What to expect: Audi Q2, the brand's most accessible model, set for October launch
In keeping with the full lineup revamp from Audi India we reported earlier, you can expect to see what will become the most affordable Audi in the country, the Q2 crossover-SUV, launched in early October. The quick highlights for the 2020 Audi Q2 include its compact dimensions (just under 4.2m long), its 2-litre turbo-petrol (190PS/320Nm) and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, in-built connected technology, a wide spread of variants and quattro all-wheel drive capabilities for top variants. Not to mention that it will be fully-imported (CBU) which means we can expect a starting price around where the now-discontinued and locally assembled (and larger) Q3 SUV sat, at Rs 35 lakh onwards.
The Q2, introduced globally in 2016, has just seen a minor facelift internationally, but it has been confirmed India will get the pre-facelift model, which we've reviewed earlier, if you'd like to know how it drives. The changes to the wide and squat Q2 are minor, and include restyled standard LED headlights, a lower-set grille, reprofiled bumpers front and rear and minor revisions to the interior, including the latest generation of Audi's MMI Navigation Plus software. India-spec models will get the in-built LTE capabilities for telematics/tracking, remote diagnosis and more via Audi connect. Features will include the 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, 8.3-inch central infotainment screen, wireless phone charging, six airbags and panoramic sunroof to name a few.
Built on the versatile VW Group MQB platform, the Q2 measures in at 4,190mm in length, 1,794mm in width and 1,538mm tall, riding on a wheelbase of 2,595mm. This means it's about 44mm shorter in length compared to VW's T-Roc, for example, though its wheelbase is marginally longer, with a 10mm wider track at the rear. An indication of how usable the Q2 will be comes from its 355/405-litre boot capacity (all-wheel drive/front-wheel drive) but the inclusion of all-wheel drive will likely be its biggest differentiator in a segment with no direct competition.
The Q2 is smaller than the current crop of affordable luxury SUVs, like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40, which are priced from Rs 36-39 lakh for the petrol variants, with the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA expected in the coming months. Its relatively low kerb weight of 1,430kg (for the all-wheel drive model) should endow the Q2 with a sporty nature, evidenced by a claimed 0-100kmph run in 6.5 seconds.