Manufacturer of the moment Audi has revealed the first details of its latest niche model – the Q3.

Looking like a smaller version of the Q5 – itself the offspring of the mighty Q7 – the Audi Q3 will go up against the forthcoming BMW X1. 

There’s not a whole lot to say about the Q3, or ‘Audi Cross Coupe Quattro study’, which it’s called at this development stage.

But it’s rumoured to share the VW Tiguan’s platform and will probably be available with front-wheel drive or, for the more powerful models, Quattro four-wheel drive.

Expected in 2011, the Q3 is part of Audi’s attempts to become the world’s dominant car maker as it strives to have in excess of 40 models by 2015. It had just 12 models in 1999.

Joining the Audi line-up this year are the R8 V10, TT-RS, A4 Allroad Quattro and A5 and S5 Cabriolet.

Video: Watch the Audi Q7 in Ironman