Dynamic suspension package which includes brake disks with sporty red calipers, Audi drive select dynamic handling system, a sound actuator and a suspension with adjustable dampers, make this is an engaging drive. In addition, Audi drive select, which offers four modes – auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual – is also available separately and Audi offers wheels up to 18 inches in diameter with the dynamic package.

The interior is just as impressive, offering 335 litres of storage and a wealth of standard and optional equipment. The vents, centre tunnel console and the doors sport accent surfaces in mint, copper, orange or silver-grey, while the S line also offers structured grey as a colour. 

There are three equipment lines to choose from over the basic interior equipment – advanced, design selection and S line. The S line offers customers the choice between seat covers in cloth/synthetic leather or Alcantara/synthetic leather, while the interior design selection includes the contour/ambient lighting package. 

Full-LED headlights with dynamic rear turn signals are standard and customers also get the S line roof edge spoiler and standard larger wheels, starting at 16 inches. The assist systems, which include adaptive cruise control and park assist, are taken from the full-size class. Audi pre sense front (pedestrian and cyclist detection) and lane departure warning are standard. 

Needless to say, the Audi A1 citycarver boasts a wealth of infotainment and the latest in connectivity. A fully digital instrument cluster comes standard, with the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI navigation plus topping the range. It features a 10.1-inch touch display or and voice control, as well as free text search for navigation – maps and navigation service provider HERE computes the route online with consideration of traffic conditions in a wide area. 

Audi offers additional functions, such as navigation with Google Earth, traffic information online, parking information, hybrid radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot for mobile devices with Audi connect navigation & infotainment, which is included in MMI navigation plus, and the supplemental plus package. The Audi phone box perfectly integrates the smartphone into the car and the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System is simply unbeatable. 

As well as the A1 citycarver, Audi will also introduce the edition one in Europe – a special edition finished in arrow grey or pulse orange with 18-inch wheels. The frames of the front side air inlets, the radiator protective grille, the Audi rings in the Singleframe and the rear labelling are black (as shown here). A decal with the edition one logo in a matt silver shade adorns the flanks.

For Australian customers though, the clock is now ticking down to the arrival of the new A1 Sportback, with pacification and pricing to be confirmed closer to touch down.