Audi Q1 due to arrive in 2016

Speaking with CarAdvice at the launch of the face-lifted Audi A1 in Monaco, the head of product marketing for Audi A1, Lisa Heyne, said it's full steam ahead for the baby Q series.

"If the Q1 arrives in Germany in early 2016, it could possibly be in Australia by the end of that year," Ms Heyne said.

Though she remained tight-lipped, not giving anything conclusive away in regards to specifics, she hinted that the subcompact crossover will share an existing Audi platform and could share the new engines offered in its twin, the A1.

The concept picture above shows an exaggerated angular five-door baby SUV, and the production model is expected to take styling cues from the Q3 and incorporate the new design language including wedge-shaped headlights and the wider, more muscular stance of the updated A1.

Ms Heyne said expanding Audi's SUV line-up (consisting of the Q3, Q5 and Q7) with the Q1, is an exciting step.

Audi is aiming to expand its range to 60 models by 2020 and is tipping the Q1 will be a major contributor to reaching its target of 35% of production volume being SUV's.