8 Audi Q2 2016

The new Audi Q2 is now available to order in the UK.

Prices start from £22,380 OTR, with more engines and a lower pricing point to follow shortly, including an entry level three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI and a 2.0 TDI with 190PS, the latter introducing the option of quattro all-wheel drive.

From next month, Audi is also introducing a new and individual specification to the line-up – the Q2 Edition #1.

There are three specification levels available from launch – SE, Sport and S line.

Both SE and Sport models are equipped with contrasting lower bumpers, side skirts and wheel arch trims in matching Manhattan grey, while the signature S line full body colour finish further enhances its distinctive visual appeal.

The C-pillar blade is configurable in four different colours, depending on specification.

SE, Sport or S line equipment

Entry-level SE versions benefit from a number of standard features.

Among them is the Audi smartphone interface, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto displayed via the MMI screen once a phone is plugged in via USB.

A Bluetooth interface is also standard, as is the MMI radio plus with MMI controller and heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.

Progressive steering is also standard in the Audi Q2. Its steering rack is designed so that the steering ratio becomes increasingly direct when turning.

This affords the new Q2 precise and agile steering with little effort in downtown traffic and on winding country roads.

The electro-mechanically driven adapts its assistance to speed and works together with the optional Audi active lane assist and park assist.

Sport models gain 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16 inches on SE), Audi drive select with five operational modes, cruise control, light and rain sensors and sport seats upholstered in cloth.

SD-card based MMI navigation is displayed via the seven-inch central screen and includes a three-month trial unlocking the Audi connect portfolio. Red or yellow inlays and optional matt brushed aluminium or illuminated inlays can be selected for the interior.

Stand-out features on S line models include the hallmark front, side and rear styling enhancements, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with LED rear lights and dynamic sweeping rear indicators, LED interior lighting and front sport seats upholstered in cloth/leather upholstery with S embossing on the backrests.

A multi-function perforated leather steering wheel is also standard, featuring grey contrasting stitching and S line badging. Inlays are finished in brushed aluminium.

Stand-out features – The Q2 Edition #1

The Edition #1, offers a host of standard equipment over the rest of the range.

It is finished in Quantum grey with contrasting lower body sections in Manhattan grey, C-pillar blades painted in brilliant black and 19-inch rotor alloy wheels in gloss anthracite black with a diamond cut rim.

A black styling pack extending to the front grille, rear diffuser, exterior mirrors and single-frame grille rounds off the unique appearance.

Another point of differentiation is the front sports seats which are upholstered in Fine Nappa leather and feature contrasting stitching with the addition of contrast stripes in Amaretto brown.

Driver assistance systems

Along with the optional Audi virtual cockpit and the head-up display, the driver assistance systems for the Audi Q2 also come from the larger Audi models – including the Audi pre sense front with pedestrian recognition that is standard.

The system recognises critical situations with other vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle, and if necessary it can initiate hard braking – to a standstill at low speeds.

Other systems in the line-up include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist, the lane-departure warning system Audi side assist, the lane-keeping assistant Audi active lane assist, traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic assist.

Connected from the outset

The Q2 is equipped with a standard MMI screen that is positioned high on the instrument panel. The infotainment system can be operated by a rotary/push-button control and two buttons on the centre 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 controlled by speech and the integrated MMI search.

Drivers can use MMI touch to query the online services of Audi connect thanks to the embedded SIM card permanently installed in the car.

A three-month free trial is activated upon delivery of the vehicle (MMI navigation is required on SE models) and can be extended after this period for three years using a flat rate data plan.

The SIM card works in most European countries.

The free Audi MMI connect app enables online media streaming and transfer of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI.

The app for iOS operating systems also has the myAudi destinations function. It makes it possible to send the data of a desired navigation destination from any app to the MMI navigation plus system.

The system then uses it for navigation.

Engine line-up

Initially available to order with a 150PS 1.4 TFSI or 1.6 TDI engine producing 115PS, buyers can opt to equip both with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic transmission (1.6 TDI S tronic available from September).

The 1.4 TFSI uses cylinder on demand technology to reduce fuel consumption by deactivating the second and third cylinders during partial loads and when coasting.

As a result, up to 54.3mpg combined is achievable, corresponding to emissions as low as 119g/km.

Acceleration to 62mph takes 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 131mph.

The 1.6 TDI is even more efficient, returning up to 64.2mpg on a combined cycle in conjunction with 114g/km of CO2.

Maximum torque of 250Nm between 1,500 – 3,200rpm contributes to a 0-62mph sprint time of 10.3 seconds and a 122mph top speed. 

A three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI with 115PS and a four-cylinder 2.0 TDI with 150PS will become available later in the year. As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, Audi will also offer the S tronic dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engines bar the 1.0 TFSI (standard for the 2.0 TDI).

From mid-2017 a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine allied exclusively to quattro all-wheel-drive and S tronic transmission will be introduced, and at that point it will also be possible to combine the 150PS TDI and TFSI engines with quattro drive.