Baby SUV is set to be based on the Volkswagen Polo.
Starting out with the massive Q7, Audi has gradually released smaller and smaller SUVs, which, according to German publication Bild, will culminate with the Q1 in 2016. The baby SUV will be based on the VW Polo's platform and at just 3.80m in length will be 1.30m shorter than Audi's flagship Q7. An elevated seating position and ample ground clearance coupled with off-road styling will convince buyers they are getting a mini off-roader, yet Audi won't be offering them all-wheel drive.
The A1's 1.4-liter TFSI gasoline unit and 1.4-liter TDI three-cylinder will provide the Q1 with 90 hp, sent to the tarmac via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A 231-hp 2-liter engine will provide motivation in a range-topping SQ1. After being rolled out in 2016, Audi will release a hybrid variant, pairing a 1.2-liter gasoline unit with an electric motor for a combined output of 229 hp. The Audi Q1 is expected to be priced from 20,000 Euros.
Switching careers after a few years in finance with a Mathematics and Philosophy degree under his belt, Adam worked for various publishing houses and established his own English editing company. He then spent almost a decade covering the automotive industry as Managing Editor and most recently Editor-in-Chief, specializing in breaking news coverage, in-depth car reviews and opeds. A member of the Automotive Press Association and International Motor Press Association, he will occasionally leave the office to attend a car show or drive something exotic.
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