The Ingolstadt-based automaker currently has three crossovers on sale: Q3, Q5 and Q7, but these will be joined next year by a fourth member of the Q group which will actually be the smallest of them all. Initially, the model in question was supposed to be called “Q2”, but Audi ran into some legal trouble as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had the rights to use this moniker and their CEO Sergio Marchionne was not willing to let Audi use this name. As a consequence, the company with the four ring logo decided to use the “Q1” nameplate for their petite crossover.
However, something happened in the meantime as Audi and FCA managed to reach an agreement, so what used to be the “Q1” is actually now the “Q2” and will remain this way for the production version which will debut March next year at the Geneva Motor Show, with sales to commence probably in the second half of 2016.
Official details about the Audi Q2 are scarce at the moment, but sources close to the German marque have said it will use a shortened version of Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform and as standard it will utilize a front-wheel drive arrangement. Those willing to pay more will have the possibility of ordering the high-riding model with an optional quattro all-wheel drive system which will likely be available only with the stronger engines.
It is believed that Audi is already planning hotter derivatives of the model, with the first one being a diesel-powered SQ1 featuring a 2.0-liter with as much as 231 bhp. Those who would rather have a very punchy gasoline unit should know that a range-topping RS Q1 is apparently in the works with a turbo 2.0-liter rated at around 300 bhp. However, these two won’t be available right away and will probably be launched in a couple of years after the regular model’s debut and there also might be a more economical plug-in hybrid.
Audi’s Q expansion plans won’t end with the Q2 as the Volkswagen-owned company is also cooking up a Q6 which is due in 2018 and initially it will be offered as a pure electric crossover.
