Audi has extended its SUV family with the new Q2 compact SUV – which is available to order now, priced from £22,380 on-the-road.

At 4.19 metres long and 1.51 metres tall, the Q2 resembles a typical SUV, but Audi says that the driver's seat position is ‘sporty and low’ in relation to the steering wheel – just as it is in an Audi saloon. The side view is distinguished by the concave flanks in the door area which are said to ‘emphasise the wheel housings and thereby the quattro character of the compact SUV’. 

Luggage capacity ranges from 405 to 1,050 litres and this is made all the more accessible with options such as a power tailgate and a three-way split rear bench backrest with cargo through-loading.

Three trim levels – SE, Sport and S line – are available along with the range-topping Edition #1, depending on the engine specified. At launch, power units comprise a 150PS 1.4 TFSI petrol engine (manual and S tronic) and two diesels – a 116PS 1.6 TDI (manual – S tronic to follow in late 2016) and a 150PS 2.0 TDI (with quattro drive and S tronic initially and front-wheel drive to follow next year).

An entry-level three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI petrol engine will join the line-up later this year, bringing the starting price for the Q2 range down to £20,230 on-the-road.

Standard equipment highlights include progressive steering, Audi smartphone interface, Audi pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition, alloy wheels and LED lights front and rear on S line models, while options include Audi’s virtual cockpit and Phone Box wireless charging, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a head-up display.

Driver assistance systems include Adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go and Traffic Jam Assist, Audi Active Lane Assist, cross-traffic assist rear and emergency assist

Priced from £31,170 on-the-road, the exclusive Q2 Edition #1 is available with either the 1.4 TFSI or the 2.0 TDI engine. Building on the S line trim, the exterior features unique Quantum grey paint, 19” alloy wheels, LED lights and contrasting Manhattan grey lower body parts. Inside, the seats (sporty, height-adjustable ones up front) are covered in a combination of fabric and leather in black and amaretto, complemented by a leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel and illuminated aluminium door sill trims featuring the S emblem.

The new Audi Q2 is on sale now with the first UK cars set to arrive from November 12.