Like many automakers, Audi is unleashing an SUV product onslaught to keep up with consumer demand. Last week, the German automaker unveiled the Q3 Sportback coupe-SUV, and the best-selling Q5 is also about to get a refresh. And now Audi has revealed a new entry-level crossover: say hello to the A1 Citycarver.
Based on the A1 Sportback and described as the "most progressive model" in the A1 lineup, the Citycarver is Audi's smallest crossover to date, measuring 13.3 feet long and offering two inches of additional ground clearance for easier access and better visibility. 1.4-inches of the additional ride height is due to the new suspension, while the rest is due to the crossover's larger wheels, which start at 16 inches in diameter. Audi says this makes the A1 Citycarver suitable to drive in the city, on country roads and highways, and "slightly rough terrain".
The stylish exterior features a large, octagonal Singleframe reminiscent of Audi's Q models, lending the Citycarver a more rugged appearance than the A1 Sportback. The strongly sculpted honeycomb insert is painted matt black. Two slots above the grille also differentiate it from the A1 Sportback. Elsewhere, underbody protection painted in stainless steel hints at the off-road capability of the A1 Citycarver, the wheel arches and redesigned side sills sport add-on parts in a contrasting color, and the rear bumper has been redesigned.
Nine exterior colors are on offer with a contrast roof in either Mythos black metallic or Manhattan gray metallic, while the interior accent surfaces can be finished in mint, copper, orange or silver-gray. A fully digital instrument cluster comes standard, with the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI navigation plus topping the range, while infotainment and navigation is displayed on a 10.1-inch touchscreen.
Like the A1 Sportback, the A1 Citycarver offers generous interior and a luggage space holding 12.5 cu-ft and standard full-LED headlights with dynamic rear turn signals. The A1 Citycarver also gets an S line roof edge spoiler and standard 16-inch wheels. Driver assists include adaptive cruise control and park assist, and Audi pre sense front (pedestrian and cyclist detection) and lane departure warning come as standard.
An optional Dynamic package adds brake disks with sporty red calipers, the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, a sound actuator and a suspension with adjustable dampers. Audi drive select, which offers four modes – auto, dynamic, efficiency, and individual – is also available separately. Models equipped with the dynamic package can also be fitted with wheels up to 18 inches. No powertrain details have been released, but being based on the A1 Sportback means the Citycarver will likely be powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine producing 200 horsepower.
Deliveries for the Audi A1 Citycarver will start this August in Europe. As with other A1 models, the Citycarver won't be sold in America. Shame.