Audi A1 Citycarver test, spec sheet, opinions and dimensions 30 TFSI Admired S tronic

The Audi A1 Sportback is now also available in the "adventurous" version Audi A1 Citycarver, which stands out for some of the characteristics of crossovers. For example, the distance between the bottom of the car and the ground is greater than five centimeters compared to the other Audi A1 Sportbacks, for a total of 15.3 centimeters: just enough to tackle dirt roads not too rough with confidence. Furthermore, the most exposed areas of the bodywork, such as the arches of the fenders, are protected by plastic bands which, however, painted dark gray, are as elegant as they are easily scratched. Overall, in this Citycarver variant the Audi A1 Sportback has a more refined look, especially with the Edition One package (5,500 euros for the Admired test) visible in the photos and video. Includes the orange tint with the dark roof, the black Audi logos in the front and in the tailgate, like the mirror caps. Also in the "pack", the full led headlights with a black bottom and the 18-inch wheels (standard are 17 ").

Up to 150 horses

Proposed only with front-wheel drive and petrol engines, theAudi A1 Citycarver is already on sale with the 1.0 three-cylinder 95 turbo or 116 hp. The latter can also be combined with the valid S tronic robotic double clutch transmission (1,850 euros more than the same model with manual transmission), just like in the test car. And at the beginning of 2020, the 150 horsepower 1.5 will be added, with an extra piston. Prices are not low and do not include everything you need. They range from € 23,950 for the Audi A1 Citycarver “base” of 95 bhp (standard manual climate control and lane keeping) to € 27,450 for the Admired with 116 bhp and the double clutch robotic gearbox with seven test gears ( standard automatic dual zone climate control and rear distance sensors). The cruise control (340 euros) and the configurable digital dashboard (185 euros, the standard one shows only one screen) are paid separately: it also displays the refined three-dimensional map of the navigator (1,800 euros, together with the multimedia system monitor). of 10 "). Another extra 205 euros is used for the selector of the four driving modes but, strangely, there is no provision for one that acts, for example, on traction control to move on slippery or uneven surfaces. Finally, the safety equipment: blind spot monitoring of the rear-view mirrors is not provided.

Ups and downs

In relation to the body only 405 centimeters long, the passenger compartment of theAudi A1 Citycarver it is spacious and remains identical to that of the other versions. The most successful part is the dashboard, with a satisfying appearance, with the upper part soft to the touch, and designed around the driver. Towards him the screen in the console for the multimedia system is oriented (for the Admired also includes the wireless connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) and the air conditioning diffusers, which frame the dashboard and direct the air too close together on the hands. In addition, hard plastic door panels (front armrests excluded) look subdued for a car worth over 27,000 euros. However, to embellish the atmosphere of the Audi A1 Citycarver of the test there are the orange details, like the frame for the large compartment at the base of the console (with double USB socket, one of which is type C), always contained in the package Edition One. Among the options, the Bang & Olufsen audio system (900 euros) with 11 speakers: it has an effective acoustic performance, which produces a clear sound. The well adjustable driving position and the more profiled seat (always in the Edition One package) to better hold the torso, is comfortable and, thanks to the greater height of this A1, allows you to dominate the road better. The trunk has a good capacity (335 liters, rising to 1090 by folding the sofa) and with the bottom positioned on two heights (65 euros in the luggage compartment package) you can make the most of it.

A cheerful whisk

In the guide the 116 HP of the 1.0 turbo of theAudi A1 30 TFSI Citycarver Admired S tronic are homogeneous in supplying and so lively that they are suited to lively gaits (probably the good performances declared: 9.4 seconds for the "0-100" and 198 km / h top speed). In acceleration, however, the characteristic blending of the tricylindrical is obvious. The dual-clutch gearbox does not transmit jolts in selecting the seven gears, it is rather fast and with comfortable paddles on the steering wheel for manual mode. Favored by the electronically controlled suspension (in the Edition One package or, separately, for 1,145 euros) the car is ready for cornering and does not regret the agility of the "lower" versions (secure roadholding). Not bad also the absorption of the disconnections, despite the calibration of the shock absorbers is always tendentially rigid. The steering combines an appreciable lightness when you move at low speed to the precision you need for brilliant gaits. As for consumption, during the test, carried out mostly in the city, the on-board computer calculated an average of around 13 km / l (15.6 km / l the declared value).

In our opinion

merits
> Exchange. This "double clutch" is effective.
> Engine. It has brio and a good homogeneity in the operation.
> Instrumentation. The digital one is refined and can be configured.
> Versatility. The car is at ease with or without asphalt under the wheels.

Defects.
> Speakers. Those around the dashboard blow directly on the hands.
> Endowment. Many extras, and blind spot mirror monitoring is not provided.
> Finishes. Door paneling plastics are inexpensive.
> Driving mode. A specification is lacking for difficult funds.