Audi A1 and Q3 all-new for 2018

Audi has been punching out a number of trendy new models lately, such as the style-focussed Audi Q2 compact SUV and upcoming Audi Q8. But its bread-and-butter models – the money makers – haven't been forgotten either.

In fact just last week Audi announced it will renew five existing core models -- think A1, A3, A6, A7 and A8 -- by mid-2018, in addition to releasing the all-new Q4 and Q8 crossovers (and the new Q3) by 2019, and three all-electric models by 2020.

For now, these computer generated images show how the new Audi A1 city-car and Audi Q3 small SUV could look, based on the company's evolving design language and previous spy photos.

Both are scheduled to arrive by the middle of next year in Europe, so expect them on sale in Australia within two years.

2018 Audi A1
The Audi A1 compact car has been one of the company's global top-sellers since it was introduced in 2010 and the second-generation model will offer more luxury, more technology and improved fuel economy thanks to a new MQB (A0) platform.

Currently priced from $28,600 in Australia, the 2018 model will get sharper headlights while a Q2-inspired roofline will add a sportier look. Scrolling indicators are likely too. A longer wheelbase will improve practicality in the form of more room for occupants and cargo.

Added tech will come in the form of a digitised instrument panel, or virtual cockpit, along with a number of semi-automated driving aids. A plug-in hybrid and possibly even full EV versions of the Audi A1 are on the cards. The e-tron versions will be joined by updated versions of the current 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engines and new 1.5-litre turbo petrol and diesel engines.

A stove-hot new Audi S1 model is expected in due course, and is likely to come with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with an output of around 200kW. The company has previously said an Audi RS1 is not happening... but we're keeping our fingers crossed anyway, perhaps as a last hurrah in early 2018.

Sales of the Audi A1 in Australia have slumped by more than 40 per cent in the first five months of 2017, so the Australian importer will be keen to get its hands on the model sooner rather than later.

2018 Audi Q3
Currently Audi Australia's top-selling SUV and starting at $42,900, the original Q3 is expected to be replaced by an all-new model likely to debut at the 2018 Geneva motor show.

Crucial to the company's profitability, the new model will bring a fresh new exterior design to the table but it's more than just the visuals that are inspired by its recently revamped bigger brother, Audi Q5, which arrives in Australia this month priced from $65,900.

Based on the MQB platform shared with vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, the new Q3's interior will be a step up from the current model's ageing cabin. Expect a fancier dash, virtual cockpit instruments and touch-sensitive climate-control buttons like the A4.

The existing Audi Q3 was facelifted in late 2016 and is being sent off with a bang via the RS Q3 Performance, but the new Q3 will initially focus on being lighter and more fuel efficient.

Like the 2018 Audi A1, plug-in hybrid versions wearing e-tron badges are tipped along with a full EV version down the track, with a circa-300km range per charge. Three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will also be offered.

A high-output five-cylinder turbo/petrol-powered RS Q3 successor is a given.