2016 Audi Q2 teased ahead of Geneva debut - new video, pictures

The Q2 forms part of Audi's plan to launch several new SUVs to bolster its Q-badged line-up. Other models which form part of the plan include the Q8 and Q6.

Although heavily camouflaged, pictures of test mules have shown that the Q2 will feature a smaller interpretation of the Q7's front grille and front bumper design, and also uses slimline LED headlight clusters.

At the rear, the sloping roofline ends in a boot-mounted lip spoiler - much like the current A1 - and includes a chunky rear bumper. Body cladding will feature around the lower edges of the car.

The Q2 is understood to be similar in length, width and wheelbase to the three-door A3, which is 4237mm long and 1777mm tall, with a 2601mm wheelbase.

Inside, Audi could either model the five-seat cabin on the existing A1 or give the Q2 the same digital dashboard technology as found in the TT, A4 and Q7. It's known that Audi wants to use the digital dashboard technology on more of its vehicles, as it negates the need for a separate infotainment screen while also giving the car a premium look. The car will offer a raised-up seating position as expected in an SUV.

Power for the Q2 is expected to come from three and four-cylinder versions of Volkswagen's latest petrol and diesel engines. VW's EA211 petrol engine is available in 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-litre forms, while the latest EA288 diesel comes in 2.0-litre form.

Transmissions should include a standard six-speed manual, with VW's DSG transmission available as an option.

Audi could also launch a hybrid e-tron variant of the Q2 further down the line. The 201bhp hybrid powertrain already found in the A3 e-tron - which combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor - could be adapted for use in the Q2. A sporty variant possibly badged SQ2 and using the 228bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine found in the S1, also can't be ruled out.

Although natively front-wheel drive, Audi will also offer its quattro all-wheel drive system as an option.

The use of the sophisticated MQB platform and the fact it is built in Germany suggest the Q2 will be an upmarket machine with a price to match, rather than a cheaper, entry-level, model like the A1 supermini.

The current A1 range starts at £14,355 and rises to £19,565 for a top-end A1 Sportback while the larger Q3 starts at £25,380. Therefore, a starting price of around £20,000 for the Q2 seems likely, pitching the Q2 well against premium rivals like the £17,105 Mini Countryman.

Audi is pitching the Q2 at younger buyers and insiders say it is a response to a demand for ever-smaller premium models. Indeed, the A3 has now surpassed the A4 as Audi’s biggest seller in the UK.

“A premium car is justified in this segment,” said one insider. “As volumes in segments such as these have gone up, so has demand for premium models in them."