Audi has revealed yet another compact SUV, aimed at winning the hearts and wallets of style-savvy urbanites. The Q2 will slot in below the Q3 in the Audi lineup, and goes into battle armed with a high tech virtual dashboard, a raft of Mini-style personalization options and the latest range of economical engines from the Volkswagen Group.
Measuring up at just 4.19 m (13.7 ft) long, the Q2 doesn't take up much space on the road. That means it's very similar in size to the Mazda CX-3 we spent some time in last year, although you'd be crazy to think anything with four rings on the bonnet will be priced to compete with Japan's finest compact four-wheel drive.
Under that square little hood will be the usual range of efficient, turbocharged Volkswagen Group petrol and diesel engines. Although full details aren't available as yet, we know the range will kick off with a front-wheel drive Q2 making 85 kW (116 hp), and Audi's seven-speed gearbox will be available across the range.
If you make the stretch to the 110 kW (150 hp) model, Audi will offer you the security of Quattro all-wheel drive, and the range tops out with a 140 kW (190 hp) powered Q2, although we wouldn't be surprised if Audi quickly found room above that to create an "S" version as well.
Inside, the focus has been on making the whole driving experience feel sporty, which seems a little counter intuitive considering the car's raised ride height. Most peculiar among the choices made for the Q2's interior is the decision to include a low-set seat, because most SUV buyers are chasing a commanding driving position. But we do think the body-colored trim pieces and clever virtual cockpit technology will prove a hit.
As you'd expect of a car for urbanites, the Q2 is packed to the gills with active safety technology. Thanks to Audi's pre-sense technology it can avoid collisions with pedestrians or cars, the adaptive cruise control can take the reins in stop/start traffic and you can be fairly sure lane keeping assist will also make an appearance on the spec sheet.
The Q2 is on display at the Geneva Motor Show, where Gizmag is on the ground to cover all the action. Stay tuned for more.
Source: Audi
