Audi unveils its smallest crossover yet, the Q2
Audi used the stage at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show to welcome to the world the all-new Q2, the fourth in its family of Q crossovers.
The smallest Audi crossover yet, the Q2 is an odd piece in its lineup puzzle, proving only slightly smaller than the 2016 Q3.
The two ride on the same 102-inch wheelbase, while width and height are separated by only a slim margin.
Where they differ most dimensionally is in overall length, with the Q2, at 164.4 inches long, giving up less than nine inches to its "big" brother.
Where it makes its biggest departure from the Q3—aside from luggage space, with 405 litres behind the rear seats and 1,050 litres with them folded compared to 470 litres and 1,365 litres, respectively—is in its looks, with the Audi Q2 decidedly more aggressive and polarizing.
While remaining recognizable as a member of Audi's family of crossovers, the latest to join the lineup has "model-specific design characteristics," as Audi's design chief described it, that set it apart from the rest.
A wider, high-mounted grille and one-piece lower air inlet give it a bold face, while its low roof line that descends rearward, culminating in "colour offset blades" for C-pillars, give it a dynamic profile.
Engine choices in the European-exclusive subcompact CUV include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.4-litre four-cylinder TFSI gasoline engines, and 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesels.
While there is no word on the Q2 coming to North America any time soon, Audi did note that a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI model would go on sale some time in 2017, which could open the door to it crossing the Atlantic then.
It's set to go on sale in Europe later this year.
