Q2 flagship arrives

Building on the tremendous success of the Q2 1.4 TFSI S tronic and 2.0 TDI quattro sport, the arrival of the flagship Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro sport completes the Q2 range in Australia.

Edgy and sophisticated, the Q2 has welcomed in Australia since its introduction in February this year, essentially carving its own niche in the hotly-contested compact SUV sector. 

The new Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro sport brings with it a raft of the latest technologies – driver assistance systems, infotainment and advanced safety systems – and tops it off with superb performance and unbridled luxury.

Its outstanding all-wheel drive chassis delivers unrivalled levels of driving enjoyment and agility normally reserved for sports cars, powered as it is by the most powerful engine offered in the Audi Q2 range. 

A 140 kilowatt, 320 newton metre turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that’s derived from the Audi A4 range, propels the new Q2 from standstill to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.

An innovative short engine compression phase means it intakes less fuel and burns it longer during expansion so it also delivers exceptional economy, using just 6.5 litres of 96 RON fuel for every 100 kilometres it travels.

Coupled to the engine is a newly-developed seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that provides silky and seamless gear changes. Enhancing the driving experience is progressive electromechanical steering that provides excellent feedback at speed, yet becomes as light as a feather at low speeds, for easy manoeuvring at parking speeds.

With 147mm of ground clearance, heading off the blacktop is not an issue, and with the famed quattro all-wheel drive and its MacPherson front and four-link rear suspension providing an outstanding surefooted feel on even the slickest of surfaces. 

The new model shares the unmistakable polygonal design language with its siblings, with 3 4 polygons making up the distinctive Singleframe grille. Subtle polygonal shapes extend across the bonnet and along the window line and cascade along its flanks giving it the gentle curves and contours on its silhouette.

The descending roof line cohesively meets the rear pillar that mimics the ‘blade’, made famous on the R8 supercar. Completing the look are the 18-inch alloy wheels and 3D LED tail lights incorporating dynamic rear turn lights, that strobe in the direction you are turning. 

Inside, the generous interior is ergonomically precise, exquisitely finished and superbly appointed. Its surfaces are both luxury car tactile where most often touched and SUV durable are needed, while colourful, anodised aluminium and gloss trim add to its edginess.

The flagship Q2 is lavishly equipped with power windows and mirrors, dual zone air-conditioning, ambient LED lighting with a choice of 10 colours, leather upholstery, Audi smartphone interface and connect services, 10-speaker audio system, in-car Wi-Fi, satellite navigation with Google earth and street view maps, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, an 8.3-inch infotainment screen with blue tooth phone and music streaming, Apple Car Play and Android auto all easily operated by the console-mounted rotary controller. 

Immediately obvious is the Q2’s passenger car ergonomics. Low-set soft leather seats hold you in all the right places and still allow a commanding view in all directions, providing the best elements of an SUV and hatchback. 

Its compact exterior hides a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates four adults. The Q2’s versatility is shown in its cargo area that ranges from 355 to 1050 litres. 

With quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard on the range-topping Q2, grip is unparalleled. Sealed roads let the Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic sport show off its sublime chassis and well-sorted suspension. Frankly it’s nothing short of remarkable and highly engaging behind the wheel. I was able to tackle corners like I was driving a sports car rather than an SUV and despite its raised ground clearance it felt settled through corners. At all times the ride quality remained composed and limousine comfortable. 

Back in the urban sprawl towards the end of the drive, the lighter steering and excellent visibility reinforced its urban SUV credentials and its genuine all-round capability. 

Audi is constantly at the forefront of the latest safety technologies, the new Audi Q2 is no exception. Awarded a five star ANCAP safety rating, it introduces new safety technology called called traffic jam assist. Utilising the adaptive cruise control and lane assist, it can semi-autonomously operate the vehicle at speeds of up to 65km/h (think Level 2 autonomous). 

Additional life-saving features are pre-sense front with passenger detection, rear cross traffic assist, side assist, park assist, lane assist and emergency assist that brings the Q2 to a stop automatically. 

The range-topping Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro sport is available with a choice of 10 vibrant colours including the exclusive Coral Orange. Or, for greater individualisation, four option packs have been created. 

Comfort Pack – convenience key, heated front seats, electric lumbar adjustment, heated exterior mirrors and storage package. The S Line Sport Pack – five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, 10mm lower sports suspension, Alcantara and Leather upholstery, flat-bottom leather steering wheel, perforated leather gear knob, matt brushed aluminium inlays, sports pedals and black headlining.

Technik Pack – Audi Virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus and flat-bottom steering wheel. Assistance Pack – Adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, side assist, park assist, high-beam assist, hold assist and rollover sensors.