AUDI Q2 compact SUV set to take to UK roads in november

the AUDI ‘Q2’ will be arriving in the united kingdom on november 12, 2016. the ‘Q2’ is an urban-type vehicle for everyday driving and recreation. it couples a progressive design with a high level of functionality, as we discovered first hand when test driving it through the streets of havana, cuba.

now, the german automobile manufacturer has revealed the full specifications of its compact SUV. at the time of launch, AUDI ‘Q2’ will be available with three engine options: a 1.6 litre TDI diesel engine; and two petrol engine options, which are a 1.0 litre TFSI, and a 1.4 litre TFSI engine. all models are available with either a 6-speed manual; or a 7-speed ‘S tronic’ automatic transmission.

the AUDI ‘Q2’ is a powerful SUV that exhibits a very distinct character. at the front, a strong image is created by the single frame grille in octagonal design that is positioned up high as well as by the large air inlets. especially eye-catching is the low roof that descends and merges into the C-pillars with color offset blades. this contrast accentuates the sportiness of the ‘Q2’. the rear body terminates in a dynamic way with a long roof edge spoiler and a diffuser that has an underbody-protection look.

in a side view, the high shoulder line is especially eye-catching as are the concave flanks in the door area. the latter emphasize the wheel housings and the ‘quattro‘ character of the compact SUV. the vehicle measures 1.51 meters (5.0 ft) tall and 1.79 meters (5.9 ft) wide. the overhangs are short with a vehicle length of 4.19 meters (13.7 ft) and a wheelbase of 2.60 meters (8.5 ft). 

the AUDI ‘Q2’ is as individualistic as its drivers. a variety of equipment packages as well as expressive colors for interior trim and seat upholstery allow plenty of creative space for personal configuration. one option is the LED lighting package, in which the interior is staged in a particularly attractive way with illuminated trim elements.

the ‘Q2’ resembles a typical SUV: with high door sills; good visibility; and a large luggage compartment (405 to 1,050 liters (14.3–37.1 cu ft) of capacity). the highlight is that the driver’s seat position is sporty and low in relation to the steering wheel like in an AUDI saloon. optional practical solutions are available such as a power tailgate and a three-way split rear bench backrest with cargo through-loading.

standard in the compact SUV is a 5.8 inch ‘MMI screen’ that is positioned high up on the instrument panel. the infotainment system can be operated by a rotary / push-button control and two buttons on the center tunnel. when ‘MMI navigation plus’ with ‘MMI touch’ is ordered, the user also gets a touchpad on the central control element. in addition, the system can be conveniently controlled by natural language operation and the integrated search feature.

a wi-fi hotspot enables surfing and streaming with mobile end devices. in addition, ‘MMI touch’ can be used to access the online services of AUDI ‘connect‘. the flat rate data plan required for this is included, thanks to the sim card that is permanently installed in the car. it also permits roaming in most european countries. cell phones with iOS and android operating systems are integrated into the car via the AUDI smartphone interface. the free ‘MMI connect’ app enables online media streaming as well as transferring a calendar from smartphones. the app for iOS also has the ‘myAUDI’ destinations function. it makes it possible to send the data of a desired navigation destination from any app to the navigation plus system.

progressive steering is standard in all versions. it varies the steering gear ratio as a function of the steering input; the ratio is made more direct with large steering movements. the chassis with damper control is optionally available, as is the AUDI ‘drive select‘ system with which drivers can set an individual characteristic for their ‘Q2’. installed at the rear on the front-wheel drive versions is a semi-independent suspension, while the ‘quattro’ models have a four-link suspension. as an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, AUDI also offers the ‘S tronic‘ dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engines.