Audi’s smallest SUV has been treated to a mid-life refresh.
Update, 10:30am 2/9/20: Audi Australia has confirmed the updated Q2 will be on sale locally in mid-2021, with more details to come closer to launch.
The facelifted 2021 Audi Q2 has been revealed in Europe ahead of a launch before the end of 2020, with an Australian introduction scheduled for mid-2021.
Unlike other new Audi models on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture – namely the A3 and Q3 – the upgraded Q2 is a mild facelift and equipment upgrade, not a full generational overhaul.
Externally you’ll be able to distinguish the new model with its revised LED daytime-running light signature and new bumpers. The headlights are now LED as standard, with new Matrix LED units available as an option.
With its revised, more aggressive body panels, the Q2 is a few millimetres longer at the quoted 4.21m (Audi hasn’t used millimetres in its press materials), though width (1.79m) and height (1.54m) are the same.
Audi has applied “the motif of the polygon” for each end, with the octagonal grille now slightly lower than before, flanked by more aggressive intakes in the front bumper.
The rear gets a new diffuser element. If you opt for the S Line exterior package pictured, the Q2 gets slits between the grille and bonnet in a nod to the Audi Sport Quattro, with the front air inlets becoming more angular again.
The tail lights are now exclusively LED-only, with two variants available: one with a dynamic turn signal, and a lower-spec one going without.
Five new colours join the updated Audi Q2’s standard palette, and the C-pillar blade can be had in a range of finishes, including black, grey and silver. The lower body sections are also available in three finishes.
Blink and you’ll miss the changes behind the wheel. The air vents and gear selector get a new look, with ‘basic’ and S line interiors available with any of the three equipment lines in Europe.
A new ‘Dinamica’ microfibre option is new for 2021, with eight distinct colour and trim packages available in total. Options in Europe include sport seats, a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual zone climate control, and auxiliary heating.
Overseas versions of the Q2 continue with analogue dials and a basic MMI radio plus infotainment setup as standard, with high-end versions offering the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and 8.3-inch MMI navigation plus with rotary control.
Wireless charging is available as an option, as is a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 705W output.
The flagship MMI navigation plus setup continues to offer an LTE module for online services and WiFi hotspot, with Audi connect services new to the Q2 range. These include online traffic information, Audi connect remote & control, as well as emergency call & service. Owners can access these new functions via the free myAudi smartphone app.
Under the bonnet, the Q2 will be available with three TFSI petrol engines and two TDI diesels.
At launch there will only be one powertrain available in Germany, however – a 1.5 TFSI four-cylinder turbo petrol developing 110kW and 250Nm.
A six-speed manual is fitted as standard with the 1.5 TFSI powerplant, with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch auto available as an option. Front-wheel drive is standard, too, with quattro all-wheel drive to become available with some engines.
Quattro models will feature a new generation all-wheel drive system, which is lighter and more efficient than before thanks to new bearings and revised oil supply methods.
The entire Audi Q2 engine family for 2021 will meet Euro 6 AP emission standard, with twin-dosing technology for TDI models minimising NOx emissions.
New driver assistance technologies are available with the facelifted Q2, though they will all be options in the European market.
Autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning are fitted as standard, with three packages (Drive, Safety and Park) containing the other available features.
The new stuff is in the ‘Drive’ package, which includes adaptive cruise assist. In conjunction with the flagship infotainment package, adaptive cruise assist offers semi-autonomous capabilities in line with Level 2 technologies, allowing the Q2 to accelerate, decelerate and steer within a lane.
Drivers will be required to keep their hands on the steering wheel to maintain the lane-centring system’s lateral guidance. Audi says adaptive cruise assist operates “across the entire speed range”.
Additionally, the technology can work in tandem with the optional traffic sign recognition system to adapt the set speed to a new speed limit, and then accelerate again once a higher signed speed is permitted again.
Pricing in Germany will start at approximately €25,000 ($40,601).
In its home market, the new Q2 will launch with a special ‘Edition One’ specification (pictured) with exclusive trim and equipment.
The Audi Q2 Edition One will be offered in Apple Green or Arrow Grey, with S line bumpers in grey contrasting finish, and a large roof-mounted spoiler.
Bolstering the spec sheet will be standard Matrix LED headlights, 19-inch Audi Sport wheels, and lowered sports suspension.
Inside, Edition One gets the S Line interior trimmed in artificial leather with rock grey contrast stitching, a black fabric headliner, illuminated trim panels as part fo the standard LED ambient lighting package, stainless steel pedals, and a flat-bottom sports leather steering wheel.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for more Australian market details when they become available in the lead-up to its mid-2021 release.
