At first glance the Q2 already shows its muscles. With broad shoulders and angular styling, it is brimming with energy and confidence. The roofline and the low glass house give the sporty car a coupe-like look and a crouching stance on the road. Especially striking are the wedge-shaped headlights, the high position of the Singleframe grille and the generously sized air inlets. The rear body has a dynamic appearance with a long roof spoiler and a diffuser with an underbody protection look. Behind the tailgate is a large luggage compartment with lots of space for sports equipment or plenty of shopping items. A power opening and closing tailgate is available as an option. A practical feature is the cargo pass-through in the rear bench seat that makes it easy to transport skis or shelving.
Form follows function – in the cockpit too. The driver’s seat position is sporty and low like in an Audi sedan, but all-round visibility is very good as is typical of an SUV. In the connectivity and infotainment area, the Q2 offers technologies from the full-size class. The driver can use the optional touchpad to scroll through a clearly structured menu, while passengers can surf and stream with smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot. The speedometer and tachometer glow in the optional fully-digital Audi virtual cockpit, whose 12.3-inch screen displays highly detailed and brilliant graphics. The head-up display projects key vehicle data, including navigation instructions and driving speed, into the driver’s direct visual field. And because that is simply not enough, if desired Audi online services can display, for instance, parking place information, fuel prices or the latest news on the screen of the infotainment system. Twitter and select smartphone content can also be displayed in the vehicle in this way. The flat rate data plan required for this is included thanks to the SIM card that is permanently installed in the Q2. A free app enables online media streaming and lets users transfer the calendar of a smartphone to the car’s screen.
If the smartphone has an iOS operating system, it is even possible to transfer the address of a favorite restaurant or hotel directly into the Q2 navigation system. Offering assistance in critical situations is the standard emergency braking assistant. If a child were to suddenly run into the street, or the car ahead were to brake abruptly to a stop, the Q2 can brake automatically in such situations.
On top of that – if the relevant check mark is set in the equipment list – the car can autonomously maintain a distance to the vehicle ahead, monitor the blind spot, recognize traffic signs and assist in lane-keeping from a speed of 60 km/h(37.3 mph). The 4.19 meter (13.7 ft) long SUV can even steer into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces – either in a reverse or forward direction. It can also exit parking spaces. The driver only needs to set the right gear, accelerate and brake.
With short overhangs and 20 cm (7.9 in) of ground clearance the Q2 scrambles up slopes effortlessly. The permanent all-wheel drive system supplies the necessary traction and grip. It is standard with the top diesel and gasoline engines. Both engines are paired with a newly developed seven-speed automatic. At lightning speed, the dual-clutch transmission changes gears and offers seamless driving pleasure. Those who would rather grip the gear shift lever themselves will enjoy the crisp and precise shifts of the manual transmission. Audi is sending the Q2 to its launch with six engines, three TFSI and three TDI engines with between 85 kW (116 hp) and 140 kW (190 hp) of power output.