Audi A1 Citycarver | First Drive

18 November 2019 Redazione News, Tested

Audi A1 Citycarver

Urban Jungle

Words by Marco Rallo / Cover Photo by Davide Sapone Manera

We are now used to perceive a hybrid car as one that combines electric power unit with that of the traditional combustion engine. Audi adds a new model to its range and does that on the basis of the new generation A1, the small hatchback that appeals to both a young and female audiences. In this case, the hybrid argument stands for the perfect combination of the entry level model, ideal for urban centers and a small SUV, still enough to tackle some dirt road, weather conditions of the winter season, or some path that allows you to reach your hut lost on the mountains. This brings the A1 Citycarver, a declination of small Urban Crossover that at least for the time being does not provide all-wheel drive, but only a car body with 5 centimeters extra in height, which in total bring the overall ground clearance to 15 cm.

As for the Q branded SUVs, the front grille of the A1 Citycarver is matte black single-frame and with three-dimensional weave and is just one of the many details that make the car look particularly suitable for a younger clientele, than with the Edition One of our first drive also comes with 18-inch wheels, a contrasting roof and a rear spoiler. Inside we find a familiar cockpit, with all the technology that suits a car in step with the times, four people get comfortable and also the luggage compartment is generous in size. On the road, like facing off-road sections that are not particularly demanding, the A1 Citycarver proves to know how to move smoothly, taking advantage of the calibration of the suspensions and presenting a very communicative and precise steering. We’re going to welcome a 3-cylinder turbo engines with 95 (only with 5-speed manual gearbox) or 116 horsepower, in the latter case available with manual gearbox or with the 7-speed double clutch S-Tronic, which during our test has favorably surprised us, making it the ideal choice even counting the € 1,850 it adds to the final price. At the beginning of 2020 there will also be a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder TFSI, with 150-hp and 250 Nm, while prices start at € 23,950 for the 25 TFSI (from 95hp), which means € 2,000 more than the A1 Sportback, while € 24,700 for the 30 TFSI.