Audi Q2 ditches diesel

The 2019 Audi Q2 range has been reduced from three to two model grades, with new names and extra equipment added as standard, such as wireless phone charging.

Slow sales of the diesel variant have seen Audi drop it like a stone and while diesel sales dominate some sectors of the industry, such as utes, buyers of prestige compact SUVs are clearly not enthused.

However a third model, the high-performance Audi SQ2 (powered by a similar engine to the Volkswagen Golf R) will crank out more than 200kW and is due here later in 2019.

An Audi Australia spokesperson states that when the all-wheel drive quattro petrol model become available it cannibalised diesel sales.

"It quickly assumed almost the entire share of Q2 quattro sales, so we have taken the decision to reduce complexity and streamline the range to only two models."

Starting with the front-wheel drive Audi Q2 35 TSI (formerly the Q2 1.4 TFSI), the new model is priced from $41,950 and while it represents a rise of $150 it adds a number of convenience features as standard, including the wireless phone charging system already mentioned, plus digital radio tuner, LED headlights and tail lights, dynamic indicators and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Power for the Q2 35 TSI comes from a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) with claimed fuel consumption of 5.3L/100km, paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Standard equipment on the Audi Q2 35 TSI includes a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-built satellite navigation, leather-appointed seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers and headlights, AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), plus a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

The all-wheel drive Audi Q2 40 TFSI quattro is priced from $49,400, a $900 rise. Like its more affordable sibling, this variant now features wireless phone charging, but also includes digital radio and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Powered by a bigger 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (140kW/320Nm), the Q2 40 TFSI is also hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic. It slurps more fuel than its sibling, with claimed fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km.

Equipment levels on the Q2 40 TFSI are more generous with the fitment of leather-appointed sports seats, auto-dimming central mirror, a powered tailgate and steering wheel paddle gear shifters.

As with all Audi vehicles there are several option packs of desirable features, such as the Comfort Package ($1900-$2400), which comprises push-button engine start and keyless entry, heated front seats with lumbar support and extra storage solutions in the boot and under the front seats.

The Technik Package ($2500-2700) is a bit pricier but adds the fancy 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument display, along with a bigger 8.3-inch central infotainment screen, 10Gb of media storage and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The Assistance Package ($990-$1600) gives the Q2 extra sensors to accelerate, brake and steer itself via adaptive cruise control – with a stop and go traffic function – and active lane assist. High beam assist, park assist and high-speed AEB are also added.

In 2018 the Audi Q2 struggled to match the popularity of premium compact SUV rivals, the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Q2 managed 1865 sales for the full year, while the X1 found 3096 buyers and the GLA had 3906 sales.

However, for the first three months of 2019 the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA have come off the boil with 613 and 595 sales respectively, down by 30 and 45 per cent respectively. The Audi Q2 has 589 sales for the same period, lagging just behind its competitors.

(Prices do not include on-road costs)