Audi Q2

Talking about the Q2 interiors, the overall interior manages to look minimalist yet classy, something Audi did for the first time with the A3 sedan. The overall dashboard layout might look very simple, but it is far from boring or old school.

The three-spoke fat bottom steering wheel is something which we have seen on many entry-level Audis before like the A1. But what catches the attention is the full TFT instrument console like in all the high positioned Audi offerings, which apart from the conventional meters, also displays MID and navigation.

The Q2 shares its design theme with that of the Q3, as it gets two big round AC vents at the center as well as a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system above it. The carbon fiber finish on the dashboard and center console adds a sporty touch to the interior cabin. However, what robs the premium feel of the car a bit is the limited space at the rear, thanks to the low roofline and limited wheelbase.

Given the Q-lineage, Audi has tried its level best to make the Q2 look as SUV as possible. However, it is the compact dimensions which do play a bit of a spoilsport – it looks more like a hatchback which is on steroids with rugged design cues and raised height.

At the front, the Audi Q2 is blessed with a new front grille which has tapered outer edges, which looks quite different from the sharp hexagonal ones which we have seen on the Audi SUVs in the past. To make this front fascia look sinister-ish, the grille is painted in gloss black. The full LED headlamps too mimic the tapered-from-edges design of the front grille.

The Q2 looks quite small from the sides, and this is due to the low roofline and limited wheelbase. However, the Q2 has got a sufficient amount of ground clearance, and along with the pronounced wheel arches and body cladding, it does possess a rugged stance. The blackened or contrasting colored C-pillars is a nice design input as well.

At the rear, the Q2 has been blessed with squared full LED tail lamps. The central portion of the boot comes with a prominent bulge, which manage to make the Q2 appear bigger than what it is.

The Audi Q2 is targeted towards the young audience, and in order to meet their cost expectations and limitations, Audi has given the premium Quattro four-wheel drive a miss. However, to make the Q2 feel as agile and dynamic as possible, the suspension is tuned on a stiffer side. This limits the body roll and makes the Q2 a fun-to-drive avehicle on all kinds of stretches and corners.

For the Malaysian market, Audi is offering the Q2 with just one powertrain option  – a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Coming straight from the Q3, this engine pumps out 150PS of power and 250Nm of peak torque output. This engine is mated to a 7-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox, however, unlike on the Q3, it channels the power only to the front wheels and misses out on the amazing Quattro four-wheel drive.

Despite being a competitively priced product, the Q2 is loaded with safety features like front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill hold assist, hill descent control, vehicle stability control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors with all around camera.

It might be wrong to call the Q2 an SUV due to its hatchback leveling dimensions and sloping roof design. However, the rugged design cues, raised body height and innovative design features make up for a striking and youthful looking crossover which the Q2 is.