Audi confirms Q2 SUV for production

Audi has announced that it has approved the Q2 SUV for production and will overhaul the bigger Q5 as part of a $4.5 billion spending spree.

The German car-maker, post Dieselgate, also confirmed it would have a battery-powered vehicle on sale by 2018 and will swell its current line-up to an incredible 60 cars by 2020.

The Audi Q2 will be positioned as a rival for the MINI Countryman and measure in at around 4.2 metres in length. Its price will reflect this, starting potentially under $40,000.

Based on the VW Group’s MQB platform the engine line-up is expected to be carried over from the Audi A1 range. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will be offered. Expect plug-in hybrid versions too, bearing e-tron badges.

The Q2 will spearhead a more radical design direction for the brand and as such it’s likely to look sportier to attract younger buyers to the brand.

Originally, it was thought Audi would be forced to call its baby SUV the Q1 since ‘Q2’ is reportedly owned by Alfa Romeo. It’s not known if this dispute has been settled to enable Audi to freely use the Q2 name.