Audi continues testing the Allroad version of the
compact A1, taking its test vehicles to the Arctic Circle for the necessary
winter testing session. The new variant of the Audi A1 will join models like the A4 and A6 in
receiving -for the first time- the Allroad treatment: more suspension travel
and wider plastic fenders to give the necessary ‘adventurous’ look.
The test car you see in the spy shots features a
pair of big lamps on the roof and partial camo tape to hide its identity.
However its cover is blown from the jack-up ride and the wider fenders. The
bumpers will also get a redesign to match the model’s aspirations.
What we still don’t know is if Audi will give the A1
Allroad a Quattro all-wheel drive system; last time we saw an A1 with all-wheel
drive was with the previous S1 and the limited A1 Quattro models. There’s a
strong chance that this Allroad will be the first of its name to come with
front-wheel drive, aided from an advanced traction control system.
The interior will be the same with the normal A1,
minus various bits and details like new upholstery and special badging. The
Audi A1 already features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and can be
fitted with an up to 10.1-inch touchscreen display for the MMI infotainment.
We don’t know which engines the new A1 Allroad will
borrow from the ‘regular’ A1 yet but this depends on whether Audi plans to
offer it with its all-wheel drive system or not. It’ll certainly be interesting to
see what kind of effect the new Audi A1 Allroad will have once it arrives in
the market, especially compared to the brand’s own Q2 SUV.
