Will ride on a shortened MQB platform

New details have emerged about the Audi Q1 which has been reconfirmed today for a 2016 release by company chief Rupert Stadler during the annual conference.

Stadler announced the Q1 is still on track for a 2016 release and will use a shortened version of the MQB platform. It is believed the model will be similar in size with the A3 from where it will inherit most of the engines. The Q1 will obviously sit higher than the A3 and will get standard front-wheel drive but an optional quattro system will be offered as well. As far as the design is concerned, most of it was done before Marc Lichte took over but he was still able to add his personal touch to the petite crossover which will mainly target young buyers.

Sources close to Audi are saying the Q1 has been given the green-light for production as a move to meet an increasing demand for smaller premium models which seem to be even more desirable in crossover form. The model will be built at home in Ingolstadt, Germany and reports say it will be considerably more expensive than the A1. Later during the car's lifespan, a range-topping SQ1 derivative could join the range as well as a more frugal plug-in hybrid variant.