Audi to launch Q2 before Q1

Audi has confirmed that it will launch the Q2 compact crossover, the smallest model in the Q range, at the 2016 Geneva Show. Previously known as the Q1, Audi could not use the Q2 nomenclature (its preferred choice) as it was owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). However, the German luxury car brand has finally managed to acquire the rights to the Q2 (and Q4) badges from FCA.

 

Speaking to Autocar India, Audi's head of R&D, Ulrich Hackenberg confirmed that 'the production version will be called the Q2 and the Q1 will come later'. This would fit in with Audi's model hierarchy in which the Q1 would be an even smaller crossover, spun off the next-gen A1's platform. While the

Q2 would be a notch below the Q3 and use the modular MQB that underpins the Audi A3 and VW Golf, the Audi Q1 'could be less than 4 metres long', according to Hackenberg.

 

Whilst the Q2 is likely to be powered with three- and four-cylinder versions of VW's latest petrol (EA211) and diesel (EA288) engines, the smaller Q1 isexpected to be powered by a compact 1.6 diesel which could be downsized to 1.5 litres for the Indian market. A 1.2 turbo-petrol, which also powers the current Polo, is another option. A 1.5 diesel or 1.2 petrol Q1 could easily slip into the Indian 'small car' category, which gives a massive 12 percent excise savings to cars less than 4 metres long and with engine capacities lower than 1.5 litres for diesel and 1.2 litres for petrol. The lower rate of excise would allow the Q1 to be priced far more competitively than any other car from rival brands, allowing Audi to set a new base line for the luxury car segment in India.