Audi Q2 forms new brand niche

DESIGN CHANGES IN URBAN SUV ARE DESTINED TO BECOME MAINSTREAM

TONY VERDON

Audi New Zealand has revealed its new compact Q2, which will go on sale here early next year.

Although it is based on the same platform as the new A3 model range, Audi says the Q2 creates a new model category for the brand.

The Q2 also marks the beginning of a new and more substantially different design approach for a brand that is likely to be seen in future mainstream Audi models.

The general manager Dean Sheed said the Q2 was an “urbantype vehicle for everyday driving and recreation.”

It has a more aggressive appearance than the traditional mainstream Audi model line- up, and is aimed at broadening the Audi customer base.

The company unveiled a lefthand- drive pre- production motorshow vehicle in Auckland this week, which will soon begin a nationwide tour of the country.

The first New Zealand- spec Q2s will arrive in February or March, and the model will be priced from $ 54,500 plus on- road costs.

Sheed said the Q2 would be introduced with the widest range of customisation options of any Audi model. It will have a new 1.4 litre TFSI engine, with 110kW and 250Nm of torque and cylinder on- demand technology. Driver assistance programmes on the vehicle will include blindspot monitors and a pre- sense city driving detection system. The Q2 will also be fitted with an electrically operated tailgate and has up to 1050 litres of cargo space when the rear bench seat is folded back. It will be available in 11 colours, five alloy wheel designs, and four customisable C- pillar blades, giving it a sportier look than other mainstream Audi models. The model will come standard with the Audi MMI navigation and audio system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity.

The model has a “crouching” style appearance, and will come standard on 18- inch alloy wheels.

The Q2 features a ‘ polygonal design’, with concave flanks and exaggerated wheel arches.

“This model is urbanising the SUV,” Sheed told

He said the national tour was to illustrate to potential customers where the Q2 fitted within the Audi range.

It was aimed at younger and more urban- based, possibly female, buyers.

Sheed said Audi in New Zealand had a very high buyer- retention rate, and the new Q2 was aimed at broadening that customer base by offering a new vehicle in the motor industry’s fastest- growing SUV market.