Leading into the 2016 Geneva Motor Show (GIMS), one of the major debuts was the all-new Audi Q2. There's a couple reasons for this:

1) It's an Audi and the company is going through what I'd consider a "rebuilding" phase. In other words, it use to be the "hot" brand and now it's not that.

2) The Q2 is an entry-level sport-utility vehicle for the brand. Whether you're in Europe or the U.S., the desire for an SUV is huge. Or as Donald Trump would say "UuuUge!"

Geneva Motor Show

Said to be aimed at urban dwellers, the all-new Q2 boasts an array of technology one would come to expect in an Audi. The real story here though is that its proportions are quite tidy and it's relatively lightweight.

Coming in at under 2,700 pounds, equipped with small forced induction motors and a dual-clutch gearbox, it seems like the Q2 may be a spritely little thing.

Just one catch: Absolutely ZERO word if the Q2 will make it to the U.S.


Geneva Motor Show
































































































Audi's press release follows:

Compact, sporty and full of high-tech: the new Audi Q2

The Audi Q2 presents a powerful and energetic image at first glance. Two large, powerfully contoured air inlets and the highly positioned Singleframe radiator grille clearly give the front end an SUV look. In a side view, edges and polygons accentuate the vehicle’s lines in a design language that is new at Audi. A special feature is the color-offset blade on the low-profile C-pillar that can be customized. Above the high shoulder line are the narrow windows which make up around one-third of the surface area relative to the metal surfaces. The flanks are drawn inward in the door area. They emphasize the wheels and with them the quattro character of the compact SUV. At the rear, a long roof spoiler, the strong curvature of the bumper and the diffuser in underbody-protection look create a dynamic finish. The latter element is differentiated according to the model line. On the left side, the exhaust system terminates in one or two tailpipes. Just like the wedge-shaped headlights, the rear lights can also be implemented in LED technology as an option. Audi can also supply dynamic turn signals at the rear.

Top-notch: driver assistance systems
The driver assistance systems for the Q2 come directly from the full-size class. Audi pre sense front – a standard on-board solution – can recognize hazardous situations that can occur with crossing pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car by radar. 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. Traffic jam assist also makes use of 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, supported by a video camera, helps the driver to stay on track in the driving lane. The camera-based traffic sign recognition system graphically shows the driver speed limits, no passing zones as well as auxiliary signs. The latest generation of park assist can maneuver the compact SUV into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. When backing out of a perpendicular parking space, rear cross traffic assist comes into play; it uses its radar sensors to monitor traffic behind the Q2.

Brilliant displays: Audi virtual cockpit and head-up display
Another highlight is the Audi virtual cockpit whose 12.3-inch screen shows 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. In addition to the Audi virtual cockpit 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 visual field. This information can include navigation data, the vehicle speed and warning messages.

MMI navigation plus: user operation that is a lot of fun
Operating the Q2 is easy and ergonomic as it is in every Audi. 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 and two buttons on the center tunnel.

Topping the infotainment range is MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. 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. In addition, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch integrates a Wi-Fi hotspot. This lets passengers in the Audi Q2 surf the web with their mobile devices. The online services of Audi connect can also be accessed via the MMI touch – they range from traffic and parking-space information to navigation with Google Earth.

The flat rate data plan required for this is included, because together with the Audi connect feature European customers also get a SIM card (embedded SIM) that is permanently installed in the car. It also permits roaming in most European countries, because it can automatically access the provider for the specific country when required. Data packages can also be ordered for the Wi-Fi hotspot, independent of any integrated Audi connect services.

Unlimited variety: Audi MMI connect app and infotainment features
The free Audi MMI connect app also brings other services on-board. They include online media streaming and transferring a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. Using myAudi destinations for iOS operating systems, a desired navigation destination can be sent to the Q2 from any desired app. The customer simply uses the “Share” function and transfers the related data to the MMI connect app. Then MMI navigation plus can navigate to the destination.

The Audi smartphone interface links iOS and Android mobile phones to the Apple Car Play and Android Auto environments, thanks to the second-generation modular infotainment platform.

The Bang & Olufsen Sound System delivers a special sound experience with 705 watts of audio power and 14 loudspeakers. The woofers are highlighted by anodized aluminum trim; at night, LED light strips emit a white light.

Interior: high level of functionality
Wide-opening doors and a high door sill that is typical of SUVs offer convenient entry into the interior that provides space for five people. The driver sits in a sporty, low position relative to the steering wheel, like in an Audi sedan, but still enjoys the good visibility of an SUV. The luggage compartment can handle 405 liters (14.3 cu ft) of cargo, and luggage capacity increases to a full 1,050 liters (37.1 cu ft) when the rear bench seatback is folded. Options include a power tailgate and a three-way split of the rear bench backrests. The middle segment also serves as a large cargo pass-through – practical for transporting skis or shelving.

Systematic lightweight design: 1,205 kg (2,656.6 lb) unladen weight
The body creates the foundation for the vehicle’s rigorous lightweight design concept. The Q2 is 4.19 meters (13.7 ft) long, its wheelbase measures 2.60 meters (8.5 ft), and its overhangs are short. The SUV is 1.79 meters (5.9 ft) wide and 1.51 meters (5.0 ft) tall. With the 1.0 TFSI engine it weighs just 1,205 kg (2,656.6 lb). Form-hardened steels give the passenger cell a strong backbone. The noise level on-board is very low thanks to the vibration-optimized body and Audi’s high level of competence in aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. The base model attains a superior c_d figure of 0.30.

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 815 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. Displacements of the engines in the Q2 range from 1.0 to 2.0 liters.

The following gasoline engines are available: the exceptionally efficient 1.0 TFSI (85 kW/116 hp) three-cylinder engine, the 1.4 TFSI (110 kW/150 hp) equipped with cylinder deactivation (COD: cylinder on demand) and the powerful 2.0 TFSI (140 kW/190 hp). Audi has developed a new combustion process for the latter, which enables the four-cylinder engine 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 four-cylinder diesel with 1.6 liter displacement delivering 85 kW (116 hp). Positioned above this is the best-selling 2.0 TDI, available at two power levels – 110 kW (150 hp) and 140 kW (190 hp).

New dual-clutch transmission: power transfer
Audi offers a six-speed manual transmission and the S tronic dual-clutch transmission with seven speeds in combination with all engines. Exceptions are the 2.0 TDI and the 2.0 TFSI, in which a newly developed dual clutch transmission is standard. It impresses with a large spread of gear ratios and a high level of efficiency that is attributable to a new type of oil supply and reduced friction.

Top solutions: chassis
Progressive steering is standard in all versions; in this system the toothing of the steering rack is designed to vary the steering gear ratio according to the magnitude of the steering input. With large steering movements it is more direct, making driving more dynamic.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is standard with the top TDI and the 2.0 TFSI. Customers can also choose quattro with the 1.4 TFSI COD and the 2.0 TDI with 110 kW (150 hp) – an attractive entry into the quattro world. The hydraulic multi-plate clutch with its electronic control transfers torque nearly entirely to the front wheels in normal driving, but it can redirect torque to the rear axle variably and lightning fast if necessary. This is how the quattro drive unites driving pleasure and driving safety, taking them to a new level. The torque vectoring system complements its performance.

The optional Audi drive select handling system lets the driver choose between four modes: auto, comfort, dynamic and efficiency. With the MMI radio, the individual mode is added. Audi drive select has an effect on vehicle systems, e.g. it influences the steering and gear shift characteristics, and on the optional chassis with adaptive damper control. The Q2 is also well-suited to off-road conditions with the ESC Offroad mode and 20 centimeters (7.9 in) of ground clearance.

Individual style: exterior and interior
Q2 customers can configure the look of their car according to their wishes in many aspects. Add-on parts, which vary according to the trim line, give the SUV a sporty or typical off-road appearance. The two trim lines design and sport are positioned above the base car. The Q2 is even further differentiated in the design selection or S line sport package. The S line exterior package highlights the agile stature of the SUV.

In the elaborately crafted interior, customers also have many ways to express their personal style. Colors like yellow, orange and red may be selected for decorative trim and certain areas of the seats. The trim is also available in white plastic or brushed aluminum. Seat upholstery choices range from high-end fabrics to fine Nappa leather.

At night, the optional LED lighting package makes the interior especially attractive. In the top version, LED light strips illuminate the sculpturally formed trim at the front of the instrument panel and the knee pads with homogeneous light. Ten colors are available.

Market launch: autumn 2016
The compact SUV is built at the main Audi plant in Ingolstadt, and it will launch on the European market in autumn 2016. Ordering will begin in mid-year.

For more information on the Audi Q2, see Q2 illustrated at

https://www.Q2-illustrated.com/en.