Audi Q1 sub-compact SUV in 2016

According to Auto Bild, Audi are planning their most compact SUV yet – the Audi Q1 – to join the sub-compact SUV race. Arrives in 2016.

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There was a time when saloon cars ruled the car sales charts, but they eventually went out of fashion to be replaced by the more practical hatchback.

But, despite the demonising of the SUV by ‘green’ groups, compact SUVs/Crossovbers have become the favourite flavour for car buyers as they seek something practical and with the promise of a bit of go anywhere credentials (even if they are cosmetic rather than mechanical).

So it’s no surprise to see cars like the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur starting to grab sales from small hatches.

So far, there isn’t a sub-compact SUV/Crossover from a premium car makers, but that looks set to change in the next few years as Audi are planning their smallest SUV to date – the Audi Q1.

Auto Bild are reporting that Audi are planning to build the Q1 for launch in 2016, based on the VW Polo platform with engines from the A1 and expected to cost under £20k, the new Audi Q1 could be just the car Audi needs to keep its SUV sales targets on target.

Expected to look like an Audi Q3 (pictured above) on a bit of a boil wash, the new Q1 will probably also spawn both hybrid and EV versions soon after it hits the market, although there seem to be no plans to offer the Q1 with four-wheel drive, despite the Polo having a 4WD platform in the making.

Audi heading for yet another niche.