German carmaker Audi has officially confirmed the Q1 will go into production in 2016 at its plant in Ingolstadt.
As an attractive entry into the Q family, the new crossover will make a strong contribution to the company’s ongoing growth and will strengthen its international competitiveness. Previous reports have indicated it could be based on the Volkswagen Polo and measure 3,800 mm long.
Engine options remain a mystery but could include a 1.4-liter TFSI, a 1.4-liter TDI and a range-topping SQ1 with 231 hp. There could also be a hybrid variant which combines a 1.2-liter petrol engine and a 109 hp electric motor.
According to Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler, "The Audi Q1 is part of our broad-based SUV strategy. It is designed on the basis of the modular transverse engine concept and will round off our Q series at the bottom end."
The Q family currently comprises the Q3, RS Q3, Q5, SQ5 and Q7. The Q5 is the global market leader in its direct competitive environment. Overall, Audi has produced and delivered to customers more than 1.5 million units of the Q family since the market launch of the first SUV in 2006.
