New Audi A1 Citycarver 30 | 07 | 2019

THIS IS THE new A1 Citycarver, Audi’s new, off-road inspired variant of the A1 Sportback. The rather niche model, which will be available to order at Scottish dealerships from September, will feature a raised ride height and mildly updated exterior styling. Prices have yet to be announced, but expect higher-specced models to top £30k. (Related: Roadtest — Audi S1 Sportback)

Clearly redesigned to more closely resemble Audi’s Q2 and Q3 compact SUVs, the A1 Citycarver’s most notable styling updates include a new, octagonal radiator grille, inspired by its range of “Q-branded” SUVs. It also gets black plastic wheel arch mouldings, stainless-steel-coloured underbody protection panels front and rear, redesigned side-skirts and a new front bumper with a pair of high-mounted intakes. (Related: New Audi Q4 e-tron concept)

Audi engineers have also raised the ride height of the new model by around four centimetres — that’s one-and-a-half inches in old money — over that of the standard A1 Sportback. That comes thanks to a slightly raised suspension setup and larger, 17-inch alloy wheels. You can sit even higher if you opt for the whopping big 18in alloys. The options list also includes Audi’s dynamic package, which adds adjustable dampers and red brake calipers. (Related: Audi Q5 55 TFSI e gets all-electric range)

A digital instrument binnacle and 10.1-inch infotainment system, plus park assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, aircon and an S-line tailgate spoiler are all standard kit. Buyers can also choose from three interior trim colours, nine exterior paint jobs an a choice of either a contrasting black or grey roof.

Buyers will be able to choose from two petrol engines, the 114bhp 1.0 TFSI (30 TFSI) and 148bhp 1.5 TFSI (35 TFSI).

Related: Audi ditches diesel from TT range

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Jim McGill