Audi teases fourth SUV in Q model series, likely to be Q1

Audi's current Q series family of SUV includes flagship vehicles Q7, Q5 and the Q3. In comparison to the other luxury manufactures such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi, the members in Audi's SUV family is less. Mercedes-Benz sells GLA, GLC, GLE, and GLS SUVs, while BMW sells X1, X3, X4, X5 and X6. Audi is all set to add another member in its SUV portfolio and has released a teaser picture confirming the same.

Unfortunately, the teaser image does not show anything on the new SUV. The picture shows the rear of the Q7, Q5 and Q3 parked in a basement and the space next to Q3 is empty with the "soon" tag. The cars are parked in ascending order and this makes it clear that the company is talking about the future entry-level SUV that is in all probability the Q1.

The Q1 is based on a shortened version of the MQB platform and will be offered with a front-wheel drive layout. Audi's Quattro four-wheel drive will be optionally available. In terms of design, the Q1 will feature a similar design of its elder siblings -- the newly-unveiled Q7 and the Q3. The Q1 is expected to be compact SUV that falls under four metre length.

Industry reports indicate the Q1 will be available in 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine. The diesel engines will be 1.2-litre TDI and 1.6-litre TDI. The engines will be mated to manual as well as DSG transmissions. The production spec version is expected to debut at Geneva Motor Show in March 2016 and market launch can be expected in early 2017.