Audi unveils new Q2 01 | 03 | 2016
AUDI HAS REVEALED its all-new Q2 compact crossover at the Geneva Motor Show. Weighing just 1205kg, it's shorter, wider and taller than an A3 Sportback, and will be available with a choice of six drivetrains. Audi's iconic quattro four-wheel drive will be available as an option, though it's standard on the range-topping 2.0-litre engines. Sales across Scotland start in July, with first deliveries in November (see more photographs of the new Audi Q2)
Targeting — according to the Ingolstadt bosses — the demands of young, urban drivers, Audi hopes the Q2 will attract new buyers to the brand.
It is also marketing the Q2 as a compact premium car, much like the A1: that means soft-touch plastics, leather trim and contrasting stitching all included.
And while the overall fit and finish of the cabin is more comparable with models in higher classes, that also means prices are going to be higher than the norm for the compact crossover class. Expect the entry-level Q2s to start at around £20,000: that's £3000 more than the similarly sized Skoda Yeti.
Available as a five-door, five-seater only, with front-wheel-drive the default set-up, there's no denying the overall shape of the Q2 is distinctive in Audi’s line-up. Not only does it have taut proportions, but it has a hunched shoulder-line that features a unique sliced section, which designers say helps to give the jacked-up model a squatter stance, aided by a slim glasshouse that mimics the silhouette of a lower car.
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According to Audi, the Q2 delivers more interior headroom than an A3, while clever packaging ensures the boot can swallow 405 litres of luggage. And while optional 40:20:40 folding rear seats increase flexibility for storage — enabling that maximum volume to grow to 1050 litres — the bootlid has a wide opening for easy access, and the tailgate can be powered.
Six powerplants — three TFSI and three TDI engines — will be available from launch, ranging from 1.0 to 2.0-litre.
Lifted from the A1, the entry-level 1.0TFSI three-cylinder produces 114bhp in the Q2. Though Audi has yet to confirm economy figures, it's likely to return close to 50mpg.
Other petrols include the 1.4TFSI with cylinder-on-demand technology, with the most potent petrol being the 187bhp 2.0TFSI.
Lovers of diesel get the 114bhp 1.6TDI as the entry-model, with two states of tune for the larger 2.0TDI, 148bhp and 187bhp. It's likely the most frugal diesel will return around 70mpg.
A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, though the S tronic dual-clutch ’box is offered as an option: the auto 'box is standard in the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel models.
The Q2 will also be available with sports suspension, which lowers ride height by 10mm, as an option. There are also four drive modes: Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Efficiency.
Related: Audi unveils new A4 Allroad
And while cars equipped with Audi’s latest MMI infotainment system have an additional Individual mode that allows drivers to customise settings to their preferences, Audi says the Q2 will be capable of venturing offroad.
With the ESC set to off-road mode, the car’s drivetrain adjusts to work in slippery conditions and ground clearance is increased to 200mm.
Worth highlighting though, the Q2 is fitted with Pirelli P Zero road tyres, so it's certainly more of a Tarmac cruiser than a mudplugger.
The Q2 will also introduce a number of safety and driver-assistance features which previously haven't been seen in this compact class.
There's a pedestrian and collision-prevention automatic-braking function, while adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist make use of the same hardware. The Q2 also gets camera-based active lane assist and traffic sign-recognition technology. Park assist systems are also available.
Audi's now well recognised virtual cockpit and head-up display — which allows drivers to customise displays to show things such as satellite-navigation and media information — will be available as an option.
The Q2 can also be equipped with MMI infotainment will be able to stream online media and connect with smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Jim McGill