Four years after its debut, the Audi Q2 subcompact luxury crossover gets a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh centered on styling and technology.
From a design standpoint, the most obvious change is the new pair of headlights, offered as LEDs on all models (Matrix LED headlights are available as an option). While the shape of the headlamps appears to remain the same, the signature is obviously different, bringing the Q2 in line with Audi’s latest models.
There are more changes at the front but only those with a keen eye for details will notice them. Tweaks include a redesigned front bumper with more striking surfaces below the headlights and revised air intakes, as well as the octagonal Singleframe positioned slightly lower than before and featuring new polygon inserts.
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At the back, the 2021 Audi Q2 looks very familiar though the rear bumper with integrated diffuser insert is new, as is the signature of the taillights. Customers can choose between two LED versions – with or without dynamic turn signals.
Audi has also updated the color palette of the Q2 with five new paints: Apple Green, Manhattan Gray, Navarra Blue, Arrow Gray and Turbo Blue. Depending on the trim level, the blades on the C-pillars are painted in vehicle color or in black, gray and silver shades. As for the attachments in the lower section of the body, they are painted in Pitted Black for the base model, Manhattan Gray in the advanced line, and vehicle color in the S line.
Moving on to the interior, the updates are equally subtle and include a new look for the air vents and the gear lever knob/selector lever of the S tronic, Dinamica microfiber replacing Alcantara, and optional ambient lighting, among other things.
Audi says it has bundled all upholstery and colors into eight packages – four for the basic interior and four for the S line interior. Optional features are also bundled into packages, with this strategy to roll out in all model series in the future. Options for the 2021 Audi Q2 include sports seats, height-adjustable front passenger seat, two-zone automatic air conditioning, auxiliary heating, power tailgate, and trailer hitch.
When it comes to infotainment choices, the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and 8.3-inch MMI navigation plus are optional too, as is the 14-speaker, 705-watt Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System. Customers who select the top infotainment system also get Audi connect services, including online traffic information, Audi connect emergency call & service and Audi connect remote & control.
The engine lineup includes three TFSI and two TDI engines, but Audi only mentions one of them – the 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol unit rated at 150 PS (148 HP) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with a seven-speed S tronic available as an option. Some engine versions will get quattro all-wheel drive. As for the driving experience, Audi promises enhanced dynamics thanks to the standard progressive steering and optional 10-mm (0.4 in) lower sports suspension.
In the safety department, the 2021 Q2 offers standard Audi pre sense front system and lane departure warning, while optional systems are subdivided into the “Drive,” “Safety,” and “Park” packages. The most notable addition is adaptive cruise assist, which enables semi-autonomous driving across the entire speed range. Audi will begin pre-sales of the Q2 in Europe in September, with prices starting at around €25,000 ($30,000) in Germany.
