Audi Q2, second-gen Q5 make surprise Malaysian appearance – debut at paultan.org PACE tomorrow

Here’s a pleasant surprise. Audi distributor Euromobil will be showcasing two new-to-Malaysia models at the paultan.org Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) event this weekend – the Audi Q2 and the second-generation Audi Q5. These images are from the company’s Facebook page.

The Q2 was an all-new model for Audi when it debut in March 2016 as the most compact member of the brand’s Q SUVs. Sitting below the Q3, Q5 and Q7, the Q2 is a funky crossover that’s even smaller than the Q3, which battles the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. At 4,191 mm long and 1,794 mm wide, the raised five-door hatchback is 197 mm shorter and 37 narrower than the first-gen Q3.

In Thailand, the Q2 is available as a “35 TFSI”, which means it’s powered by a 1.4 litre TFSI engine with 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. This is the same turbo four-pot used in the second-gen Volkswagen Tiguan here, and it’s mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. S Line is available for the Q2, but the red car seen here is not in that sporty trim level.

We move on to the second-gen Audi Q5, which debut in September 2016. Ingolstadt’s rival to the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus NX is up to 90 kg lighter than before, thanks to the use of steel with maximum tensile strength as well as aluminium. The weight loss is despite the Q5 growing in overall length (4.66m), wheelbase (2.82m), height (1.66m) and boot volume (550 litres).

In Thailand, the new Q5 is available as a diesel (Q5 35 TDI quattro, 190 hp/400 Nm) or a petrol. The latter comes with a 2.0 TFSI engine with 252 hp and 370 Nm of torque. Paired to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch auto, 0-100 km/h is done in a hot hatch-beating 6.3 seconds.

Now that they’re being previewed, will the two long-awaited SUVs be launched in Malaysia soon? Check out the Q2 and Q5 alongside other Audis this weekend at paultan.org PACE, at the Setia City Convention Centre.

GALLERY: Audi Q2 in Thailand

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