Audi Q2 debuts in Geneva

Audi has unveiled its new Q2 compact SUV in Geneva.

The German company says it has ‘taken the compact SUV in a bold new styling direction' with the Q2 designed to appeal to a younger audience. It also includes a portfolio of connectivity, infotainment and assistance systems borrowed from larger Audi models.

At the front, the high-mounted Singleframe grille in octagonal design is joined by large air inlets. A low roof descends and merges into the C-pillars with colour offset blades, while the rear body ends with a long roof spoiler and a diffuser that has an 'off-road' look.

The Q2 is launching in the UK with a choice of five engines. Along with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI, two four-cylinder petrol engines are being offered with 1.4 and 2.0 litres of displacement (2.0-litre TFSI to follow in 2017). In addition, two four-cylinder diesel engines will be available with 1.6 and 2.0 litres of displacement and outputs of 116PS and 150PS. As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, Audi also offers the S tronic dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engines. In the 2.0 TFSI, a newly developed dual-clutch transmission is used which has a new type of oil supply and reduced friction. The 150PS TDI engine can be combined with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and the system is standard in conjunction with the 2.0 TFSI engine.

The Q2 has the high entry of an SUV with good visibility and a large luggage compartment (405 to 1,050 litres of capacity), yet Audi says the driver’s seat position is low in relation to the steering wheel as in a saloon. Optional extras include a power tailgate, an LED lighting package and a three-way split rear bench backrest with cargo through-loading, while newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, and can be optionally increased to 19 inches upon request.

Expected to open for UK orders in July, first deliveries of the new Audi Q2 are due in November 2016.

Audi’s growth plans include all-new Q2 model

Audi bosses have announced growth plans for the brand in 2016, including the launch of a Q5 replacement as well as a new Q2 model.

The carmaker intends to invest more than 3 billion EURO over the coming financial year with half the expenditure earmarked for the German sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

“We are continuing with our high levels of investment in future technologies to enhance the strong position of our brand,” said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler. 

The introduction of the Q2 will see Audi enter a new market segment. The ‘Q’ naming convention is reserved for SUVs but the use of the even number ‘2’ could suggest something slightly different to a straightforward compact crossover. 

In addition, Audi will present the successor to the Q5 SUV in 2016, followed in 2018 by the launch of the its first large‑series battery‑electric vehicle, based on the Audi e-tron Quattro concept. 

“A significant proportion of our investment is naturally in the field of alternative drive systems,” stated Stadler. 

Audi is continuing to push forward in the field of ‘digitalisation’, following its acquisition in December of a one‑third interest in HERE, a leading provider of digital maps and location-based services, at a cost of 0.85 billion EURO. 

In order to maintain its reputation for “Vorsprung durch Technik”, Audi plans strengthen its workforce in 2016 with specialists in alternative drive systems and lightweight construction, as well as IT specialists.

By 2020, Audi plans to expand its model range to include 60 different vehicles.