After no less than five teasers, Ingolstadt has just displayed the junior member of the Q family.
According to Audi, the Q2 is an “urban-type vehicle for everyday driving and recreation, uniting a progressive design with a high level of functionality.”
The premium manufacturer might have taken the harsh criticism about all its models looking too similar to each other. This is one way to explain why the Q2 is straying a bit away from the norm, especially at the front; another, and more possible, is that it’s aimed at a much younger audience than Audi’s other crossovers, so it could be bolder.
“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”, said Audi Head of Design Marc Lichte.
The Q2 4.19 meters (13.7 ft) long, 1.79 meters (5.9 ft) wide, 1.51 meters (5.0 ft) tall and has a 2.60 meters (8.5 ft), so despite being a subcompact, cabin space shouldn’t be an issue.
Customers will be able to choose between six different engines from 116 to 190 PS. The entry-level version is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder TFSI, followed by two1.4- and 2.0-liter four-cylinders that complete the petrol lineup, while the three diesels come in 1.6- and 2.0-liters guise.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and the dual-clutch S tronic seven-speeder is an optional for all engines. The Q2 is front-wheel drive, but the top 2.0 TFSI and TDI versions can be combined with all-wheel drive. The options list includes adaptive dampers, allowing for custom driving characteristics.
In the cabin, the dashboard has the new, as-few-buttons-as-possible design that features in all new Audis and the “virtual cockpit” digital display as an option. The MMI multimedia system is standard, with the now obligatory tablet-like screen, and the (optional) MMI navigation plus adds touch sensitivity to the rotary control, voice control plus a wide range of connectivity features such as a WiFi hotspot, iOS and Android smartphone interface etc.
In the safety front, all versions come with the “pre safe” emergency braking system. The driver’s assist and safety list continues with daptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist, lane-departure warning system, lane-keeping assistant, traffic sign recognition and parking and cross-traffic rear assist.
Audi will open the order books for European markets mid-year, and first deliveries of the Q2 will commence in autumn.
