Audi Q1 set for Geneva unveil 22 | 07 | 2015
THE FIRST IMAGES of Audi's new Q1 compact SUV, which will make its world debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show in March, have been snapped.
Set to be powered by engines lifted from the hugely successful A1, the Q1 will be a premier contender against the likes of the established Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.
Sitting on the smallest version of VW Group's MQB platform, the new 'baby SUV' will help Audi further boost its Q line-up, alongside the current Q3 and Q5, and coinciding with the launch of the new-generation Q7. These are expected to be joined by new models, the Q8 and Q6.
The new Q1 is expected to carry a smaller interpretation of Audi's new front grille and front bumper design, as debuted on the all-new Q7.
The rear of the baby SUV is also expected to have a boot-mounted lip spoiler and a chunky rear bumper. It's also to be expected the lower edges of the car will feature body-cladding.
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Though no official details have been released, it's believed the Q1 will be similar in length, width and wheelbase to the three-door A3, which is 4237mm long and 1777mm tall, with a 2601mm wheelbase.
The interior of the Q1's cabin it would make sense for Audi to introduce the same digital dashboard technology as found in the TT and Q7, as it's known the Ingolstadt company intends to use the digital dashboard technology on more of its vehicles.
Engines? Well they're likely to come from the existing powerplants found in the current A1 line-up. That would mean the entry-level car would get a 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine while higher up the range will be a 123bhp 1.4TFSi petrol. Naturally, the A1's staple 1.6-litre diesel — which is likely to be the volume seller — will also be offered: in the A1, the engine offers 114bhp and CO2 emissions of 93g/km.
A standard six-speed manual gearbox will be supplemented by Volkswagen's new 10-speed DSG transmission available as an option.
Expect prices for the new Audi Q1 to start around £20,000.
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Jim McGill