Audi Q2 in new top shape
Four years ago, Audi introduced the Q2, a trend-setting car. The model was a huge success. Now this compact SUV shows its progressive character even more clearly. Its new profile and new headlights are eye-catching, and the equipment now includes new Audi connect services and new driver assistance systems. The Audi Q2 is eye-catching and even more fun to drive.
Audi Q2 - exterior
The Audi Q2 is a reliable, versatile everyday and leisure vehicle whose character is reflected in the shape of the body: the lines are sporty, elongated yet strong, while the corners and edges give the compact SUV its own identity. - confident appearance. After the facelift, Q2 has become a few millimeters longer and is now 4.21 meters, while the width (1.79 meters) and height (1.54 meters) remain the same. Drag coefficient: 0.31 (with sports suspension) - the highest value in this segment.
The designers, rejuvenating the Q2, also applied a polygonal motif to its back, which previously characterized the line of the front and shoulders. The diffuser is integrated with the rear bumper and on its surface we find pentagonal fins. The front end has also been changed, including the areas under the headlights that are visually displayed. The octagonal Singleframe grille is now slightly lower, making the front appear wider. Its lattice also interprets the polygonal motif. In the "Advanced" and "S" trim levels, there are narrow slots between the radiator grille and the hood, reminiscent of the Audi Sport quattro, an icon of the Ingolstadt brand. The large air intakes are now even more expressive, especially in the S-line.
At the request of the customer: LED or matrix LED spotlights.
LED headlights are standard on the facelifted Audi Q2, with matrix LED headlights available as an option. Seven individual LEDs housed in a common module generate an intelligently controlled high beam. They illuminate the road as brightly as possible without dazzling other road users. Ten LEDs behind the diamond-shaped optics generate daytime running lights, and seven more LEDs additionally generate dynamic turn indicators.
As for the rear lights, customers can choose from two LED versions – with or without dynamic indicators. When fitted with Matrix LED headlights, dynamic indicators are also standard on the taillights. In addition, the new Q2's headlights and taillights emit fixed flash sequences when the car is locked and unlocked.
Five new colors have been added to this compact SUV's color palette: Apple Green is an all-new paint job for Audi, and Manhattan Grey, Navarra Blue, Arrow Grey, and Turbo Blue are new for the Q2. The plastic panels on the C-pillars, depending on the equipment, can be painted in body color or in shades of black, gray or silver. The lower body attachments also come in three different colors: base black, Manhattan gray in the "extended" range, or "S" car color.
New package strategy: interior and equipment
The spacious interior of the Audi Q2 can accommodate five people. The interior design reflects the tough exterior design language. The air vents and shift lever, both for the manual and S tronic automatic transmissions, have a new look. Instead of the basic variant, customers can opt for the S line interior, and both interior options can be freely combined with the three exterior options. Together with the optional Ambience Lighting Plus package, the trim strip on the instrument panel and the armrests on the center console are elegantly illuminated.
Dinamica microfiber fabric is new to the upholstery fabric range and will replace Alcantara. Audi has bundled all upholstery and color options into nine packages, five of which are base and the remaining four are S-line specific. Whether it's air conditioning, comfort, features, interiors, infotainment or driver assistance systems, all packages have been designed with customers in mind. In the future, Audi will implement this strategy across all model ranges and tailor them to the preferences of important global markets.
Optional equipment on the new Q2 also includes flared sports seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and an auxiliary heater. The boot volume of the compact SUV is still 405 liters, and with the rear seats folded down, the volume increases to 1,050 liters. Power tailgate and towbar are available as options. In Russia, the attractive offer is complemented by three special promotional packages: comfort, technology and design. All of them offer suitably selected accessories while maintaining customer benefits.
Digital world: controls, displays, infotainment and Audi connect
The range of working tools and displays is structured on several levels. At its core we have an analog instrument cluster with MMI radio plus with DAB+, and its highest degree of expansion is the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with MMI plus navigation system with 8.3-inch screen. The system is controlled by a rotary button on the central tunnel console (MMI touch interface), but can also be controlled by voice. The Audi phone booth completes the portfolio. The 14-speaker, 705-watt Bang & Olufsen premium sound system is unique in the small SUV segment.
The MMI plus navigation system includes an LTE module for fast data transfer and a Wi-Fi hotspot that passengers' mobile devices can use. The top-of-the-line infotainment extension of the new Audi Q2 also offers access to Audi connect services, including live traffic information. New to the Audi connect range are emergency call and service (Audi connect Emergency call & service) and remote opening and control (Audi connect remote & control). The latter allows the owner to remotely lock the car and check, for example, the fuel level and range. Customers wishing to disable data transmission can activate privacy mode in the MMI.
Five powerful engines: three TFSI and two TDI
To start on the Polish market, the new Audi Q2 will be powered by a powerful 1.5 TFSI petrol engine with 110 kW (150 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. According to the NEDC Combustion Cycle Guidelines, this four-cylinder engine consumes 5.4 to 5.1 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers and emits 124–116 grams of CO2 per kilometer. At light loads and low speeds, the cylinder actuation system (COD) temporarily disables the second and third cylinders.
Additional TFSI powertrains will be progressively added to the offer. All engines comply with the new Euro 6 AP emissions standard. The Audi Q2 1.5 TFSI comes off the assembly line with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A seven-speed S tronic transmission is available as an option. The quattro all-wheel drive will also be available for the most powerful petrol version. Its multi-plate clutch, which transfers some of the torque to the rear wheels when needed, is a completely new generation component. It is about a kilogram lighter than the previous version and has several details that greatly affect the efficiency of the power unit.
Character of the new Q2: sporty and agile
Even with standard equipment, the compact Q2 is an agile SUV. Progressive steering, which becomes more direct as the steering angle increases, is part of the standard equipment. This significantly improves driving conditions and vehicle dynamics when maneuvering and on winding roads.
On request, Audi offers a sports suspension that lowers the body by ten millimetres. As an alternative, suspension with shock absorber adjustment is available, which further expands the range of available suspension settings. This suspension also includes the dynamic Audi drive select system, which is also available separately.
The wheel and tire offer starts with 16" wheels with 205/60 tires and ends with 19" wheels with 235/40 tires provided by Audi Sport. The offer also includes three new rim designs. With almost 15 cm of ground clearance, the Audi Q2 handles light off-road well, and the ESC stability control system has a built-in off-road mode.
Systems straight from expensive cars
The driver assistance systems of the new Q2 are taken directly from high-end cars. The standard Audi pre sense front system uses radar to monitor the area in front of the car in order to avoid accidents or reduce their severity. The optional systems are grouped into three packages "Drive", "Safety" and "Parking". The Parking package includes a reversing camera and the Audi parking plus system. As part of the upgrade, a parking assistant has also been added, which automatically guides the vehicle into and out of a parking space. The Safety package includes Audi side Assist, Lane Departure Assist, Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense Rear.
The Drive package also includes the new high-tech Adaptive Driving Assistant, available in combination with MMI navigation plus, Audi virtual cockpit and S tronic automatic transmission. In many situations, the driver can additionally let the Adaptive Driving Assistant take over multiple tasks of accelerating, decelerating and driving in a given lane. To keep the system active, the driver only needs to lightly touch the steering wheel, which is part of the system, from time to time to show that he is closely monitoring its operation. Adaptive cruise control works across the entire speed range. In combination with camera-based traffic sign recognition, cruise control automatically reduces the vehicle's speed in certain situations, such as when approaching a built-up area. Q2 automatically accelerates from where a higher speed is allowed.
"First Edition" at the opening of sales
The pre-sale of the new Audi Q2 will begin in European markets in September this year. Shortly after the market launch, a limited edition will be introduced. The car of this series will be painted in Apple Green or Arrow Grey. Contrasting gray S line bumpers and a large rear spoiler lip on the roof's trailing edge add further accents. Finishing elements - mirror housings and rings with the Audi logo - are painted black. Matrix LED headlights, 19-inch Audi Sport wheels and a sports suspension further enhance the look of this limited edition model.
The interior of the Audi Q2 "edition one" was equipped according to the S line version specification. The ceiling is made of black fabric with gray contrasting stitching. The same stitching is used on the sports seats, which are also finished in black. The pedals and footpegs are made of stainless steel, while the leather sports steering wheel is flattened at the bottom. The extensive equipment also includes the Ambiente Plus lighting package and illuminated strips.
Photo: Audi
