Audi seeks to grow its SUV sales from about 30% of total volume now to 35% by 2020. A sporty Q8, based on the Q7, has already been confirmed, while the Q6, a sporty version of the Q5 which has long been speculated about, is also planned for 2017. Apart from that, the German automaker is set to launched its first premium supermini-sized SUV, the Q1 in 2016.
This will be Audi’s entry-level SUV, based on the shortest version of the MQB platform that underpins the Volkswagen Golf. It will be built at a new factory currently being constructed at Audi’s Ingolstadt HQ.
The baby crossover is understood to be similar in length, width and wheelbase to the three-door A3, which is 4237mm long and 1777mm tall, with a 2601mm wheelbase. The Q1 sits higher than the A3, though, complete with a raised SUV seating position.
The engine range will be taken from the A3 and the Q1 will be offered with standard front-wheel drive or optional quattro all-wheel drive.
In terms of design, the new Q1 is set to feature elements from Audi’s next-generation design language, which will be fully launched with the new A8 in late 2016.
The Q1 will bolster Audi’s Q-badged range of SUVs to 6 in total, with the model sitting alongside the Q3, RS Q3, Q5, SQ5 and Q7. Audi is pitching the Q1 at younger buyers and this is the company’s response to a demand for smaller premium models.
Source: Autocar
