In a Geneva show dominated for the most part by crossovers and SUVs, it was all but inevitable that Audi would look to expand its 4x4 offerings with a new compact model.
We have known for some time that the four-ringed brand wants more and more SUV models as it seeks to expand sales to become the biggest selling premium car brand, and this, the new Q2, will be a major part of that drive.
Compact, and based on the same underpinnings as the A1 and the VW Polo, the Q2 is chunky and both wider and taller than the A3 Sportback hatchback. It is been made as practical as possible though – with a 405-litre boot trouncing most of its crossover rivals.
More aggressive
It also deviates from the Audi styling norm: those blocky, sharply angled headlights are new and are echoed by similarly-shaped tail-lights, while the grille, although very much in the current Audi idiom, is bigger and more aggressive.
Then there is that contrast-colour c-pillar – sure to be something of a divisive styling step.
Audi says that it both pays homage to the R8 supercar and its side “blade” as well as breaking up the visual bulk of the Q2. Buyers will be able to optionally specify its colour and finish.
All the engines are borrowed from the existing A1 range, so it will kick off with the dinky little 1.0-litre TSI petrol turbo three-cylinder, rising to a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with up to 190hp.
Quattro four-wheel drive will be an option (Audi says that the car will actually have some off-road ability thanks to clever electronics and decent ground clearance) as will be an S-Tronic automatic gearbox, adaptive dampers, sports suspension and a host of tricky electronic safety and infotainment systems.
Expect to see a sporty 200hp+ SQ2 at some point, but sales of the regular versions will kick off in the summer, with prices expected to start around the €28,000 mark.
