Audi Q2 gets aggro facelift for 2021

Audi has unveiled a new look for the compact Q2 SUV, playing up the interesting polygonal design elements at the rear and adding a heaping dose of aggression to the car’s lines.

The updated compact SUV is expected to arrive in Australia mid-2021 with more details about engine choice and pricing available closer to the car’s Australian launch.

Up front, the “single frame” grille is now larger and sits lower. The overall length of the Q2 is now longer by 19mm (up to 4210mm). Audi also touts “larger implied air inlets” in the front bumper, which to us sounds like the extra bumper gouging is all for looks.

But at least it’s worked, the pictured S line Q2 is far more aggressive than its predecessor with sharper angles and more defined lines, further enhanced by the 19-inch alloys on this car. We like it.

The updated comes four years after the Q2’s initial release, and should help the Audi bring the fight to the new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and old-foe, the BMW X2. Of course, there’s also the excellent new wagon-bodied Audi Q3 which doesn’t cost much more considering the extra space on offer.

As for other tweaks – LED headlights are now standard, and upper trim Q2s getting excellent Matrix LED illumination as standard. The signature sequential indicators are standard for Matrix equipped vehicles, and will be optional on regular LED Q2s.

Further enhancing the new look of the Q2 is the optional sports suspension package which includes 10mm lower springs. Audi will also offer adjustable dampers as an option for the Q2.

The interior stays familiar, though a refreshed gearknob and more polygonal aircon vents grace the interior. A new Dinamica microfibre fabric replaces the previously offered Alcantara. Audi assures us that there will be four interior styles available for regular Q2s, and a further four for S Line vehicles.

The much-loved MMI 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is present, and there’s a centrally mounted 8.3-inch tablet-style screen now running Audi’s latest infotainment system with DAB and connectivity to the brand’s smartphone app.

Unlike the updated A4, the Q2 retains its rotary dial MMI interface down on the transmission tunnel – in our eyes, that’s no bad thing.

There will be three petrol engines and one oil-burner offered in the Audi Q2, though there is only one powerplant confirmed, for now, a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol. That will push out 110kW and 250Nm to a six-speed manual for some markets, but it’s likely Aussies will only get the seven-speed DSG. 

It also can shut down cylinder two and four under low loads to reduce fuel consumption.

As for other petrol engines, we presume Australia will get a 2.0-litre ’40TFSI’ as a range-topping model down the track. Still, it’s unlikely that any diesel powertrains will reach our shores, while Quattro all-wheel-drive will be available.

Standard active safety tech employs a single radar sensor to operate Audi’s pre-sense system, but additional features come in packs. The ‘Drive’ package, for example, includes adaptive cruise and lane-trace assist to ease highway driving.

Exact pricing and Australia specification will be revealed closer to the new Q2’s launch, which is slated for the middle of 2021.