Audi A1 citycarver 2020 uncovered: Australian introduction under study

With 40mm more ground clearance, the new Audi A1 citycarver is a little more SUV than hatchback.

Audi has morphed its A1 Sportback mirco car into a pint-sized crossover dubbed citycarver, however the new pseudo-SUV's Australian showroom debut is still under evaluation due to availability.

Compared with its second-generation A1 hatchback donor car, the citycarver sports 40mm more ground clearance thanks to a 35mm taller ride height and larger 16-inch wheels.

With a matt black octagonal ‘Singleframe’ grille, the citycarver references Audi’s full-fledged Q SUV models, while underbody cladding is finished in stainless steel that “hints at the off-road capability”, according to Audi.

The luxury German brand has also added black plastic wheelarch cladding to the citycarver, while the bonnet and grille are separated by a new two-slot design, and front and rear bumpers are reworked for a more rugged look.

Black wheelarch cladding and a reworked rear bumper differentiate the A1 citycarver from the A1 Sportback.

Despite the changes to ride height and design though, Audi has not christened the citycarver as an SUV.

Inside, the citycarver mirrors its A1 Sportback sibling with an all-digital instrument display, while buyers can also option a 10.1-inch multimedia system with touch and voice controls, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Luggage capacity remains at 335 litres with the rear seats in place, the same volume as the A1 Sportback.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, dynamic rear turn signals, roof-mounted spoiler, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian cyclist detection and lane departure warning.

An all-digital instrument panel and large multimedia touchscreen colour the A1 citycarver's cabin.

Adaptive cruise control and park assist will be made available as options, as are wheels up to 18 inches in size and a ‘Dynamic’ package that bundles red brake callipers, Audi’s drive select handling system and adjustable dampers.

Nine exterior colours are available, as is a contrasting black or grey metallic roof.

Although Audi did not detail engine options, expect to see the range mirror the A1 Sportback with two 1.0-litre three-cylinder engines (70kW/175Nm and 85kW/200Nm) and a pair of 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder motors (110kW/250Nm and 147kW/320Nm).

Transmission options range from a five-speed manual gearbox to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the A1 is strictly front-axle driven.