The new Audi Q2 to be revealed at the Geneva International Motor Show
The Audi Q2 has a distinctively geometric and rugged form language, with a lot of muscle and angular styling. The high position of the single frame grille in the front, the wedge-shaped headlights and the generously sized air inlets give it an imposing road presence. The roofline and the low glass house add to a sports coupe-like look. The rear comes with a long roof spoiler and a diffuser with an underbody-protection look.
The vehicle is 4.19 metre long, 1.51 metre tall and 1.79 metre wide, with short overhangs. The wheelbase is 2.60 meters and ground clearance is 20 cm. There are as many as six different engine types to choose from. Along with a 1.0L three-cylinder TFSI, there are two four-cylinder petrol engines with 1.4L and 2.0L displacement. In addition, three four-cylinder diesel engines are available with 1.6L and 2.0L of displacement. The power output ranges from 85 kW (116 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp).
There is a six-speed manual transmission, with an option of the S tronic dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engine variants. In the top TDI and the 2.0 TFSI, a newly developed dual-clutch transmission is used, with a new type of oil supply that reduces friction. Both engines can also be combined with a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system as standard equipment. Progressive steering is standard in all versions and adaptive dampers are available as an option. The Audi drive select system is also optional.
The Q2 has SUV characteristics like a high entry, good visibility and a large luggage compartment that offers a flexible capacity of 405 to 1,050 litre. The driver’s seat position is sporty and low as in an Audi sedan, but all-round visibility is very SUV like. The virtual cockpit and the head-up display are optional, and driver assistance systems belong to the full-size class. The head-up display projects key vehicle data, navigation instructions and driving speed into the driver’s direct visual field. The Audi pre sense front is standard, and recognizes critical situations, like other vehicles or pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle. It then has the ability to initiate hard braking to a standstill at low speeds. The car comes with adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, and can maintain a distance to the vehicle ahead, monitor blind spots, recognize traffic signs and assist in lane-keeping from a speed of 60 km/h. It can even steer into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces in both reverse or forward direction and exit parking spaces. All you need to do is set the right gear, accelerate and brake.
The infotainment system can be operated by a rotary/push-button control and two buttons on the central tunnel. The driver can use the optional touchpad to scroll through a clearly structured menu, while passengers can surf and stream with smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot. The speedometer and tachometer glow in the optional fully-digital Audi virtual cockpit, which comes with a 12.3-inch screen. Parking place information, fuel prices, latest news, twitter feed and select smartphone content can be displayed on screen. A flat rate data plan required for this is included in the SIM card that is permanently installed in the Q2. A free app enables online media streaming and lets users transfer the calendar of a smartphone to the car’s screen, and the iOS app has myAudi destinations function, which allows data of a desired destination to be sent from an app to the MMI navigation plus system directly, for turn by turn directions.
A high degree of customization is possible on the Audi Q2 for the equipment packages, exterior colours, interior trim and seat upholstery. There are optional practical solutions like a power tailgate and a three-way split rear bench backrests with cargo through-loading, and a LED lighting package which illuminates the interior trims attractively in different stages.
The Audi Q2 will launch in the European market in autumn 2016 and orders can be booked from mid 2016.
