What's the news?

Audi has released the first images of a compact crossover concept that is set to make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Coming a week after the announcement that the Q1 has been green-lighted it is expected that the concept will give us the clearest idea of what the posh Nissan Juke rival will look like.

Exterior

Audi says the high riding concept draws on typical 'allroad' designs, but being a three-door model is described as a 'Shooting Brake.' At 4.2 metres long the concept is some 20cm shorter than the current Audi Q3 and features similarly short overhangs and a low roof leading Audi to call it a 'sports car redefined.'

Erroneous labelling aside the 19-inch wheels of the design sketches along with a wide track certainly give the car a good stance, while aluminium underbody cladding also gives the rough and tumble look so coveted in this segment. The cladding may not just be for show either, as a new single frame grille wears the company's 'quattro' script, indicating that the concept at least will have four-wheel drive.

Mechanicals

No word on what will power the concept but certain e-tron design elements like the ring of the single-frame grille and the side air inlets point to a petrol/electric hybrid, possibly a variation on the A3 e-tron's 1.4 TFSI powertrain.

Anything else?

The new concept is a continuation of the design language that was introduced by the Crosslane Coupé, the first concept that hinted at a Q1. The new car will be unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit in January. We'll be there.