2016 Geneva Motor Show: Audi Q2 Sub-compact Crossover Revealed

Audi's Q family of SUVs has just grown further as the German auto giant has officially revealed the new Q2 sub-compact crossover at the ongoing 2016 Geneva Motor Show. As Audi describes it, the baby Q is an urban type vehicle for everyday driving and recreation, uniting a progressive design with a high level of functionality. In effect, the Q2 is aimed at a much younger audience and inclined towards urban use with more SUV-like practicality.

In the larger sense, Audi has played with the Q2 straying away from the single design concept being replicated on most of its models. As a result, the front fascia looks decidedly different with the single-frame grille that now gets an octagonal layout, stronger character lines on the hood for a muscular stance and rectangular shaped headlights. At the rear, the crossover gets squared LED tail lamps, quite different compared to the horizontal set up seen on other models in Audi's lineup. The C-pillar gets finished in black and helps add to the rugged quotient introduced by the black body cladding and faux skid plates at the front and rear. The overall profile too is sharp, especially the roof line and contrary to other models in the company's range.

That said, the common elements have been retained including the new T-shaped LED DRLs and the Q2 looks distinctly like an Audi, only much younger. In terms of dimensions, the Audi Q2 is puny by all means and can be compared to something like the Skoda Yeti. Even smaller, the Q2 measures 4.19 metres in length, 1.79 metres in width and 1.51 metres in height. The wheelbase stands at 2.6 metres. The cargo space is a respectable 405-litres that can be expanded to 1050-litres with the rear seats folded down.

Moving to the cabin, Audi has kept things familiar here. You get the now famous virtual cockpit system that is highly configurable and also doubles up as a navigation display. There is also an MMI infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Audi says that the Q2 is a premium car in a compact space and hence, there is no compromise on quality. With respect to electronic aids, there are plenty on the crossover including head up display, Audi pre-sense, adaptive cruise control, Traffic jam assist; Lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and much more.

Coming to the engine options, the Audi Q2 will be available with a total of six mills inclusive of three petrol and three diesel. The petrol engines comprise of the new 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit tuned to produce a good 114bhp while also being easy on the pocket. 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.

Diesel power, on the other hand, will come from a 1.6-litre TDI that will be the fuel efficient unit, while the 2.0-litre TDI motor will be available in two states of tune - 147bhp and 187bhp. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual unit, while a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic will be offered as optional. Power will be sent to the front wheels with Quattro equipped on certain variants. Suspension duties are handled by a four-link suspension. Interestingly, buyers can get adaptive dampers that are available as optional.

The new Audi Q2 will make to the European shores later this year and will be competitive in terms of pricing. Given the crossover's interesting positioning, it is possible that the Q2 could make it to India as well positioned below the Q3 in the automaker's lineup. The Q2 could also go on to do what the A3 hasn't for Audi India in terms of volumes. With Mercedes-Benz leading the sales race in the country at present, the Q2 just might turn the tables in favour of the Ingolstadt maker.

Also See: Audi Q2 in Pictures