Audi Q2 to be based on the Crosslane Coupe Concept

The big news from Audi at the Paris Motor Show was the Cross Lane concept, the fore bearer of the Q2. Obviously then you'd think the Audi Q2 is a new SUV, positioned below the Q3 and therefore prime choice to be offered to the Indian consumer. Sounds very clear? Here is where things aren't quite as lucid.

The Q2 isn't anywhere close to production yet. It will be spawned off the Cross Lane concept Audi showcased last week, which itself is inspired by the Steppenwolf concept that gave birth to the A3. It's a mix of a coupe, crossover and convertible and appears to be a pretty radical vehicle. Especially because its crossover stance means it rides pretty high and with the convertible aspirations has the middle portion of its roof missing. It's a 2-seater in concept form with a 2+2 seating option waiting in its future.

You could call it a good looking vehicle, but let me put it bluntly, what it shows outside and inside (which I think is pretty bland) isn't what makes this an incredible new platform.

What makes it incredible are three new innovations. The first is its multi material space frame, constructed by mixing aluminum, carbon fibre and glass fibre to make an ultra rigid yet ultra light weight chassis. And it looks good, it looks like something right out of a Mad Max film, edgy and futuristic and dynamic even in its nakedness. Yet what this space frame also tells us is that the Q2 it will spawn can't be positioned below the Q3 because the price would be way more than what the Q3 commands.

This spaceframe however will help keep the weight of the Cross Lane concept to around 1300 kilos which is incredibly light for something that tries to straddle various segments. The weight saving is necessary because the Cross Lane concept is powered by a compact hybrid powerplant. It combines a small 1.5-litre 3-cylinder TFSi petrol engine, which is unique in itself because Audi have never made an engine this small ever before and that too one with just three cylinders. It will be supported by two small electric motors, one for initial thrust and the latter to provide the punch line. Of course in the future the hybrid drivetrain will not be the only option and other markets around the world will also get standard petrol and diesel engines.

The last geeky bit is the boot which can be modified simply by pushing it or pulling it to increase or reduce space within the cabin.

Now the Q2 is expected to come out in 2015 and it will compete against vehicles such as the newly launched Mini Paceman and the Countryman. The Cross Lane concept however thanks to its more exotic approach to motoring will also birth the Q4 and the Q6, both of which will have more sportier aspirations much like the Q2.