Story & photos by Patrick P. Tulfo
THE robust economy that the country is enjoying right now is a both a boon and a bane for everyone.
The negative aspect of it is obvious, as can be gleaned from the monstrous traffic jams that have become a regular fixture in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to the increase in the number of new vehicles, which are now jostling for every inch of space on the road.
In truth, however, traffic isn’t so bad if you’re sitting inside Audi’s newly launched Q2 crossover. The company’s newest addition to their SUV lineup, which include: the Q3, Q5 and the big Q7 (talks are rife that the bigger Q8 is on its way).
I’m getting too far ahead of myself, though, so allow me to just write about the new Q2, which was unveiled on July 19 at the company’s elegant showroom along Edsa in Mandaluyong City.
In his speech, which he delivered after officially unveiling the company’s newest crossover, Audi Philippines Head Benedicto Coyiuto said, “Audi is venturing into a new market segment with the new Audi Q2, bringing top technologies into the smallest member of its Q family. Whether it is used for an off-road adventure or for everyday driving in the city, the Q2 is an all-around vehicle with youthful and provocative design and hi-tech equipment.”
The Q2 is a sporty looking crossover that uses the MQB platform of the Volkswagen (VW) Group, that it shares with its own brother the A3 and the VW Golf, as well.
The octagonal grill, which extends all the way to the bumper, proudly displays the all-too-familiar Audi logo. It is flank by a pair of newly designed headlights that feature dynamic range control and separate LED daytime running lights. Another cool factoid is that the designers decided to integrate the fog lights in the headlights design, giving the bumper a clean look with only a pair of cube-shaped air intakes dominating the scene.
Meanwhile, a pair of modern-looking LED taillights adorn the rear with the Audi logo located prominently in the middle. The spoiler with an LED mounted stoplight completes the sports-car like rear. The coupe-inspired low roof, on the other hand, melds nicely with the C-pillars, which can have a color different from the body. The 17” alloy wheels with 215/55/R17 tires complete the sporty crossover look.
Interior-wise, the dash reminds us of the one found in the Mazdas, in particular, the way the controls are designed, such the 5.8-inch Multimedia Interface (MMI) infotainment system, which was placed on top of the dashboard. It can stream media from smartphones and also serves as a Wi-fi hot spot for the passengers.
The thick leather steering wheel, which houses the controls for the infotainment system, cruise and other functions, were reportedly taken from the S3. The paddle shifts are also located just behind it.
Other noteworthy features are Audi’s virtual cockpit system, which replaces the traditional gauge clusters. The system with a huge 12.3-inch TFT display can be used as the navigation monitor or for viewing driving information.
The units that were shown to the media were equipped with 1-liter, three-cylinder inline direct injection gasoline engines with turbocharger. It cranks out 116 horsepower and 200 N-m of torque. Mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain can propel the Q2 to 100 kph from standstill in just 10 seconds, and the vehicle maxes out at 197 kph. What’s impressive about the engine, though, is its fuel consumption, which, according to Audi, is rated at 25.5 kilometers to a liter.
It remains to be seen if Audi will bring in the 2-liter, in-line four, turbo engine or a diesel variant, which it sells in Europe.
Audi Head of Sales Gian Carlo Brambilla in an interview said, “We expect to sell a at least a hundred units in the next six months or depending on how many units Audi can provide us. Our target market revolves around the young professionals or executives whose car plans range from P2.5 million to 2.8 million.”
Image credits: Patrick P. Tulfo