Audi Crosslane Coupe concept (2012) - the new Q2!

Audi showed off the new Crosslane Coupe concept car at the Paris motor show in 2012 - and it's basically the new Q2 in show-car drag.

Ingolstadt may call it 'a hybrid study providing pointers to the design language of future Audi Q models,' but very senior execs told CAR it is the new Q2. Audi is preparing a raft even-numbered Q models which will provide a lower slung breed of crossover to the family-oriented Q3/Q5/Q7 set.

As well as the pert, sportier styling, take note of the technology underneath the Q2 concept car.

Audi, along with the rest of the German car industry, is working hard on new materials and the Crosslane Coupe uses a carbonfibre and glassfibre reinforced polymer spaceframe construction. The end result is a very light kerbweight for a four-wheel drive crossover.

Combined with a three-cylinder 1.5-litre TFSI turbocharged engine and two electric motors, the hybrid system develops 175bhp and can travel at up to 80mph on electric mode.

Audi claims a 53-mile EV range, 257mpg and CO2 emissions of 26g/km. Such figures are unlikely in the showroom for a while yet, but this advanced design concept shows that ultra-clean family crossovers are not too far away.

That clever composite construction brings a worthy kerbweight of just 1390kg, not bad considering the bulky lithium-ion battery stowed onboard and the need for a pair of electric motors.

Lowering the bulk means a smaller engine; note how many cars at Paris are shrinking their powertrains - the Crosslane only requires a three-cylinder engine and we're seeing similar in cars across the board, from the new Ford Mondeo to the BMW i8 supercar. Extreme downsizing is happening here and now, folks.

By Tim Pollard