2016 Geneva: The Audi Q2 is Ingolstadt’s latest cute ute

Following countless teasers and many hints, Audi finally pulled the sheets off of its latest addition to the Q crossover lineup. Meet their new cute ute: the Audi Q2.

Revealed earlier today at the Geneva Auto Show, the Audi Q2 essentially takes the place as the company’s entry-level crossover and will obviously sit below the Q3 crossover. That said, it obviously looks like such, but with a big list of changes that foretell of things to come aesthetically for future versions of Audi’s crossovers.

The most obvious change aesthetically is the off-colored C-pillar, which Audi claims adds “contrast” to the body for a sportier look, similarly to the weird center off-colored slab found on the Audi R8. I’m not sure it works on the Q2, but hey, it helps to be, uhm, different.

Audi’s large and prominent grille continues, but with a different shape that’s more upside-down trapezoidal rather than squared with round corners. The front end is further complemented by steeply raked and upswept wrap-around headlights with odd-looking protruding taillights at the back.

Power is to be provided by a range of new turbocharged four-cylinder engines with a new base turbocharged gasoline 1.0L three-banger being offered as well for the first time. The larger gas engines will be four-bangers, displacing 1.4L and 2.0L in Europe. Two diesels are to be offered as well, displacing 1.6L and 2.0L, both turbocharged. Official figures haven’t been released yet.

All motors can be mated to a six-speed manual with an optional dual-clutch automatic with seven forward gears in Europe with front- or all-wheel drive as options.

Sales will begin in just a few months in Europe, though there wasn’t any word about a US version of the Q2, if there will be any.

– By: Chris Chin