Design Review: Audi Q2
B-segment crossover signals a change in design direction for the German brand
Audi has been building up to the Q2 for a while and this entry into the B-segment crossover space fills a clear gap in its ever-growing portfolio. It’s also a strategic advantage over rivals BMW and Mercedes in one of the fastest-growing segments globally.
While similar in size to the 2012 Crosslane concept, which first heralded its arrival, the Q2 is a departure. Its 4191mm length, 2595mm wheelbase and 1794mm width position it bang-on the class sweet spot – these core dimensions mirror almost exactly those of the Mini Countryman and the best-selling Renault Captur. But it’s the Q2’s 1508mm height that marks it out. Positioned almost exactly mid-way between an A3 and a Q3 it is lower than other cars in this class, and – particularly without lower body cladding – this gives it the look of a high-riding car more than an SUV.
Proportions
Click to enlarge
1 Balanced proportion
Shortest wheelbase of any car on the VW Group’s MQB platform, but proportions remain very balanced – front (828mm) and rear (768mm) overhangs are almost equal
2 Defining moment
The hexagonal cut-out shoulder surface defines the car. It causes some surfacing issues, but gives the Q2 the resting stance of a boxer – all shoulders and muscles over the wheels, and a very slim, chiselled waist that removes bodyside mass, as emphasised by our arrows
3 Clever pillar
C-pillar blade looks wider than it is tall, giving visual length and reducing height
4 Fast back
Roofline really pulls down, cabin tucks in and the screen is exceptionally fast. Great for aero, and this is a signature Audi quality – the car is very well resolved around this area
5 Neat trick
Shoulder crease over the rear wheel turns down through the lamp graphic and back along a cut line that points to the rear wheel. Very Audi.
6 Hello old friend
A-pillar surface and design of the front window’s leading edge turn down and inwards to help ‘point’ at the wheel, not overshoot it. This is something almost all Audis do, helping them appear more cab-rearward and emphasise the ‘premium gap’
7 In triplicate
Wheelarches are emphasised three times: a crease in the cladding surround, one just above it, and one in the main bodyside element, giving the wheel and wheel opening lots of emphasis. Note that the lower body definition works much better with the contrast grey cladding than when all body-coloured.
Tech spec
First seen Geneva motor show / March 2016
Type B-segment crossover
Length 4191mm
Width 1794mm
Height 1508mm
Wheelbase 1794mm