Audi’s relentless release of new models continues with the launch of its smallest SUV.
The Q2 goes on sale in the UK next week with prices starting at £22,380.
There’s an extensive selection of petrol and diesel power trains as well as the option of front or Quattro four-wheel drive.
More models will be added to the range later on, including powerful SQ2 and RSQ2 versions.
Aimed squarely at a younger audience, the Q2 has bolder, sharper lines and a different shape to Audi’s bigger SUVs, the Q3, Q5 and Q7.
Although it’s clearly meant more for buzzing around cities than growling across farmland, cladding and skid plates lend it an aura of ruggedness.
Audi is also offering a range of vibrant colours to deepen the Q2’s appeal to youthful buyers.
The interior is as plush as you’d expect from Audi, justifying its price hike over similarly sized SUVs like the Nissan Juke and Honda HR-V.
The materials are high quality – softtouch plastics, leather on higher spec cars and brushed aluminium trim elements all blended into a smart-looking package.
As standard, drivers get a seven-inch infotainment screen on top of the dashboard.
It’s operated through Audi’s rotary dial system that’s far more intuitive and easier to use when on the move than rivals’ touchscreen systems.
Among the many options is Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit – a 12.3in screen that replaces the manual instruments behind the steering wheel.
Overall, the Q2 is 4.7in shorter than the A3 hatchback, but Audi says there’s enough leg and headroom for two adult passengers in the back.
Boot space comes in at 405 litres – 50 more than you’ll find in the A3 hatchback and rival Nissan Juke, although it trails the Mini Countryman by the same amount.
To begin with, the only diesel option is a 1.6 litre with 114bhp, although a more powerful 184bhp 2.0 litre unit will be added to the range soon.
Similarly, the petrol engine range is limited for now but will be expanded by the end of the year. The 1.4 litre, 148bhp unit offered now will be joined by 1.0 litre, 114bhp three cylinder turbo and 2.0 litre, 187bhp options – the latter coming with an S-Tronic automatic gearbox.
When it arrives the 1.0 litre petrol version will be the cheapest model in the range with a price tag of £20,230.
Courier Motoring has yet to get its hands on the car but early reviews have been very positive and Audi looks to have yet another winner on its hands.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk