AUDI is set to axe the incredibly popular A1 and Q2 models next year – with an EV lined up as its replacement.
Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand – especially the A1 hatchback – are also the two cheapest among their range.
Audi’s popular A1 hatchback has reached the end of the road, with the model set to be scrapped next year[/caption]
The A1 is the cheapest among Audi’s range along with the Q2[/caption]
It is set to be replaced by a new, currently unnamed EV[/caption]
The Q2 SUV is also being pulled from production[/caption]
But according to Autocar, they’ve reached the end of the road with Audi ready to launch a new entry-level electric car as an indirect replacement.
Claimed to sit beneath the top selling Audi Q4 e-tron, the upcoming EV will serve as an alternative to the A3 hatchback and Q3 crossover.
It is also the smallest electric car in Audi’s product plan.
Gernot Dollner, Audi’s CEO, revealed they “will end production of the A1 and Q2” in 2026 “and there definitely will be no successor for the A1.”
He added the brand “will have models in the lower A-segment” and that “we will also see the car that will enter production next year in Ingolstadt, which will be our entry BEV in the A-segment”.
Naturally, further details are scarce, but Autocar deduced that, given the Volkswagen Group’s new SSP platform for electric cars is not due until 2028, it is likely to share the Modular Electric Drive Matrix architecture with the Q4, as well as other EVs from VW, Skoda and Cupra.
Dollner added: “A really positive part of our strategy is that in the A-segment, we rely on Volkswagen Group synergies.
“We use platforms shared with other brands and [integrate] Audi differentiation in terms of Quattro and power and technology.
“That strategy is very healthy and we will move on with that. That will also be our strategy in the battery-electric age.”
A predicted starting price in the £30,000 range is expected, while it is likely to blur the line between hatchback and crossover – much like the new Skoda Elroq.
Dollner previously described the car as a “wonderful, unique, independent concept”.
Autocar also predicted that the car could have a new nameplate – seeing as it is not a direct replacement for the two outgoing models.
One possibility is the long-unused A2 moniker.
As expected, the small EV will be more on the premium side compared to its label-mates from the VW Group’s portfolio.
A range of interior technology, materials and design cues can be expected, similar to other, pricier Audis.
Dollner added: “I believe that Audi is the right brand to show premium from the A- to the D-segment.
“There are not many brands in the world, but I think Audi can have a true premium offer in the A-segment.
“We will come up with highly emotional and attractive models also in the lower segments.”
The future is certainly bright for Audi, as they also recently revealed the iconic R8 is set for a revival.
The beloved supercar – which was pulled from production just one year ago – is to return as a plug-in hybrid that could become their most powerful and fastest roadgoing model to date.
Pencilled for a debut in late 2027, the new R8 has progressed beyond the feasibility stage, according to Autocar.
As before, the two-seater will be twinned with Lamborghini – another brand owned by VW – as it did when it was first produced in 2006 alongside the Gallardo, which mechanically was the R8’s twin.
The highly-successful collaboration was then renewed in 2015 for the second-gen R8 and Huracan, respectively.
To that end, this next-gen release will likely use the drivetrain, structural elements, electronics and chassis of the Temerario – Lambo’s recently released successor to the Huracan.
The next-generation Volkswagen Golf is also on the horizon, with the world’s most iconic hatchback set for major changes in 2028.
The Mk9 model, which will include a bold new software system designed, in part, by Rivian, is set to be named the ID Golf.
