New Audi Q2 compact SUV on sale from £20,230

Audi's new Q2 compact SUV will go on sale from £20,230 when order books open in August.

The vehicle measures 1.51 metres tall and 1.79 metres wide. The overhangs are short with a vehicle length of 4.19 metres and a wheelbase of 2.60 metres.

Along with the optional Audi virtual cockpit and the head-up display, the driver assistance systems for the Audi Q2 also come from the larger Audi models – including the Audi pre sense front with pedestrian recognition that is standard.

The system recognises critical situations with other vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle, and if necessary it can initiate hard braking – to a standstill at low speeds. Other systems in the line-up: adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist, the lane-departure warning system Audi side assist, the lane-keeping assistant Audi active lane assist, traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic assist.

The Q2 is equipped with a standard MMI screen that is positioned high on the instrument panel. The infotainment system can be operated by a rotary/push-button control and two buttons on the centre tunnel. When MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is ordered, the user also gets a touchpad on the central control element.

Furthermore, customers can use MMI touch to query the online services of Audi connect. The flat rate data plan required for this is included thanks to the SIM card (embedded SIM) that is permanently installed in the car. It also permits roaming in most European countries. Mobile phones with iOS and Android operating systems are integrated into the car via the standard Audi smartphone interface. The free Audi MMI connect app enables online media streaming and transfer of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. The app for iOS operating systems also has the myAudi destinations function. It makes it possible to send the data of a desired navigation destination from any app to the MMI navigation plus system. The system then uses it for navigation.

The Q2 includes large luggage compartment (405 to 1,050 litres of capacity). Optional practical solutions are available such as a power tailgate and a three-way split rear bench backrest with cargo through-loading.

The Q2 is launching in the UK with an initial choice of two four-cylinder engines - the 1.6 TDI with 115PS and the Cylinder-on-Demand 1.4 TFSI with 150PS. A three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI with 115PS and a four-cylinder 2.0 TDI with 150PS will become available later in the year. As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, Audi will also offer the S tronic dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engines bar the 1.0 TFSI (standard for the 2.0 TDI). From mid-2017 a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine allied exclusively to quattro all-wheel-drive and S tronic transmission will be introduced, and at that point it will also be possible to combine the 150PS TDI and TFSI engines with quattro drive.

Installed at the rear on the front-wheel drive versions is a semi-independent suspension, while the quattro models have a four-link suspension. Progressive steering is standard in all versions. It varies the steering gear ratio as a function of the steering input; the ratio is made more direct with large steering movements. Adaptive dampers are available as an option, as is the Audi drive select system with which drivers can set an individual characteristic for their Q2.

Three specification levels are available from launch on the new Q2, with entry-level SE versions benefitting from a raft of features as standard. Among them is the Audi smartphone interface, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto displayed via the MMI screen once a phone is plugged in via USB. A Bluetooth interface is also standard, as is the MMI radio plus with MMI controller and heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors. Inlays can be chosen in either white or orange.

For an additional £1,550, Sport models gain 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16 inches on SE), Audi drive select with five operational modes, cruise control, light and rain sensors and sport seats upholstered in cloth. SD-card based MMI navigation is displayed via the seven-inch central screen and includes a three-month trial unlocking the Audi connect portfolio. Red or yellow inlays can be selected for the interior, while bumpers can be specified in Manhattan grey or matching body colour depending on preference.

Features on S line models – priced at £2,250 above Sport – include the hallmark front, side and rear styling enhancements, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with LED rear lights and dynamic sweeping rear indicators, LED interior lighting, inlays finished in brushed aluminium and front sport seats upholstered in cloth/leather upholstery with S embossing on the backrests. A multi-function perforated leather steering wheel is also standard, featuring grey contrasting stitching and S line badging.

The entry level 115hp 1.0-litre petrol TFSI starts at £20,230, with a 115hp 1.6-litre diesel starting at £22,480.