New Audi A1 Citycarver: rugged hatch priced from £22,040

The new Audi A1 Citycarver, a more rugged, off-road-inspired version of the firm's compact supermini, has arrived in UK dealerships, priced from £22,040.

Standard equipment on the entry-level model includes 17in alloy wheels, a matt black front grille, LED headlights and dynamic rear indicators. Two engines – a 114bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre in the 30 TFSI and a 148bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre in the 35 TFSI – are available, and the standard six-speed manual gearbox can be swapped for a seven-speed automatic for £22,695. 

The Citycarver receives roughly 2in of additional ground clearance with the addition of larger wheels and an upgraded suspension setup over the standard A1. However, it's positioned as a more city-focused ‘urban crossover’ than Audi's fully fledged, four-wheel-drive Allroad models. 

Adding to the robust image is a protective bodykit similar to that fitted to Allroad models, comprising contrasting wheel arches and side sills, plus a stainless steel skidplate to enhance the supermini’s off-road credibility and durability. 

At the front, the Citycarver is differentiated from the standard A1 with two distinctive slots below the bonnet shutline and a matt black honeycomb grille, while the rear bumper has been redesigned to more closely resemble Audi’s Audi Q2 and Audi Q3 compact SUVs. 

Nine paint colours are available, plus buyers can select a grey or black contrasting roof. The stainless steel and grey exterior trim elements can be finished in black through the selection of an optional styling package. 

Inside, trim accents finished in copper, mint, orange or grey mark the Citycarver out from the standard A1. A 10.1in infotainment touchscreen, voice control, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a digital instrument display feature as standard, too.

Three trim levels are available from launch. Design Selection adds interior mood lighting over entry-level Advanced, with range-topping S line offering a leather interior, a roof spoiler and larger alloy wheels.