2017 Audi Q2

Audi extends its Q family with a compact SUV. The Audi Q2 is an urban-type vehicle for everyday driving and recreation, bundling a progressive design with a high level of functionality. Connectivity, infotainment and assistance systems are on level of full-size class.

"In the Audi Q2 we have developed a distinctively geometric form language with special design characteristics specific to this model. The car thus exhibits an independent character within the Q family," explains Audi Head of Design Marc Lichte.

Robust look: the exterior design

The result: a powerful SUV that is sharp and edgy. At the front, a strong image is created by the Singleframe grille in octagonal design that is positioned high as well as large air inlets. Especially eye-catching is the low roof that descends and merges into the C-pillars with color offset blades. This contrast accentuates the sportiness of the Audi Q2. The rear body terminates in a dynamic way with a long roof edge spoiler and a diffuser that has an underbody-protection look. In a side view, the high window line is especially eye-catching as are the concave flanks in the door area.

The latter emphasize the wheel housings and thereby the quattro character of the compact SUV. The vehicle measures 1.51 meters (5.0 ft) tall and 1.79 meters (5.9 ft) wide. The overhangs are short with a vehicle length of 4.19 meters (13.7 ft) and a wheelbase of 2.60 meters (8.5 ft), which means it will fit in any parking space.

Functional: the interior

The interior of the Audi Q2, which takes up the taut and angular form language of the exterior, offers space for five. The four doors open wide, entry is comfortable and visibility is good, however seating positions for the driver and front passenger are sporty. The luggage compartment can handle 405 liters (14.3 cu ft) of cargo, and luggage capacity increases to 1,050 liters (37.1 cu ft) when the rear bench seat back is folded. Options include a power tailgate and a three-way split of the rear bench backrests. The middle segment also serves as a through-loading facility - practical for transporting skis or shelving.

MMI navigation plus: user operation that is a lot of fun

Operating the Q2 is simple and ergonomic: The MMI screen is positioned high on the instrument panel as standard. Its size depends on the infotainment system that is ordered. Its functions are controlled by a rotary/push-button control, two buttons and two rocker switches on the center tunnel. MMI navigation plus with MMI touch tops the infotainment range. Its menu structure and the touchpad on the rotary/push-button control that allows scrolling and zooming make operating it a pleasure. Natural language operation and MMI search are just as intuitive. Often just a few characters need to be input to arrive at the desired function.

Brilliant displays: Audi virtual cockpit and head-up display

The Audi virtual cockpit is available as an alternative to the easy-to-read analog instruments. Its 12.3-inch screen displays highly detailed, brilliant graphics and offers two display modes: One focuses on the tachometer and speedometer, and the other emphasizes infotainment and/or navigation data. The view is changed using the multifunction steering wheel. In addition to the fully digital instrument cluster and top infotainment system, a third technology from the full-size class has been implemented - the

head-up display. It projects important information onto a glass panel in the driver's direct field of vision. This information can include navigation data, the vehicle speed and warning messages.

Always online: Audi connect SIM and Wi-Fi hotspot

In May 2015, Audi entered into a strategic partnership with the Irish firm Cubic Telecom, a leading worldwide supplier of seamless connectivity solutions. The first fruit of this collaboration is the Audi connect SIM, which is available in a number of models including the new Audi Q2. This is a permanently installed SIM card, known as an embedded SIM or eSIM, which customers acquire in combination with the optional Audi connect equipment package. It brings the connect services on board, including navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View; travel, traffic and parking information; and access to Twitter and your email in-box.

The new SIM card contains an unlimited data volume for using these services. There is no activation process. The Audi connect SIM also permits roaming in most European countries, as it can automatically access the provider for the specific country, as necessary. This eliminates high, country-specific roaming charges and inconvenient roaming confirmations for the customer.

Independent of the integrated connect services, Q2 owners can also purchase additional data packages for the Wi-Fi hotspot, which is a component of the optional navigation systems. This allows passengers to surf the internet at attractive rates on their smartphones, tablets and other devices. If a customer selects a European data package, the data transfer also automatically works accordingly when crossing an international border - and thus when changing internet provider at fixed prices.

With the new SIM card, the use of Audi connect services is activated when the car is purchased - and in combination MMI navigation plus, is free for three years. With MMI navigation, use is included for three months or, for an additional fee, for three years. After this, customers can ask their Audi service partner to extend access for a fee.

Unlimited choice: infotainment

Attractive infotainment modules like the Audi smartphone interface round out the range. It links iOS and Android mobile phones to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto environments. The free Audi MMI connect app enables online media streaming as well as transferring a calendar from smartphone to 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 navigation system, which then uses it for navigation. Music and acoustics aficionados will be pleased to find a Digital Audio Broadcasting tuner and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System. It features 14 loudspeakers and upgrades the interior with glossy anodized aluminum clips on the woofers. LED light guides shine white in the dark.

Full-size-class technologies: the driver assistance systems

The driver assistance systems for the Q2 come from the full-size class. Audi pre sense front, which comes standard, uses radar to recognize hazardous situations that can occur with crossing pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car. The system warns the driver and initiates hard braking if necessary - down to a standstill at low speeds.

The optional systems are also multifaceted and offer high performance. Audi has bundled the most popular ones in the assistance package, including adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function and traffic jam assist. The first system operates with radar support to maintain a desired distance to the vehicle ahead. Another highlight in the Audi Q2, traffic jam assist, uses additional ultrasonic sensors and a front camera. It can also take over steering work in slow-moving traffic on well-built roads at speeds up to 65 km/h (40.4 mph). Audi side assist monitors lane changes by radar, and the video camera-based Audi active lane assist helps the driver to stay on track in the driving lane. If the driver does not react to the warnings from the lane departure warning system, the new emergency assist brings the Audi Q2 to a stop autonomously. Camera-based recognition of traffic signs graphically shows the driver speed limits, no passing zones and auxiliary signs.

The driver gets additional support from the latest-generation park assist. It can maneuver the compact SUV into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. Cross traffic assist rear comes into play when the driver wants to reverse out of a perpendicular parking spot. It monitors the traffic behind the car with its radar sensors.

Launch program: three TFSI and three TDI engines

Audi offers a selection of six engines for the Q2: three TFSI and three TDI engines whose power outputs range from 85 kW (116 hp) to 140 kW 190 hp). The engine program follows the principle of rightsizing. This is about striking the perfect balance between vehicle class, engine displacement, power output, torque and efficiency behavior in everyday conditions. Engine displacements range from 1.0 to 2.0 liters.

The smallest gasoline engine in the Q2 lineup is the 1.0 TFSI. It produces 85 kW (116 hp) and 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) of torque from a displacement of 999 cc.

Above that is the 1.4 TFSI (110 kW/150 hp) with cylinder deactivation COD (cylinder on demand). Combined with the manual six-speed transmission, the COD system deactivates the second and third cylinder at loads up to 100 Nm (73.8 lb-ft) and while coasting when engine speed is between 2,000 and 3,200 rpm. If the dual-clutch transmission is installed, cylinder deactivation occurs sooner, between 1,400 and 3,200 rpm. With S tronic the engine consumes on average 5.2 liters of fuel (45.2 US mpg) and emits 119 grams of CO2 per 100 kilometers (191.5 g/mi).

The top gasoline engine is the powerful 2.0 TFSI (140 kW/190 hp), for which Audi developed a new combustion process. It enables the four-cylinder to realize the fuel economy benefits of a downsizing engine in part-load operation, while offering the benefits of an engine with large displacement at higher loads. This results in excellent efficiency and power behavior over the entire engine speed range.

The gateway to the diesel engines is the powerful four-cylinder with 1.6 liter displacement delivering 85 kW (116 hp).

The top engine is the 2.0 TDI, which Audi offers at two output levels: a front-wheel drive version with 110 kW (150 hp) and a quattro version with 140 kW (190 hp) and S tronic. It is frugal despite agile performance.