2012 launch expected for Audi Q1

Posted Thu Jun 12 2008 7:17 PM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Audi bosses have hinted at launching a new compact SUV-crossover positioned below the recently revealed Q5 but an even smaller soft-roader is expected to be launched to help the carmaker reach its goal of delivering 40 different models by 2015. The new entry-level soft-roader is likely to be called the Q1 and latest reports claim it won’t come onto the market until late 2012 at the earliest.

Rising fuel prices are causing buyers of large SUVs to downsize to smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles, but a lot of buyers don’t want to give up some of the unique characteristics of their SUVs – namely, the taller ride height and line of view.

That’s why carmakers are predicting growth in the compact SUV segment and are racing to develop a new generation of compact soft-roaders. Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen, is expected to launch a new SUV version of its next-generation Polo and BMW is currently developing a new compact SUV as well.

According to Germany’s AutoZeitung, the new Q1 will be based on Audi’s upcoming A1 minicar, which itself is based on an uprated Polo platform. The car will measure approximately 3.95m in length and will feature a coupe-styled body with just two-doors and a rear hatch. Power will come from a 1.4L TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 125hp or a TSI unit with 150hp. Diesel fans will be able to pick from a 1.2L TDI with 80hp or a 1.6L TDI with 119hp.

Pictured above is the Audi 2000 Steppenwolf, which features the same coupe-style body on an SUV platform that the upcoming Q1 is expected to share.

Reader Comments

Thu Jun 12 2008 7:46 PM
Gus says

Wow. This is obviously a segment of the market I am TOTALLY out of touch with.
I just see no need.

The Q7 at least was a real SUV. Lots more space, some off road ability, good tow numbers. What, exactly, is this thing?
Thu Jun 12 2008 8:34 PM
Wizards Lore says

Gus ...all it will be is a jacked up hatch. With bigger wheels.
The thing is it will eb so heavy and the wheel travel with be so large that fuel consumption will be worse than its larger siblings !
Thu Jun 12 2008 10:22 PM
InkMaster says

Gus, think TT on huge-ass wheels
Thu Jun 12 2008 11:29 PM
Gunnar says

What a cool lookin' Audi. That design looks downright Bauhaus-ish. Viva first gen TT design!
Fri Jun 13 2008 12:24 AM
Gus says

Well, the Bauhaus TT does look great, and this looks interesting, but I guess, like I said, I'm just out of touch, because I don't get it.

The picture shows it off road, so maybe that's what it is, a serious off-roader to go head to head with a Land Rover or Wrangler... or perhaps not.
Fri Jun 13 2008 5:10 AM
HECTOR says

This is the Steppenwolf concept from like 10 years ago. It looked silly then, it looks stupid now and it will look possitively ludicrous when it debuts 4 years + $5/gallon from now.

40 models. Automotive whoredom. But at least I uderstand they *may* be doing it to comply with US & EU CAFE standards. What's *your* excuse for buying this thing or the upcoming A1? The same as the guy's who buys the 1 series: you're a brand snob tool.
Fri Jun 13 2008 8:42 AM
Knight3058 says

Yeah, this is the Steppenwolf. http://www.supercars.net/cars/107.html
I liked it then (2000), but now, unless they pair it with a really fuel efficient diesel (V-6 or I-6, or even a turbo 4), it won't sell well here.

One of the coolest things, IMHO, about the concept was the full sized spare behind the rear bumper (it was a drawer that pulled out).
Fri Jun 13 2008 9:12 AM
mlevere1992 says

Hector,

I take issue with you writing off the people who are buying the bmw 1 series are a brand snob tool. Just because you don't like a car or its design that you have to say that anyone that buys the car is a tool. Everyone has their own preference in cars and from last check, I still live in America and I can choose what ever car that I want to drive.

I have owned 2 BMWs in my life (1989 325is and 2006 325i) but I have also owned Mazdas (6 and CX9), Fords(F150, Tempo, Explorer, Tarus), Chevys(Camaro), Mitsubushi (Galant), Chrysler (Town and Country). So you cannot call me a brand snob but I love the 1 series. It is compact, powerful, and fun as hell to drive. I even like the styling. It remindes me of my 1989 235is.

I always reserve judgement on any car until I drive it or it is even produced. What if this car can get 30mpg for a small SUV? You don't know. Nobody knows because it hasn't been developed yet. I am sure that Audi is reading these boards for your opinions to drive their business decisions. Until it comes out, I am enjoing this renaissance of the auto industry and the diversity of the ideas coming from all angles of the industry.
Fri Jun 13 2008 10:00 AM
Gus says

mlevere, look up "hector" in the dictionary, it's a word, a verb even, I promise. :)

That said, Hector makes a point in that some people will buy anything fed them by a brand. You are obviously not one of them.

I like the 1 series as well. Looks a bit, ok very, feminine, al the headlights need is a line of mascara, actually, but it's a great little car, especially the 135.

Back to topic, yes, I recognize that concept now. I'm surprised they actually fleshed it out, however...
Sat Jun 14 2008 10:40 PM
NoNameDenton says

This would not be like a TT on huge wheels as this is supposed to be on a modified POlo platform, and the TT is on the Golf platform.

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