2016 Audi Q1 will actually be the 2016 Audi Q2

Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi Technical boss, appears to have declared that the Q1 Compact SUV due to be launched in 2016 will actually be the Audi Q2.

It’s two years since Audi revealed they will launch the Q1 Compact SUV in 2016, although it was rumoured  that they wanted to use the Q2 badge but were foiled by trademarks owned by Fiat.

But something has clearly changed recently, as Audi Technical boss, Ulrich Hackenberg, has disclosed to Indian Autos Blog that the production car due to be revealed in Geneva next year will be the Audi Q2.

That seems to suggest that Audi has done a deal with Fiat (FCA) to acquire the even-numbered ‘Q’ trademarks, although it could also suggest that the Q2 Hackenburg is referring to is an additional planned model and he’s let the cat out of the bag.

But whatever the reality is, Audi will be delivering a new compact SUV at the Geneva Motor Show in spring 2016, based on the MQB platform and with FWD as standard – but quattro 4WD on more expensive versions – with the usual range of TDI and TSI engines and manual and DSG gearboxes.

The Audi Q2 is planned to be built alongside the A3, A4 and A5 models at Audi’s plant in Ingolstadt.