New Audi A3 Set To Spawn A Rugged “Cityhopper” Variant

The 2020 Audi A3 is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall, and a new report is suggesting it will eventually be joined by a “Cityhopper” variant.

According to Auto Express, the model will be a “jacked-up, off-road-inspired version” of the upcoming hatchback. Details are limited, but the publication says the vehicle will likely eschew the familiar Allroad name as it won’t come equipped with quattro all-wheel drive.

Despite this, the car will reportedly feature traditional Allroad modifications including beefier bumpers, an increased ride height and plastic fender flares. In effect, it would be like a premium version of the Ford Focus Active.

Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the publication says choices will include turbocharged 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinders with outputs ranging from 130 hp (97 kW / 132 PS) to 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS). There could also be 1.6- and 2.0-liter TDI engines with outputs between 120 hp (89 kW / 121 PS) and 230 hp (172 kW / 233 PS).

While the A3 is expected to debut in Frankfurt, the Cityhopper variant is reportedly several years away. Nothing is official, but it could appear sometime around 2022.

Also Read: 2020 Audi A3 – You Can’t Go Wrong With More Tech, Better Safety and Good Looks

There’s word on why the model isn’t coming sooner, but it will reportedly help to fill the gap between the Q2 and Q3. While the lack of all-wheel drive would seemingly make that mission difficult, the A3 Cityhopper will reportedly be 4.3 inches (110 mm) longer than a Q2 and 7.9 inches (200 mm) shorter than the Q3.