Steppenwolf is ready to follow in the footsteps of the Audi TT and A2 by becoming the latest Audi concept vehicle to make its way into full production. Bracketed as a “study for on-road and demanding off-road” use, Steppenwolf shows how Audi development engineers visualise a high-performance all-rounder for the compact class.

Powered by Audi's 3.2-litre V6 delivering 225bhp, Steppenwolf makes full use of Audi's quattro expertise and boasts a unique four-level air suspension with an adjustment range of 60mm.

Many of the constituent parts of the so-called “project” are already in use on existing Audi models. It has also been constructed on the same platform as that used for the TT and A3.

A four-seater with a mean and meaty look to it, Steppenwolf could be loitering on a street corner in the UK within two years.

An Audi insider said: “The TT and A2 concepts made their way into production basically unchanged. Steppenwolf is unlikely to break the habit.”