Audi has a dazzling SUV lineup with the Q3, Q5 and Q7. Now, the German luxury automaker plans to beat all the odds with the launch of Q8, Q6, Q4 and Q2 SUV series. The auto industry is going all bonkers with the bold expansion of the SUV lineup announced by Audi. There is no word on which and where of the models, but the new lineup will be offered to emerging markets like India and China as well.
More interestingly, Auto Express Magazine reports that the German automaker plans to debut the Q2 as a concept SUV in the next 12 months. The guys at Auto Express also report that the upcoming SUV will be largely based on the A1, contrary to the idea that it is closer to the A3 model. It will be a more handsome version of the Q3 SUV that is expecting a launch in India soon. However, don’t place bet on its off-road abilities, as the Audi Q2 will feature as front-wheel-drive vehicle. Audi might offer Quattro all-wheel-drive on the higher variants, but that is just a speculation.
The Audi Q2 will feature a compact body style to sport the A1 family engine. That gives the Q2, the latest 1.4-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo featuring the clever cylinder deactivation technology. For the more powerful version, Audi will employ the 1.6-litre diesel that will also give stunning fuel-efficiency. Audi will adopt the personalizing strategy from MINI, allowing customers to customize the roof and mirror colors, as well as contrasting colors for major interior trim bits, including the seats and steering wheel.
It goes without saying, the new SUV will share the Volkswagen’s MQB platform with Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini SUVs. This will make the Q2 a light off-roader and a very capable overall vehicle. There is also the possibility of Audi sharing components with these models, which will give the Q2 a very competitive price tag. Audi will feature the Q2 as a four-seat SUV that will battle against the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 208 and the Ford EcoSport.
Expect the model to make into production by late 2014 or early 2015. While Audi will certainly launch a few numbers from the new Q series, the Audi Q2 could be one of the models arriving at our shores.
