After the Q3, Q5 and Q7 models, Audi is planning to launch the Q2 mini-crossover to its line-up. As per reports, the German luxury car maker will make the debut of the concept version of the Q2 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) within a year. Although the SUV is closer to the A3 model, it will be based on the A1 sportback. The Audi Q2 will be introduced in the market as a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Quattro all-wheel-drive may also be offered for the higher variants, according to auto experts.
The compact Audi Q2 will be loaded with a 1.4 L direct injection, four cylinder turbo engine which has the innovative cylinder deactivation technology. A 1.6 L diesel engine is also expected for the powerful version of this SUV that will provide high fuel efficiency. Customisation will be adopted from BMW's MINI series by Audi, wherein customers will be able to choose the roof and mirror colours, along with seats, steering wheel and interior trim panels.
Designers at Audi have conceded that they took inspiration from Juke while working on the upcoming SUV. The upcoming Q2 will be a four seater SUV with sloping roofline and will compete with Peugeot 208, Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport and the upcoming MINI Countryman Coupe. The folding rear seats are expected in the model due to its restricted luggage space. Featuring a front influenced by the A1, it will become the first small car to come with advanced LED headlight technology, which will distinguish it from the competition. Other notable features of the car will be innovative body styling, better seating position and higher ride height for enhanced ground clearance. The company is expected to mainly target European markets with this new model.
Audi will use parent company Volkwagen's MQB platform to develop the upcoming car. The upcoming SUVs of Bentley (EXP 9F), Porsche (Cajun) and Lamborghini (Urus) will also be based on the same platform, along with Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. Its weight will be restricted by Audi engineers through judicious use of aluminium, carbonfibre and composite plastics while developing the body. According to experts, Audi can opt for the component sharing route while manufacturing the off-roader, which will make it quite cost effective. Production of the new Q2 will begin by late 2014 or early 2015. The Audi Q2 is one of the car models in Q series that the company plans to launch in India. However, Audi has said that it does not plan to bring out a Q4 SUV in coming times.
