Audi plans sporty MPV for 2016 02 | 08 | 2012

AUDI IS SET to unveil a sporty seven-seater MPV in 2016. which will go head-to-head with Ford's hugely successful S-Max.

The car, which is currently undergoing development, will be made available in either six- or seven-seat format.

Based on the longer — it's expected to be 4500mm in length —and wider version of the VW Group's modular MQB architecture, the new Audi will also get a range of new transverse engines, which will help maximise interior space.

Expect the petrols to be the 180bhp 1.8TFSI and the 2.0TFSI which pumps out 222bhp. Two power outputs — 141bhp and 175bhp — will be available from the 2.0TDI turbodiesel.

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It's also likely that there will be a petrol-electric hybrid model in the range. This will mate a 148bhp 1.4TFSI unit with a 107bhp electric motor and battery pack.

There also remains the possibility that the arrival of the MPV could launch a new sub-brand within the Audi range.

It's rumoured the new MPV could use the letter 'V' in its badging, mirroring the styling of the Q3, Q5 and Q7: hence we could well see a V3 or V4 — depending on whether A3 or A4-dervied mechanicals are used — when the MPV arrives.

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Jim McGill