Audi Q2 UK prices and specs confirmed
New compact SUV breaks from traditional Audi styling norms; comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines
Audi has now confirmed pricing and specifications for the Q2 in the UK. Starting at £20,230, the entry-level Q2 comes with a 1-litre TFSI petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. Also as standard is Audi's MMI infotainment system, 16-inch wheels and heated and eletrically adjustable mirrors.
Those wanting more from their Q2 can opt for 'sport' trim, which costs £1550 and brings with it 17-inch alloy wheels, adjustable driving modes, cruise control, sports seats and auto lights and wipers.
An S Line Q2 adds a further £2250 over Sport trim. S Line Q2s have tweaked styling, as well as 18-inch wheels, LED head and tail lights and brushed aluminium in the interior. The most expensive car in the Q2 line-up is the £30,610 2-litre TDI with quattro all-wheel-drive and S Line trim. The new Q2 will go on sale in the UK in July, with deliveries beginning in November.
While the Q2 is based on the same MQB platform as the A3, and features several similarities in terms of powertrain and interior fittings, it’s immediately apparent that Audi has taken a new path with the Q2’s styling, with some similarities to the Q7 that debuted the firm’s latest design language.
The smooth curves of Audi’s recent hatchback and saloon models make way for a more polygonal form here, and Audi’s prominent ‘tornado line’ – the sharp shoulder line crease found on virtually every model – is absent, replaced by a hexagonal indent that emphasises the Q2’s arches.
The differences are most apparent in a trim Audi calls ‘Design line’, though UK models will be sold under the SE tag. In literal contrast to the Sport models, the Q2’s wheelarches and lower bumper and door elements are presented in a dark ‘Manhattan grey’ shade that gives the Q2 a more rugged look.
This shade is also replicated on the car’s C-pillar. Speaking to evo, Q2 exterior designer Matthias Fink said this element is designed to evoke the R8’s ‘blade’ elements, and like that car the blade can be specified in different shades depending on the trim level – S Line models feature silver trim, for example.
Fink likens the car’s overall stance to that of a Paris Dakar buggy, with emphasis on large wheels and a raised ride height, but a relatively hatchback-like body – the aim being to reduce the visual mass of a traditional SUV but maintain its taller presence.
The car’s proportions are influenced by its relatively short wheelbase (taken from the 3-door Audi A3) and short overhangs, with a 30mm higher body than the A3 and 15mm extra suspension travel. Inside though, the driver sits no higher in relation to the cabin architecture than they would in an A3, ensuring a sportier feel. It’s more colourful than existing Audi cabins, too.
Power comes from a familiar range of Audi engines, with the UK getting an entry-level 1-litre TFSI petrol, as well as 1.4 and 2-litre TFSI units. The former features cylinder deactivation technology, while the latter will appear in 2017. Diesel buyers can be satiated by 1.6 and 2-litre units, with 116PS and 150PS respectively.
Six-speed manual and seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmissions are available depending on the engine choice, while quattro all-wheel drive is available on both 2-litre models – standard on the petrol, optional with the diesel.
