Scoop: There’s Likely An Audi Q1 Hiding Under This Test Mule

At first, you may think there’s nothing out of the ordinary with

                                        https://www.carscoops.com/author/johnhcarscoops-com/

by John Halas

May 12, 2015 at 23:22

At first, you may think there’s nothing out of the ordinary with this VW Tiguan exiting the group’s facility, but a closer look proves otherwise.

Bypassing the Audi alloy wheels, the reason why we believe this is a development car for Ingolstadt’s upcoming Q1 small SUV is that it’s riding on a different platform with a slightly shorter wheelbase and tighter tracks, as evidenced by the body that hangs over the wheels. The Ingolstadt license plates that start with “IN” is another giveaway that this is an Audi tester.

Audi confirmed plans for their smallest SUV yet this past March, with production to kick off in Ingolstadt next year.

“The Audi Q1 will be the new entry-level model among our SUVs and will round out the portfolio at the bottom end as of 2016,” said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler at the time of the announcement.

Placed right under the Q3 and targeted primarily at young people who are looking for a premium alternative to small SUVs like the Nissan Juke, the Q1 will offer a range of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with a sportier SQ1 model likely to follow after launch.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops