Compact Body Houses Two Engine Options

The most compact SUV in the Audi brand lineupThe "Q2"has arrived in Japan.

The Q2's body size is even smaller than the previous smallest SUV,The "Q3"measuring 4,200mm in length, 1,795mm in width, and 1,530mm in height, making it compatible with many multi-story parking garages.

Two engine options will be available in Japan. One is a 1.0-liter inline 3-cylinder TFSI (turbocharged direct-injection gasoline) engine, producing a maximum output of 116 ps and a maximum torque of 200 Nm. The other is a 1.4-liter inline 4-cylinder TFSI (turbocharged direct-injection gasoline) engine, delivering a maximum output of 150 ps and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. Both engines are paired with a 7-speed S tronic transmission and drive the front wheels.

Audi Q2 1.0

Audi Q2 1.4

The 1.0-liter TFSI engine, developed with the theme of balancing comfort and power, is Audi's smallest unit. In addition to its compact design as a 3-cylinder, the use of an aluminum crankcase contributes to an engine weight of just 88 kg.

The 1.4-liter TFSI engine features the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which improves fuel efficiency by deactivating cylinders. Specifically, when driving with no load and the load is below 100 Nm or engine speed is between 1,400-3,200 rpm, cylinders 2 and 3 are deactivated. Simultaneously, the valve timing for cylinders 1 and 4 is adjusted to handle increased load, enhancing driving efficiency.

Polygon Design Inspired by River Stones

The most notable aspect of the Audi Q2 is its exterior design, which is said to be based on the motif of "polygons."

The target user is envisioned as a young person, around 30 to 40 years old, living in the city, with an advanced lifestyle, who values individuality over mainstream trends. The most crucial requirement is the ability to handle hobbies, sports, leisure, and business all in one car, and translating these needs into the design was the challenge.

Matthias Fink, an exterior designer at Audi AG who visited Japan for this announcement, explained that the key to solving this challenge came from stones found in riverbeds. "Stones that have traveled thousands of kilometers downstream become rounded, smooth, and similar in shape. However, stones closer to the source, where the river is 'young,' are different. They have varied shapes, corners, and edges. Inspired by these edges, we adopted polygons, or polygonal shapes, as the basic styling element for the Q2." He added, "We believed that these cut surfaces, contrasts, and heterogeneity would perfectly match the symbol of this generation."

In translating this into design, the traditional Audi body side design shape served as the base, combining horizontal body surfaces with sharp shoulder lines. "We then used a sharp knife to cut into the body from the front, carving along the side and withdrawing the knife at the entrance to the rear fender. It was truly manual craftsmanship. This process created natural, geometric shapes, or polygons," he described the side design.

Furthermore, these side polygons also contribute to the overall proportions. The line flowing from the front splits into two lines from the point where the knife was inserted. The lower line, positioned low, creates a design that enhances the cabin's stability. Because this lower line is low, the point where it joins the upper line appears higher, making the shoulder seem to be positioned higher. This gap emphasizes the fenders.

Mr. Fink stated, "I believe the rear three-quarter view is where the Q2 looks most beautiful." "From this angle, the contrast between the high shoulder and the low cabin space is clearly visible. It resembles an American football player with protectors, their head deep between the shoulders." He also commented that the nearly rectangular taillights, positioned at both ends, "create a design like the shoulders of an American football player with protective padding, giving it a wide and low appearance."

The Singleframe Grille, Starting with the Q Series, Begins with the Q2

A notable change in the Q2 is the slight modification to Audi's signature Singleframe grille.

Currently, Audi's Singleframe grille has two patterns:The "R8"where the four rings are outside the grille at a low position, and the pattern where the four rings are integrated within the grille of the A series.

Mr. Fink explained the reason: "We received feedback that the grilles of the A and Q models looked too similar. Therefore, we designed a new Singleframe grille specifically for the Q models."

The design incorporates notches at the bottom left and right, visually raising the grille's position. The Q2 is the first model to feature this new Q model grille.

The front of the car also has unique characteristics for Q models. Typically,The "A5"coupes are designed to make the hood appear as long as possible. However, for the Q models, especially the Q2, the requirement was for a compact yet powerful design. Therefore, we stopped the character line flowing from the A-pillar to the Singleframe grille. Instead, it flows parallel to the grille before the grille and then returns to the A-pillar. This creates an effect that makes the hood appear shorter and wider, and the front look taller. As a result, it creates a powerful and imposing exterior despite the car's small size," Mr. Fink explained about the design.

This approach makes the hood appear shorter and wider, and the front look taller. As a result, it creates a powerful and imposing exterior despite the car's small size," Mr. Fink explained about the design.

Mission to Penetrate the Younger Demographic with Audi

Responding to the recent rapid growth in the SUV and crossover market, Toru Saito, President of Audi Japan, stated, "The reason for introducing the Q2, following the Q3, is our aim to attract a younger audience."

He described the target audience as "singles and couples in their 30s to early 40s, and young families, representing the youngest age group among Audi owners. Compared to existing owners, we want individuals who have a stronger commitment to their choices, are highly informed, and pursue creative thinking and lifestyles to choose the Q2."

Furthermore, he added, "As the driver population ages, it is essential to cultivate younger customers to sustain Audi's customer base. Therefore, we have created a car with a novel design that appeals to the values of young people. The Q2 has the mission of appealing particularly to young people in their 30s to early 40s and establishing Audi within this demographic."

The price of the Audi Q2 starts at 2.99 million yen for the basic "Q2 1.0 TFSI," 3.64 million yen for the "Q2 1.0 TFSI sport," and 4.05 million yen for the "Q2 1.4 TFSI Cylinder On Demand." To commemorate the Q2's launch in Japan, a special edition "Q2 1st edition" will also be available in a limited run of 280 units, based on the 1.4 TFSI and equipped with features such as interior ambient lighting, MMI navigation, and S line exterior. This model is priced at 4.90 million yen.

Audi Q2 1.0TFSI | Audi Q2 1.0TFSI
Audi Q2 1.0TFSI sport | Audi Q2 1.0TFSI Sport
Body Size | Length 4,200 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,530 mm
Wheelbase | 2,595 mm
Engine | 999 cc Inline 3-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 85 kW (116 ps) / 5,000-5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 220 Nm / 2,000-3,500 rpm
Drivetrain | FF
Transmission | 7-speed AT (S tronic)
Tires Front/Rear | 215/60R16 (sport: 215/55R17)
Price | (1.0TFSI) 2.99 million yen (1.0TFSI sport) 3.64 million yen

Audi Q2 1.4TFSI Cylinder On Demand | Audi Q2 1.4TFSI Cylinder On Demand
Body Size | Length 4,200 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,530 mm
Wheelbase | 2,595 mm
Weight | 1,340 kg
Engine | 1,394 cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 110 kW (150 ps) / 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 250 Nm / 1,500-3,500 rpm
Drivetrain | FF
Transmission | 7-speed AT (S tronic)
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 17.9 km/ℓ
Tires Front/Rear | 215/55R17
Price | 4.05 million yen

Audi Q2 1st edition | Audi Q2 First Edition
Body Size | Length 4,205 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,520 mm
Wheelbase | 2,595 mm
Weight | 1,340 kg
Engine | 1,394 cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 110 kW (150 ps) / 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 250 Nm / 1,500-3,500 rpm
Drivetrain | FF
Transmission | 7-speed AT (S tronic)
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 17.9 km/ℓ
Tires Front/Rear | 215/50R18
Limited Units | 280 units
Price | 4.90 million yen