Audi Q2 Subcompact Crossover Finally Breaks Cover

The Q2 will be offered with six engines, three diesel and three petrol. The diesels are all four-cylinders ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 litres. 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).

Along with the optional Audi virtual cockpit and the head-up display, the driver assistance systems for the Audi Q2 also come from the larger Audi models – including the Audi pre sense front that is standard.

The new auto will be released at the Autumn 2016 with the order books opening mid-year. Boot space is 405 to 1,050 litres and options include a power tailgate and a three-way split rear bench backrest with cargo through-loading. While some models offer all-wheel drive, Audi will deliver the entry-level versions of its all-new segment-stealing Q2 baby crossover SUV with just front-wheel drive. MMI is standard and is controlled via a rotary/push button control and two buttons on the centre tunnel. Designed and conceived for a younger, more urban audience than any Audi before it, the Q2 will also deliver buyers a full Mini-style level of individualization for its five-seat cabin. A touchpad will also be available, if MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is specified. But the real key to the Q2’s success or failure will be its interior design and equipment, and Audi doesn’t seem to have skimped. The other motor will be a 1.4-litre unit with cylinder on-demand technology, whereas the 2.0-litre TFSI engine is said to produce 187bhp of power.

At the transmission end of things, the Audi Q2 gets a six-speed manual transmission and the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

In the case of the two engines mentioned above, they are paired to a newly developed dual-clutch transmission, which gets a new oil-supply system and reduced friction. On the safety front there’s traffic jam assist, collision assist (which can automatically apply the brakes), active lane departure and active cruise control. This gearbox is fitted to the range-topping 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines as standard. Standard models are FWD as usual with AWD available on higher trim versions. The options list includes adaptive dampers, allowing for custom driving characteristics. An app is available for smart phones, operated via a Wifi hotspot. In terms of dimensions, the Audi Q2 is puny by all means and can be compared to something like the Skoda Yeti.