Q2 to attract first-time Audi buyers

Audi Australia expects the competitive pricing and compact proportions of its all-new Q2 small crossover — the smallest premium SUV on the market — to attract new buyers to the four-ringed German brand.

Positioned narrowly beneath the Q3 in Audi’s four-strong SUV line-up, the Q2 becomes available this week following the announcement of a $41,100 (plus on-road costs) entry price earlier this month.

Audi Australia, which already holds more than 700 pre-orders, says it has plenty of early Q2 supplies in hand, with access to a further 200 units per month from its Ingolstadt plant.

“The Q2 is a completely different car for us,” explained Audi Australia general manager of corporate communications, Anna Burgdorf. “It’s [aimed at] a different target audience, a younger target audience, but also the young at heart.

“The Q family is hugely important to our brand… and the Q2 is the first of a new-generation design for us. It’s a technology leader in the premium compact segment, and will be a leading choice for those who want a practical SUV that doesn’t compromise on quality or versatility."

First shown at the 2016 Geneva motor show, the youthfully-styled five-seat SUV offers 405 litres of cargo space yet measures only 4190mm in overall length.

The Q2 range will begin with the 1.4 TFSI design (from $41,100 plus ORCs). Powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre cylinder-on-demand petrol engine, the front-wheel drive model produces 110kW and 250Nm when mated to the standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It offers a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 5.3L/100km and CO2 emissions of 122g/km, albeit on a diet of 95-98 RON premium unleaded petrol. Its 0-100km/h time is listed at 8.5sec.

The well-specified Q2 1.4 TFSI design arrives as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, idle-stop, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, dual-zone climate-control and Audi’s MMI infotainment array with satellite-navigation and voice control.

It also includes cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, and many of the advanced driver safety aids adopted from the flagship Q7, including low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

In the middle of the range, the identically-powered Edition #1 (from $47,800 plus ORCs) adds more equipment to the line-up.

Finished exclusively in Quantum Grey paint and with S line black and Manhattan Grey exterior accents, the limited-edition Q2 Edition #1 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and adds leather-appointed upholstery, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, electric tailgate, automated parking, and active lane and side assist. Just 200 examples of the Q2 Edition #1 are available locally.

Meanwhile, the range-topping Q2 2.0 TDI quattro sport (from $47,900 plus ORCs) shares the equipment listed for the #1 Editions, but adds all-wheel drive and a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

The diesel-powered Q2 is said to offer a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.0L/100km and CO2 emissions of 131g/km. Its 0-100km/h time is listed at 8.7sec.

Bundled comfort, safety and technology option packages extend to five, with prices ranging between $990 and $2500 (see below for details). Metallic paint is charged between $800 and $1750, depending on hue. The C-pillar ‘blades’ will be available in six contrasting colours.

The five-star Euro NCAP safety-rated Q2 will compete on price with the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (from $42,900 plus ORCs) and MINI Countryman (from $39,900 plus ORCs).

It is, however, rather unique in its segment placing, being smaller in stature than the BMW X1 (from $49,500 plus ORCs), Lexus NX (from $53,550 plus ORCs) and the aforementioned Countryman and GLA. It’s also slightly smaller than the Audi Q3, which it undercuts on price by $1800. As such, the Q2 currently has no direct premium-segment competitors.

“Its fresh appeal is something that, for Audi, is probably a little bit unexpected,” explained Burgdorf. “It’s also a new target market for Audi… roughly a 50-50 male to female split, we expect more than two-thirds of Q2 customers to be under 49 years of age.

“They’re drawn to sport, fashion and travel, but also want to challenge themselves and place a value on technology – but not technology for the sake of technology – and that’s what people demand these days of all devices, and why shouldn’t your car offer those same kinds of benefits?,” Burgdorf posed.

As noted at our international launch review of the all-new Q2 last year, the range may be joined by a faster SQ2 or even RS Q2 variant in the future, which would give Audi a performance variant to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 and MINI Countryman John Cooper Works. The standard range will also be joined by a 140kW/320Nm 2.0 TFSI quattro variant from mid-year.

2017 Audi Q2 pricing (plus ORCs):
Q2 1.4 TFSI design – $41,100
Q2 1.4 TFSI Edition #1 – $47,800
Q2 2.0 TDI quattro sport – $47,900

2017 Audi Q2 option package pricing and contents:
>> Assistance package – $990 (includes adaptive cruise control, Audi active lane assist, high-beam assist, hold assist, park assist, roll-over sensor, and side assist)
>> Comfort package – $1900 (includes convenience key, electric lumbar support, front seat heating, heated wing mirrors, storage package)
>> S line package – $1500 (includes 18-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara/leather upholstery, flat-bottom steering wheel, sport suspension)
>> Style package – $2290 (includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED tail-lights with dynamic indicators)
>> Technik package – $2500 (includes Audi Virtual Cockpit, flat-bottom steering wheel, MMI navigation plus)