2016 Audi Q1 spied testing in production body

Spied previously in the borrowed garb of a Volkswagen Tiguan, these new shots offer a first look at the new small Audi in its final outfit.

Although the prototype shown here wears a thin layer of camouflage, more than a few of the Q1’s styling details can be seen.

It’s clear that the 2016 Q1 will take its lead from the recently facelifted Q3, along with the big new Q7. That means a bulging ‘3D’ grille design that extends back toward the headlights, setting the Q1 apart from Audi’s hatch and sedan lines.

An early sketch revealed during the announcement of the Q1’s coming suggested that Audi would reveal an angular new body design, but these new spy photos confirm that the company will carry on with its familiar and subtle profile lines.

A tall glasshouse can also be seen, ensuring that despite its compact dimensions, the Q1 should deliver a reasonable amount of headroom and storage space in the rear half.

The prototype spied here does not appear significantly smaller than the existing Q3, although its overall shape suggests the Q1 may be the more practical of the two.

Reports suggest the Q1 will come in at around 4.2 metres long, compared to 4.4 metres for the Q3 - a seemingly small difference, but not unusual in the now crowded compact and small SUV segments.

It is understood that, unlike the current Q3, the Q1 will be built on the new MQB platform that underpins models like the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf - among even larger offerings across both brands.

Watch for the Q1 to debut either at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show or, if held off to a later date, March’s Geneva Motor Show.