Audi Planning Next Generation Q1 and Q7 SUVs to Broaden Range

VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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Group is aiming to grow sales, and AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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is one of its fastest growers. The Q3 is not even on sale worldwide yet, and it is already planning its next luxury crossovers. The company plans to offer one even smaller to have a luxury alternative to the Nissan JukeNissan JukeJapan, 2010 > present135 versions
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. The Q7Audi Q7 Gen.1Germany, 2006 > 201450 versions
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is also due for a second generation late next year.

The compact, luxury SUV codenamed the Q1 is being planned for a 2016 reveal using VW Group’s MQB platform. Using the MQB platform allows Audi to offer the car with all-wheel drive as an option but most models will be front-wheel drive.

The engines will be VW Group’s next generation three-cylinder engine family with start/stop and its smallest four-cylinder offerings. A hybrid may also be offered depending on how the market evolves.

Just because it is small, the Q1 will not lack for tech, and Audi’s MMI infotainment system will be available as an option.

Eventually, the compact crossover market is going to get too crowded to support more entries, but until then expect to continue to see automakers add them to their stable.

The second generation Q7 will be positioned against the Range RoverLand Rover Range Rover (modern) Gen.3 [L405]United Kingdom, 2012 > present13 versions
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and X5Mercedes-Benz Citan Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present22 versions
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and use VW Group’s new MLB platform for rear-wheel drive, longitudinal engine vehicles. Unlike the current trend, the chassis will be steel, but most the exterior panels will be aluminum.

The Q7 will also introduce Audi’s new corporate look of a trapezoidal grill that comes out from the body that gives it a three-dimensional look. Audi’s active matrix LED headlights from the A8 will be an option.

MLB will underpin all of VW Groups’ next generation SUVs including the TouaregVolkswagen Touareg Gen.2Germany, 2009 > present50 versions
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, CayennePorsche Cayenne Gen.2Germany, 2010 > 201727 versions
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and Bentley SUV.

Source: Auto Express (1,2)