Reading from Audi’s normally first-class media information, words and descriptive references like ‘robust’, ‘city-friendly’ and ‘urban-ready’ pepper the first couple of paragraphs of text for an enhanced specification version of the genuinely excellent A1. To be frank, I am not sure that I would have dared challenge Roget’s contents of a Thesaurus, especially as the model nomenclature for this new version of the A1 falls more into the vein of ‘Profanosaurus’ (for friends of ‘Viz’), perhaps even resurrecting memories of the largely hateful CityRover (actually an Indian-built Tata Indica, imported as a probable replacement for the Rover Metro of the time).
Citycarver is the name that Audi has chosen and kept in lower case, probably to lessen the reaction from critics like me. It will be available to order in the UK, powered by 30 TFSI and 35 TFSI petrol engines, from September, and will begin arriving with customers in mid-autumn. No prices are given as yet but they are likely to start from around £23,000.
The citycarver’s more muscular appearance is achieved through wheel arch enhancements and redesigned sills in a contrasting colour, skid-guards in a stainless steel finish and raised suspension giving around 4cm of additional ground clearance for easier cabin entry and (it says here) improved visibility. Its octagonal grille surrounds a sculpted honeycomb insert, while a pair of slots above the grille differentiate it from the three of the A1 Sportback. Nine paint options can be combined optionally with a contrast roof in either Mythos black metallic, or Manhattan grey metallic.
Citycarver’s capabilities can be expanded further by adding the optional Technology Pack that incorporates Audi’s virtual cockpit, MMI navigation and a larger 10.1-inch high resolution screen, Audi connect with its wide variety of online services and the Audi Phone Box with wireless smartphone charging. To make city driving as effortless and enjoyable as possible in the ‘urban sprawl and beyond’, a Comfort and Sound Pack will be available (at extra cost) adding the Parking System Plus with acoustic and visual assistance and additional frontal protection to complement the standard rear sensors, front seat heating and the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 560 watts of music power.
The A1 citycarver continues the A1 Sportback package, with a spacious interior and a luggage compartment of 335-litres capacity. In fact, it is all A1, although the citycarver starts with larger 17.0-inch diameter alloy wheels and features a roof-edge spoiler normally reserved for S-line versions. As well as the digital interior functionality, its specification includes full-LED headlights with dynamic rear indicators, air conditioning, the Audi Drive Select dynamic handling system and assistance technologies such as cruise control, Audi Pre-sense Front with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, lane departure warning and hill-hold assist.
