Audi Q2 crossover at Geneva 2016: full details and exclusive photos

Audi's smallest crossover yet makes it debut at the Geneva Motor Show, with bold colors and a sporty look

The fourth member of the group 'Q' Audi has finally come: After Q2 new teaser has finally hit the stands at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

It aims to tip on the upcoming Mercedes and BMW X2 GLA boom in fierce cross, and will be sold in the second half of this year for around £ 22,000.

The official picture is the first time we've seen the model into. Influence is drawn from Crosslane Coupe concept on display at the Paris Motor Show 2012, but the design has grown from a two-door coupe with an SUV swoopy five-door during that time. It was first designed to be fully monitored and signed off by design boss Marc LICHTE, who joined in 2014 and has been spiced chance to really make his mark on one the brand's models.

Q2 is 4.19m in length (about 12cm shorter than A3), 1.79m wide and just over 1.5 m high (10cm shorter than Q3). It's also relatively light in weight from 1205kg. It's still unmistakably an Audi in the record, but the overall design brief was to join the A1 Q2 in attracting younger customers to the carmakers.

The broad shoulders, sloping roofline and short rear overhangs are crucial to this, as will design details like the hexagonal cutout along the car’s waistline, the ‘blade’ floating C-pillar and striking bonnet lines. The grille remains the same shape, but uses fresh ‘egg-crate’ slats to give it extra personality.

Colour schemes will also be an essential part of creating the youthful image Audi is after. The vibrant yellow, red and orange paint choice will be offered at launch, a well as a “big list of options for customisation” inside and out including a two-tone roof and coloured dash inserts. It’s been specifically designed to counter criticism that all Audis come in dour greys, blacks and blues.

Exterior design head for the Q2, Gary Telaak, told Auto Express at a private reveal event that a junior designer drew up a sketch of the five-door model, and when the Audi board of execs came across it they said “we have to build this”. However, he also talked of a “constant struggle” between the design and quality control department to ensure that the more surfaced exterior of the Q2 could “pass stringent metal pressing standards”. The designers were determined to not see their creation watered-down in any way.

Audi Q2 interior design

Step inside the cabin and things are a bit more familiar. It’s similar in overall look to the current A3, but also incorporates the latest multimedia tech from the new A4, including the optional 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display replacing the standard dials. A standard 5.8-inch MMI central infotainment screen sits atop the dash, while the upgraded system brings an 8.4-inch unit. Both are controlled via the familiar rotary dial.

The Q2 also gets a unique LED ambient lighting system that sees light projected through the panel gaps in the dash, with different designs for day and night. Standard kit for UK cars is yet to be confirmed, but will include a Pre-Sense city braking function that operates up to 53mph.

Space hasn’t been neglected in the Q2’s desire for style. There’s reasonable space for four adults in the back (even a six plus-footer as our images show), although the 405-litre boot is quite a way behind the 481-litres offered by the Mercedes GLA. Audi makes the most of the space with the option of a 40/20/40 split-folding seat.

Audi Q2 engine range

No big surprise within the engine, either. The petrol range starts with the 1.4 TSI 148bhp familiar 'Cylinder on Demand "unit, then transferred to quattro and 2.0 TFSI 187bhp automatic only. European buyers get a 248-horsepower 2.0-liter flagship, but that was not confirmed for the UK yet. the range consists of a diesel engine and 148bhp 2.0 TDI 115bhp 1.6 for now, with the Quattro four-wheel drive vehicle set to be available on most of the engines on later this year. All engines now have a choice of S-Tronic seven-speed gearbox with functional separation latest.

Fortunately, there is a hot model in the pipeline, as an engineer to slide on the event's exclusive preview us. We are looking forward to the 'S' and models 'RS' to, both turbocharged engine adjusted higher, although there is no indication yet if the 362 hp five-cylinder RS3 storming can fit in Q2.

Q2 is also the option of variable damping, with a 10mm lower sports suspension system is available too. All vehicles are a variable ratio steering, and has five driving modes include an off-road mode. That increases to 200mm ride height and adjusts the transmission system for surface roughness.

Source: autoexpress.co.uk