2016 Audi Q1 - first spy pictures

The Audi Q1 will go on sale early in 2016

New compact SUV to join Audi's Q range next year, based on MQB platform and borrowing engines from the smaller A1

These are the first spy pictures of the new Audi Q1, which will go on sale next year as a premium rival to the likes of the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. The new model is expected to receive its world debut at the Geneva motor show next March.

Based on the smallest version of Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, the Q1 forms part of Audi's plan to launch several new SUVs to bolster its Q-badged line-up. Other models which form part of the plan include the Q8 and Q6.

Although heavily camouflaged, this test mule shows the Q1 will not simply be a jacked-up version of the A1 supermini. It's expected to feature a smaller interpretation of the Q7's front grille and front bumper design, and also uses slimline LED headlight clusters. At the rear, the sloping roofline ends in a boot-mounted lip spoiler - much like the current A1 - and includes a chunky rear bumper. Body cladding will feature around the lower edges of the car.

The Q1 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.

Inside, Audi could either model the five-seat cabin on the existing A1 or give the Q1 the same digital dashboard technology as found in the TT and Q7. It's known that Audi wants to use the digital dashboard technology on more of its vehicles, as it negates the need for a separate infotainment screen while also giving the car a premium look. The car will offer a raised-up seating position, as expected in an SUV.

Engines for the Q1 will be borrowed from the existing A1 line-up, meaning the entry-level car will get a 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine while higher up the range will be a 123bhp 1.4-litre TFSi petrol. The A1's staple 1.6-litre diesel will also be offered and is likely to be the volume seller - in the A1, the engine offers 114bhp and CO2 emissions of 93g/km.

Transmissions should include a standard six-speed manual, with Volkswagen's new 10-speed DSG transmission available as an option.

Audi could also launch a hybrid e-tron variant of the Q1 further down the line. The 201bhp hybrid powertrain already found in the A3 e-tron - which combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor - could be adapted for use in the Q1. A sporty variant, possibly badged SQ1 and using the 228bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine found in the S1, also can't be ruled out.

Although natively front-wheel drive, Audi will also offer its quattro all-wheel drive system as an option.

Audi envisions the Q1 as being the first true premium supermini-sized SUV on the market. Company boss Rupert Stadler confirmed earlier this year that development of the car was on track for its launch early in 2016, and that production would take place at a new factory based close to its Ingolstadt HQ.

The use of the sophisticated MQB platform and the fact it is built in Germany suggest the Q1 will be an upmarket machine with a price to match, rather than a cheaper, entry-level, model like the A1 supermini.

The current A1 range starts at £14,355 and rises to £19,565 for a top-end A1 Sportback while the larger Q3 starts at £25,380. Therefore, a starting price of around £20,000 for the Q1 seems likely, pitching the Q1 well against premium rivals like the £17,105 Mini Countryman.

Audi is pitching the Q1 at younger buyers and insiders say it is a response to a demand for ever-smaller premium models. Indeed, the A3 has now surpassed the A4 as Audi’s biggest seller in the UK.

“A premium car is justified in this segment,” said one insider. “As volumes in segments such as these have gone up, so has demand for premium models in them."

Audi first confirmed the Q1 for production in 2013, and design work was completed by November 2014. It's been styled by Audi design boss Marc Lichte. The model was previewed previously as the Crosslane Coupé in 2012, but the design has moved on significantly since then.

 

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