The existing model of the Q2 will still be produced for a few more years even if it won’t be refreshed for upcoming generations. Audi decided to continue Q2 production in its present version despite the lack of a direct replacement, doing so for a few more years before it officially ends production. By 2026, all-electric vehicles will dominate the market, and Audi aims to expand the number of EVs it offers.
Audi expressed optimism for the Q2’s performance in numerous interviews as recently as late 2021. Low profit margins and fewer sales have dashed such expectations, prompting Audi to quickly reevaluate its Q2 strategy. Although the approach it now takes was thought to be inevitable, these elements have compelled Audi to accelerate their schedule and be more audacious and proactive in their implementation.
As a result, the corporation will have more funding available for EV research as they intend to switch to only selling EVs by 2033 and the last gas-powered vehicle won’t hit the market until 2026. Despite this, the lineup won’t be completely redesigned because several well-known staples and classics will be recreated as electric vehicles to coexist in lineups in the future.
In This Article...
Is a new Q2 being released by Audi?
To increase efficiency, Audi will almost definitely offer the Q2 some 48V mild-hybrid engine options. Expect this to be exclusively available on more powerful variants, as with other models from the Ingolstadt brand. The Audi SQ2 should also come back, and a plug-in hybrid model might be unveiled at a later time.
The redesigned Q2 is anticipated to be unveiled in the second half of 2020 and to go on sale either in late 2020 or early 2021.
The Audi Q2 is produced where?
The Audi Q2 is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV that Audi has developed and produced. Built on the same MQB A1 platform as the Mk7 series Volkswagen Golf, it made its public debut on March 1, 2016, at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The car is made at Relizane, Algeria, the FAW-Volkswagen plant in Foshan, China, and the Audi headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany.
Since November 2016, it has been available in markets across Europe. The Q2 is not offered in the US or Canada, unlike Audi’s other crossovers. China sells a long-wheelbase model known as the Q2L.
Since November 2019, the Q2L e-tron, an all-electric variant, has been produced and sold in China. The Q2L e-tron is powered by a 38 kWh lithium-ion battery made by Contemporary Amperex Technology, a Chinese supplier, and has a range of 265 kilometers (165 miles) and a top speed of 150 kilometers per hour (93 mph). Its electric motor has a maximum output torque of 290 Nm and a maximum output power of 100 kW (134 hp) (214 lbfft). [2]
Due to disappointing sales and plans to switch Audi’s focus to selling larger premium crossovers and SUVs, Volkswagen AG announced in February 2022 that the Q2 will be discontinued when its current generation life cycle ends at the end of the 2023 model year. There is currently no replacement for the Q2 in the works.
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Audi Q2 is it luxurious?
The Audi Q2 has the impression of a miniature luxury SUV thanks to its squishy high-quality plastics, attractive trimmings, and clear information screens. But the price is steep.
Why was the Audi Q2 canceled?
A media source claims that Audi will completely stop producing the Q2, the entry-level car in its “Q” lineup. The premium hatchbacks Audi Q2 and A1 will be eliminated from the brand’s portfolio globally.
According to reports, Audi’s intention to redefine itself as a luxury brand and focus on high-end vehicles moving forward is the reason for the termination of the two models. Despite this, the Q2 and A1 won’t be dropped right away. Although neither vehicle will receive a new generation upgrade, the German automaker will continue to sell the current generations of both.
The second version of the Audi A1 was introduced in 2010, and it is currently available. In contrast, the Q2 was unveiled globally in 2016 and underwent a mid-life makeover in September 2020. With a price tag of Rs 34.99 lakh, the Audi Q2 is also offered for sale in the Indian market (ex-showroom).
Will a new Audi Q2 be released in 2022?
“In comparison to compact SUVs like the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008, the Audi Q2 is a high-end option. Although it is slightly more expensive than its mainstream rivals, it boasts a sleek exterior, a sophisticated and practical interior, and a variety of engines and drivetrain options. However, it isn’t the most practical or inexpensive option.”
The Audi Q2, which has five doors and a choice of two or four-wheel drive, six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes, is based on the previous generation A3 hatchback under the skin. Although the standard equipment list is a bit on the sparse side, it shares its sibling’s elegant, minimal cabin and materials that have a quality feel to them. Here is our evaluation of the 2022 Audi Q2 to see how it compares to its competitors.
The Audi Q2 is offered in four different trim levels: Technik, Sport, S line, and Black Edition. With features like a motorized tailgate, air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and DAB, Audi Q2 Technik variants appear to have most necessities covered. We have a problem since so much of the greatest equipment is gone. Even on the top two grades, you have to pay extra for features like climate control and a sizable touchscreen screen, which is only included with a hefty Technology Package.
The base model Audi Q2 has a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with 115 PS and is front-wheel drive. As you upgrade, you’ll get a 1.5-liter engine with 150 PS and a selection of transmissions. They bear the Audi Q2 30 and 35 TFSI badges. The latter, with its affordable operating costs and dependable, adaptable performance, will be the best option for the majority of consumers.
The Audi Q2 offers two diesel engine choices: the 1.6-liter 30 TDI, which has 115 horsepower, and the 2.0-liter 35 TDI, which has 150 horsepower and comes standard with quattro four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Both are smooth-riding cruisers with good pulling power, but they fall short of the refining of gasoline in urban areas.
The high-performance Audi SQ2 sits at the top of the lineup and offers customized athletic style, a 300PS gasoline engine, and tremendous turn of speed. It costs as much as one and is as fast as multiple sports vehicles.
Whichever Audi Q2 model you choose, all of them have sharp handling, quick steering, and tight body control. On country roads, they feel composed and steady, and body roll is negligible, but with larger alloy wheels and stiffer springs, they are less pleasant on rough surfaces than some rivals.
The Audi Q2’s front seats are really comfortable, and we appreciate how logically organized the dash is. There are lots of storage spaces and easy-to-understand controls for everything you contact with in the cabin. Due to its flat-sided, wide design, the boot has some clever functionality and can carry a surprising amount.
However, the Q2 is not even in the same league as competitors like the MINI Countryman, Volvo XC40, and BMW X1 for hauling passengers, whether that be four or five adults, or two parents and children in child seats. It is too narrow to seat three across for anything more than a quick trip to the store and is too small for head and knee room.
Small doesn’t always equate to cheap when it comes to luxury brands, but the Audi Q2 seems like a small car for a big price. Although it is possible to make it more luxurious, doing so is extremely expensive.
Is the 2022 Audi Q2 right for you?
Even for a tiny SUV, the Audi Q2 is on the diminutive side, and its adorable proportions are both a blessing and a disadvantage. It will be perfect for buyers who want an elevated driving experience but don’t want to feel like they are driving a big, hulking off-roader because it is tiny enough to never feel daunting to drive.
The Audi Q2 has a good boot size considering its small footprint and is comfortable to maneuver on congested city streets. It is also a pain to park. The confined back seats are where you pay the price. The Q2 is not the vehicle for you if you have teenagers, frequently travel with four adults, or need some flexibility.
Although its well-kept driving experience is a big advantage, it doesn’t feel particularly enjoyable; rather, it feels neat and tidy, with predictable handling and great body control thanks to a firm suspension. You’ll grin more if you drive a Ford Puma.
What’s the best Audi Q2 model/engine to choose?
We believe it is best to keep to the lower end of the spectrum, with a front-wheel drive petrol model, given the somewhat aggressive pricing approach that places the Audi Q2 up against some seven-seat SUVs in the top trim levels.
The base 1.0-liter Audi Q2 30 TFSI is chirpy enough to maybe be all the car you need, feels light on its feet, and is entertaining to drive, but it will struggle to perform if the car is fully laden with passengers and luggage.
The 1.5-liter 35 TFSI petrol engine, which offers smoother performance, snappy in-gear acceleration, and great cruising refinement, is our top selection of the engine lineup. If you control your right foot, it can also achieve above 40 mpg, meaning that daily operating expenses are just slightly higher than in the less potent variant.
If you want to avoid your Q2 soon becoming out of date, it’s recommended choosing the Audi Q2 Sport level so you at least have the option to replace the infotainment system.
What other cars are similar to the Audi Q2?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Q2 are fairly comparable if you’re just searching for a small SUV with a premium nameplate. Both are based on a popular family hatchback, however as of 2019, it only has gasoline engine options.
However, the MINI Countryman and Volvo XC40 are far more roomy in the back if you want real load-lugging capacity and room for four adults. Additionally, each can fit an additional 50 liters of carrying space. While they do feature premium interiors that are almost on par with the quality of the Audi and are available as plug-in hybrid variants with extremely low running costs and zero-emissions potential, it is true that they are both larger cars overall.
If brand snobbery doesn’t bother you, the Peugeot 2008 is more elegant than the Audi Q2 and offers pure electric vehicle (EV) options, while its siblings, the Skoda Karoq, SEAT Arona, and Volkswagen T-Roc, provide the same engine range for less money.
Is buying an Audi Q2 worthwhile?
- Five trims of the Audi Q2 are offered, with prices ranging from Rs 34.99 lakh to Rs 48.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
- The Q2 is the current Audi model that is most easily accessible in India.
- The Audi Q2 is powered by a 2.0-liter petrol turbocharged engine that produces 190 horsepower and 320 Nm.
The absence of the Audi A3, Q3, and A4 left the manufacturer in India with a significant gap in the entry-level luxury market. The introduction of the Q2, which is the most approachable model in the range of Audi India, resolves that issue. And yes, I am aware that it is rather pricey, ranging from Rs 34.99 lakh to Rs 48.89 lakh (ex-showroom), but let’s go through all the customary review-y details first.
With sharp edges and squared-off components consistent with the brand’s SUVs we’ve seen over the years, the styling is definitely Audi. Up front, there is a sizable grille that is bordered by angular LED headlights with DRLs. Along with thick C pillars, the roofline almost slants down like an SUV coupe, and the doors have distinctively chiseled bodywork. With sleek looking LED tail lamps, the rear looks more like a jacked-up hatchback than a crossover. For this Technology trim, which we were testing, and the second-from-top Premium Plus II trim, the exterior is given a sharper makeover with optional black alloy wheels and blacked-out elements like the grille, bumper inserts, and ORVM housings. The Audi Q2 is a compact SUV with dimensions of 4.3 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, and roughly 1.6 meters high. While it may lack the road presence some customers seek in SUVs, at least in our opinion, the Audi Q2 appears pretty handsome and well-proportioned.
The Audi Q2 is surprisingly small for its price, at only 4.3 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, and roughly 1.6 meters tall. Photo by Nishant Jhamb
The Q2’s dashboard is significantly more straightforward in look than the cutting edge dual-screen, button-free dashboards we’ve seen in previous Audis. The layout’s circular air vents give it a sporty, Audi TT-like appearance. The infotainment unit’s display does not accept touch inputs; instead, it can only be controlled using the rotary dial hidden below the gear selector. Large, comfy seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and in this top-tier grade, Audi’s all-digital virtual cockpit, certainly one of the best digital systems we’ve seen, are all provided for the driver. Audi chose to go all-black, and the materials they used and overall fit and finish quality are extremely impressive.
absolute best The flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-leatherette upholstery, and illuminated inlays are standard on the Audi Q2’s technology trim. Audi’s all-digital Virtual Cockpit is undoubtedly among the best in the industry, and the car’s overall quality and fit and finish are excellent. Photo by Nishant Jhamb
Additionally, the Q2’s interior features hip-looking illuminated accents that add to the cabin’s atmosphere and complement the crossover’s overall youthful, sporty image. While the majority of the features you’d expect from a luxury car in this class are included, including wireless charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a large sunroof, two-zone climate control, a reverse parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, to name a few, it does seem like a surprising omission, especially given the asking price, that the front seats are not powered. For an average-sized adult, there is just about enough headroom and knee room in the back seats, but larger people won’t be too happy with the arrangement. The boot’s 355 liter capacity is also not particularly large.
Although the Audi Q2’s seatback is a little upright, the rear seat room is ample. The best position to be in is the driver’s seat. Photo by Nishant Jhamb
It’s obvious that you shouldn’t choose this vehicle if you want to be driven about. The Q2’s driver’s seat is unquestionably the best place to be, and not only because it is roomier and more comfortable. It is the best place to be because of the driving experience that Audi’s new crossover offers. A 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 320Nm of maximum torque and 190bhp of maximum power powers the Q2. It is a well-known unit that also serves on the VW Tiguan AllSpace and the Skoda Superb, but when combined with the Q2’s small size, all-wheel drive, and 1.5-tonne curb weight, it appears much more interesting on paper. Results from the real world are just as thrilling as the Q2’s actual driving pleasure. It accelerates quickly, reaching 100 kph in 6.5 seconds, and it performs admirably in winding sections as well. I know it sounds crazy to say this about a crossover, but the Audi Q2 is really that amazing. It almost feels like driving a hot hatch from behind the wheel. In classic Audi form, the steering lacks feel but is precisely weighted, and if you push it hard enough, it will start to understeer. However, these shortcomings barely detract from the overall driving experience, which has the power to put a grin on your face.
The Audi Q2 appears less like a crossover and more like a hacked-up hatchback from this perspective. Photo by Nishant Jhamb
At idle, the Q2’s engine feels incredibly smooth. While it seems strong enough lower down, this four-cylinder turbo truly finds its stride around about 2,000 rpm. There is no noticeable turbo lag. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox is responsive and provides little cause for complaint. The transmission can sometimes become stuck and irritate you by not downshifting quickly enough, perhaps when you’re braking before heading into a corner. However, you can always take control with the paddle shifters available to you. Additionally, you have a variety of driving settings that affect the reaction of the engine, gearbox, and steering, including efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual. The Q2 exhibits excellent calmness at higher speeds. The ride is hard at low speeds with sharp-edged bumps leaking in, but it dramatically improves as speeds increase.
Only a rotary dial (inset) with an integrated touchpad can be used to access the infotainment setup’s display, which does not enable touch inputs. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible with it. Photo by Nishant Jhamb
Audi is not aiming the Q2 at those looking for a good deal. Entry-level or not, luxury vehicles are rarely considered to be good value for the money. There is no denying that the Audi Q2 is pretty costly for what it offers. Particularly expensive is this Technology trim, which costs Rs 48.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Yes, it may seem difficult to market the Audi Q2, but it all depends on who and how many people you’re attempting to reach. Small, pricey luxury vehicles have been available on the market for years, such as BMW’s Mini lineup, and I’m confident that the Audi Q2 will do the same, albeit not in as many (in terms of luxury vehicle parameters) units. Even sister companies VW and Skoda, whose T-Roc and Karoq vehicles are widely seen as being too pricey for their niche, each attracted 1,000 purchasers despite competing with competitor manufacturers. It is obvious that there is a market willing to ignore the price versus size issue in favor of elements like brand value, build quality, performance, and driving experienceareas where the Audi Q2 excels.
The Audi Q2 accelerates quickly and can reach a top speed of 228 kmph in just 6.5 seconds. Photo by Nishant Jhamb
Verdict
The base variant’s price starts at about Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom). The top-of-the-line Audi Q2 we drove had an asking price of Rs 48.89 lakh (ex-showroom), which is a lot for a vehicle of this size. The Audi Q2 is also exceedingly difficult to sell because entry-level crossovers like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 are half a size bigger and less expensive, and even the similarly sized Mini Countryman has a far lower asking price. Due to being the only one with all-wheel drive available, it has a modest advantage over competitors. If you’re looking for a small, luxurious vehicle that is both thrilling to drive and has good looks and a high-quality interior, the Audi Q2 is a vehicle to take into consideration.
All Audi Q2 grades come standard with LED headlights and LED taillights. Photo by Nishant Jhamb