New compact SUV Audi
Audi New Zealand has previewed its new compact SUV Q2 model, to go on sale here early next year.
The new model marks a significant design change for Audi, and fits between the A1 and Q3 models.
The general manager Dean Sheed said the Q2 was an "urban-type vehicle for every day driving and recreation."
It has a more aggresive appearance than the traditional Audi model line-up, and is aimed at broadening the Audi customer base.
The company unveiled a left-hand-drive pre-production motorshow vehicle in Auckland today, which will soon begin a nationwide tour of the country.
It was scheduled to be shown to dealers and potential buyers in Christchurch in the next fortnight, but because of the earthquake and roading disruption between Picton and Christchurch, this stage of the tour has been cancelled.
The first New Zealand-spec Q2s will arrive in February or March, and the model will be priced from $54,500 plus on road costs.
Sheed said the Q2 will be introduced with the widest range of customisation options of any Audi model.
The Q2 will have a new 1.4 litre TFSI engine,with 110 kW and 250Nm of torque and cylinder on demand technology.
Driver assistance programmes on the vehicle will include blind spot monitors and a pre-sense city driving detection system.
The Q2 will also be fitted with an electrically-operated tail gate and has up to 1,050 litres of cargo space when the rear bench seat is folded back.
It will be available in 11 colours, five aloy wheel designs, and four customisable C-pillar blades, giving it a sportier look than other mainstream Audi models.
The model will come standard with the Audi MMI navigation and audio system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity.
The model has a "crouching" style appearance, and will come standard on 18-inch aloy wheels.
The Q2 features a 'Polygonal design', with concave flanks and exagerated wheel arches.
"This model is urbanising the SUV," Sheed told Driven.
He said the national tour was to illustrate to potential customers where the Q2 fitted within the Audi range.
It was aimed at younger and more urban-based buyers, possibly female buyers.
Sheed said Audi in New Zealand had a very high buyer-retention rate, and the new Q2 was aimed at broadening that customer base by offering a new vehicle in the motor industry's fastest-growing SUV market.