Audi is busy expanding its range of Q-badged off-roaders, so it should come as no surprise that an Audi Q1 is on the drawing board.
Although the Q1 has not yet been fully approved, according to CAR’s sources the R&D wizards from Ingolstadt are evaluating three options.
Audi Q1: the three alternative plans
• If the competitive situation demands it, a rebodied soft-roader derived from the five-door A1 Sportback Quattro could be rushed into production by 2013
• By 2015, Audi could develop an all-new compact crossover which would use the advanced modular MQB architecture pioneered by the next A3
• Come 2016, the brand-new A2 which is being designed around a high-tech multi-material vehicle structure, could pave the way for an uncommonly light high-roof model
So the Q1 could be a sensible rebodied A1 or a techfest A2?
Exactly. At this point, Audi seems to favour a mix of A2 and MQB elements, which would give the Q1 technology to make it stand out in the sector.
The new Audi A2 architecture would help bring the weight down and allow battery EV and range-extender hybrid systems.
In this scenario, Audi would mate its own bespoke body made of lightweight elements to a platform, chassis and driveline shared with other brands.
Once Audi decides, expect to see Audi Q1s flood the market. The four rings certainly know a thing or two about marketing…