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Audi's new compact Q2 SUV unveiled

  • First look at Audi's compact SUV
  • Most models will be offered as two-wheel drive for low tax bills
  • Tech and driver assitance systems from larger models available

Written by Lawrence Cheung Published: 2 March 2016 Updated: 2 March 2016

Audi’s Q2 has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. It will be the fourth Q model on sale in the UK and takes on the likes of the MINI Countryman, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and even Citroen’s funky C4 Cactus.

Despite the familiar face up front, the compact SUV carries its own distinct styling cues with its low roofline and contrasting coloured C-Pillars at the rear. Wheels are 17-inch as standard with the option to go up to 19-inch designs.

Inside, the small Audi’s boot capacity ranges from 405 litres with the rear seats in place to 1,050 litres with them folded down. There’s a powered tailgate and three-way split rear backrest available as an optional extra.

Tech from bigger Audis

Company drivers looking to downsize from their current Audi will be pleased to know the technological systems used in the more expensive models are also available as an option in the Q2.

The Audi Virtual Cockpit and head-up display can be specified, while automatic low-speed braking is also available. Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and a feature that detects and displays road signs can also be fitted.

Audi’s free MMI connect app allows you to transfer your smartphone calendar for easy referencing, while those with Apple iOS operating systems can send their desired location directly to the navigation to set as their destination.

Five engines, low BIK expected

Five turbocharged engines will be available from launch in the UK, three of which will be powered by petrol: a 1-litre three-cylinder and 1.4- or 2-litre four-cylinders. The two diesel engines consist of a 1.6-litre producing 114bhp and a 2.0-litre producing 148bhp.

There are currently no official figures for fuel efficiency or CO2 output, but for reference, a 2-litre diesel in the larger – and thus less efficient – Q3 claims to average 54.9mpg in two-wheel drive format and 49mpg with quattro all-wheel drive fitted. We don’t expect to see a discernible difference to this in the Q2, meaning an everyday figure of 40-45mpg could be achievable.

A six-speed manual is available in conjunction with Audi’s S tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. The 2-litre diesel can be specified with Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, and it is standard on the higher-powered 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine.

Order books are expected to open in July, with first deliveries in November.

Keep an eye out for the full Audi Q2 review coming soon on Parkers.

You can also see the Audi Q2 at the Geneva Motor Show 2016 in both of these articles:

The five best crossovers of 2016

The seven best family cars of 2016