AUDI PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES Q2 COMPACT CROSSOVER
The crossover segment is red hot these days, with entries ranging from the economy side all the way to the luxury market.
Audi Philippines has just launched its contender, a premium compact crossover dubbed the Q2.
The Q2 is pitched as an upscale city vehicle, built to tackle highways as well as the odd rough road or two.
Audi Philippines launched the Q2 on July 29 at its showroom on Edsa, Greenhills.
Audi Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto said, “Audi is venturing into a new market segment with the new Audi Q2, bringing top technologies into the smallest member of its Q family. Whether it is used for an off-road adventure or for everyday driving in the city, the Q2 is the all-round vehicle, with youthful and provocative design and high-tech equipment.”
The Q2 slots in at a compact 4.19 meters by 1.79 meters, with a height of 1.51 meters.
Audi points to the short overhangs and taller ground clearance that gives it the stance of a compact SUV.
The body on top, though, has more in common with a sports wagon than an offroader.
The signature gaping Audi grille is up front. The sloping roof line gives it a sportier feel. The blacked-out B-pillar and grayed-out C-pillar evoke the profile of the classic Audi Quattro coupe.
Audi Q2 is powered by an inline-three gasoline engine. With direct injection, and intercooled turbocharging, the 12-valve, DOHC engine produces 116 hp and 200 Nmof torque.
This is good for a 0-100 kph jaunt of 10.1 seconds, on to a top speed of 197 kph.
Power is coursed through a seven-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. The trademark quattro all-wheel drive is not yet available.
The Q2 shares its steering gear with the sport-oriented S3, reportedly making it highly maneuverable around town.
Audi promises controlled body roll thanks to the car’s wide track, and despite the higher center of gravity. Suspension is firm, supposedly lending the Q2 the handling manners of a sporty hatchback.
Standard features include LED headlamps with dynamic turn signals, exterior mirror with LED indicators, automatic wipers, headlight washers, and LED daytime running lights.
Inside, the Q2 is equipped a 5.8-inch Multi Media Interface (MMI) screen on the instrument panel. You can use a rotary con- troller with surrounding buttons to manipulate MMI, or use voice command with search feature.
Just like its bigger brother the Q7, the Q2 has a virtual instrument cluster. Instead of conventional gauges, the entire panel behind the steering wheel is a high-resolution panel that can display gauges, vehicle information, or a map for navigation.
Other interior equipment includes a sport flat-bottom leather steering wheel with remote audio and cruise control buttons, aluminum-look trim, power windows, and heat-insulating glass.
Safety features include electronic stabilization control, electric parking brake, ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbags, and side and curtain airbags.
Audi Q2 has won a number of awards in its native Germany. These include the German Design Award for “Excellent Production Design-Transportation,” the “Best of the Best” award of the Automotive Brand Contest, and the best compact vehicle in the renowned Golden Steering Wheel awards.
The Audi Q2 starts at P2.78 million.