Audi has published a series of sketches with the upcoming small SUV, the 2012 Q3. Intended as a competitor for the BMW X1, the 2012 Audi Q3 is based on Q5, and even though production will take place at Seat’s plant in Martorell, Spain, the new compact crossover will initially debut on the Chinese market, with the rest of the world’s markets to follow after that.

The upcoming Q3 will use TFSI and TDI engines from the Volkswagen group, and in terms of design we can see it features sharper angles when compared to the current generation, with a bald and dynamic appearance that reminds of the Cross Coupe quattro concept.

The rear end however still looks much like the first Q3 generation, while the interior sketches reveal a series a small changes as well.

According to various sources the 2012 Audi Q3 will become available with three petrol and three diesel engines. At launch the car will be equipped with either a 2.0-litre TFSI developing 170 HP through a manual gearbox, or a 211 HP units linked to an S Tronic transmission. For those who prefer diesels, the automaker will initially offer a 2.0-litre TDI plant capable of producing 170 horses.

Source: Audi