Audi Q1 planned for 2016 | report

We've heard much about a small Audi crossover, variously called the Q1 or possibly to be called Q2 according to some reports. Germany's Auto Bild is now saying the Q1 will debut in 2016, and will be based on the Volkswagen Polo's platform.

Use of the platform means the Q1 would be small enough to slot under the Q3 in Audi's crossover lineup. But with the project reportedly being front-wheel drive only, it will not match its larger softroader siblings for capability in the rough.

Initial engine choices are said to be a 67kW 1.4-litre petrol four-cylinder and a new 67kW 1.4-litre turbodiesel three-cylinder -- both mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. However there is also mention of a hotter SQ1 version with a 170kW 2.0-litre petrol unit, and a Q1 hybrid slated for 2018 with a 80kW 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 80kW electric motor.

However, we've heard plenty of rumours about a possible Q1 that turned out to be just that. Audi executives have been dropping hints about the crossover since at least last year, when they said such a vehicle could be built on the A1 platform and would be a logical extension to Audi's crossover lineup.

Another report named the crossover as a Q2, and said it would ride on a platform derived partly from Volkswagen's new MQB architecture, sharing engines from the A1 line-up.

The Q2 plan was reportedly pushed back until 2015, possibly due to global economic doldrums. The Polo-based Q1 bears little resemblance to the plans for that car, so either Audi decided to start completely from scratch, or the rumour mill is still turning.

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