Audi A1 Citycarver revealed: posh hatch gets rugged

Following the lead of the Ford Fiesta Active and Rover Streetwise, Audi's launched a jacked-up version of the A1 Sportback - expected to be priced from around £23,000 when orders open in August.

Badged the Citycarver (yeah...), the beefed-up A1 has an extra 4cm of ground clearance and black wheel arch surrounds to give it a 'more muscular' look than the standard car, says Audi. It also has a bespoke front grille, intended to mimic those used on Audi's Q SUVs.

Initially available with 116PS 1.0-litre (30 TFSI) and 150PS 1.5-litre (35 TFSI) petrol engines, the Citycarver will be much the same as the regular A1 Sportback.

That means there'll be an 8.8-inch touchscreen display inside, as well as a 10.25-inch digital cockpit in place of conventional dials. It's just as practical, too, with a 335-litre boot.

There'll be a choice of nine exterior colours, each offered in combination with a black or grey roof.

Standard equipment is said to mirror that of the standard car, albeit starting with larger 17-inch alloy wheels a roof spoiler normally reserved for S Line models.

As well as the infotainment system and digital cockpit, the Citycarver's spec will include LED headlights with dynamic rear indicators, Audi's drive select system and assistance technology including Audi's pre-sense system with pedestrian and cyclist recognition.