New Audi baby SUV likely

Audi will prioritise launching new SUV and crossover models over launching a smaller city car, according to André Konsbruck, the director of Audi UK .

“If you look at the trends in these segments it is clear it is where the opportunities are. The segments are booming, and if we can create emotionally appealing cars in these segments then it's clear there are some very good opportunities for us.”

Konsbruck hinted that this is likely to include a new small crossover to sit under the Audi Q3. Audi has previously also been linked with producing an MPV-style vehicle, as well as creating new niches of vehicle to fill out its Q range.

However, Konsbruck played down suggestions that Audi is considering a small city car based on the Volkswagen Up, possibly named A0 and running an electric powertrain.

“It is very hard to achieve profitability in that segment, and we have the Audi A1, which is extremely successful,” said Konsbruck. “The A1 draws in the highest number of conquest customers to Audi and the youngest section of buyers, so we have to ask what the addition of a new smaller car would achieve for us.”