Audi’s burgeoning model line-up is set to gain another member in the Q2 family, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
The fourth member of the brand’s SUV family, the Q2 is a compact SUV tasked with widening Audi’s customer base, particularly towards younger drivers, and as such it is more than simply a smaller variant of the Q3.
Led by head of design Marc Lichte, Audi’s designers have come up with a bolder, more rugged look for the Q2, majoring on vertical surfaces and edges. “In the Audi Q2 we have developed a distinctively geometric form language with model-specific design characteristics – the car exhibits an independent character within the Q family,” Lichte says.
The front is dominated by a high-mounted grille with large air intakes either side, while the car’s shoulder line is high, the roof low and sloping down towards the rear. Adding an element of sportiness, a roof spoiler and a rear diffuser complete the exterior visuals.
UK buyers will be able to choose from four engines. These comprise the familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI petrol of 114bhp, and a four-cylinder variant of 1.4 litres, and a pair of diesels of 1.6 114bhp and 2.0 148bhp. A 2.0 TFSI petrol unit will follow in 2017 and assume the position of most powerful option with 187bhp.
A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, but the S tronic dual-clutch auto will also be available across all versions. The 148bhp diesel unit can be chosen in front or quattro all-wheel-drive form, while quattro will be standard with the 187bhp petrol.
Audi says that the Q2 will benefit from significant technology passed down from the brand’s larger models, with the options list including the much-praised virtual cockpit, as well as head-up displays and the park assist driver aid.
Safety systems include as standard the Audi pre sense front, recognizing issues with vehicles or pedestrians crossing in front and if necessary initiating hard braking, while buyers will also be able to specify adaptive cruise control with a Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist, lane-departure warning, side assist, lane-keeping assistant, traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic assist.
Not surprisingly Audi’s MMI control system is fitted in the cockpit of the Q2, while the appeal of customisation to younger drivers will also be catered for with a host of equipment, colour and trim options.
Order books for the Q2 open in July 2016 at prices yet to be announced – first deliveries will be in the autumn.
Keyword: Geneva show – Audi adds 2 to Q