The Most Affordable Audi SUV Is Finally At Our Shore

Audi has launched its smallest SUV, the Q2 in India at a starting price of Rs 34.99 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price point, it is the most affordable offering from the German maker in the country.

The Audi Q2 is available in five variants. Here are the prices: – 

*all prices, ex-showroom Delhi.

Audi Q2 – Design & Features

The Q2 is a compact SUV, based on the MQB platform of Volkswagen Group’s which also underpins many Skoda and Volkswagen cars. In international markets, the Q2 is available on sale since 2016. Recently, the brand has also revealed its facelift version in the European market. But the model that has come to our shore is its pre-facelift version. It features Audi's large single-piece grille at the front, beefy bumpers with huge air dams, long bonnet, LED illuminated headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps (DRL), and LED taillamps with dynamic turn signals at the rear.

It stands on 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels which look pretty attractive. Further, the Q2 also sports blacked-out elements on the front grille and C-pillar, furnishing the car more proactively. The brand is also offering various customization and vivid colors options with the SUV. 

As mentioned earlier, the Q2 is the smallest car from the German maker, measuring 4,191mm in length, 1,794mm in width, 1,508mm in height, and with a wheelbase of 2,601mm. It is even smaller than the Hyundai Creta. 

Move inside and you won't get upset with the minimalist designed dash, even though it is outdated. The interior looks similar to the Audi A3 and features TT-Esque circular AC vents & a free-standing 10-inch multimedia display which is not a touchscreen system, albeit it gets a swivel wheel in the central console to operate the infotainment screen.

As far as the features are concerned, it gets an automatic LED headlamps, premium upholstery, engine start/stop button with keyless entry, digital instrument cluster (optional), dual-zone climate control, cruise control, ambient lighting, a wireless device charger, drive select modes, 10-speaker Audi sound system, etc.

The safety kit includes multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. 

Engine

The Q2 is powered by the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) which transfers the power to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro AWD tech. The Q2's petrol mill churns out a maximum power output of 190PS and a peak torque of 320Nm. The same engine also powers the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

Competitors

Currently, the Audi Q2 doesn't have any direct competitors in the luxury segment. But in terms of the price range, the BMW X1 (Rs 35.90 lakh – Rs 42.90 lakh) and Volvo XC40 (Rs 39.9 lakh) can be considered its alternatives or closest rivals. 

Author's Take

With the launch of the Q2 SUV, Audi India must be having high hopes for it. Since it is the cheapest Audi car. But in price-sensitive countries like India, it is still priced a bit higher as it is being imported as a CBU unit. 

The Volkswagen Group is currently working on the localization of the MQB platform. If German maker starts manufacturing Q2 in India in the coming time, it could emerge as an even more attractive package.