The biggest surprise at the paultan.org Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) in Setia City Convention Centre today was from Audi. Official distributor Euromobil is displaying two new-to-Malaysia models, which are now open for booking – the Audi Q2 and the second-generation Q5.
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 range of 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.
We will be getting the Q2 in 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic form. That means a 1.4 litre turbo engine with 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. This is the same engine used in the second-gen Volkswagen Tiguan here, and it’s mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The “COD” means “cylinder on demand” cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders while coasting when engine speed is between 1,400 and 3,200 rpm. This is of course to save fuel, and the rate FC is 5.3 litres per 100 km, or 18.9 km/l. 0-100 km/h acceleration is done in 8.5 seconds and top speed for the 1,280 kg mini SUV is 212 km/h.
The Q2 that we’ll get is in Sport form, which is more trendy and “high-spec looking” than the non-Sport red showcar we have here, which is also a 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic. The display car rides on 17-inch 5-V-spoke wheels – 18- and even 19-inch Audi Sport wheels are also available.
According to Euromobil sales personnel, the CBU imported Q2 will arrive by the end of the year for below RM230k. That puts it slightly below the MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports, which is locally assembled.
Moving on, the second-generation Audi Q5 will finally arrive in January next year, according to Euromobil staff. The price will be “below RM360k” and for that you get a 2.0 TFSI quattro with 252 hp and 370 Nm of torque. As found in the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro, the turbo-four is paired to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h is done in 6.3 seconds and top speed is 237 km/h.
This Singaporean unit is said to be representative of yet to be confirmed Malaysian specs, coming with LED headlights, 19-inch machined alloy wheels, keyless entry, push-button start, powered front seats with driver’s side memory, triple-zone auto climate control, the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument display, an MMI navigation plus system with MMI touch and an 8.3-inch screen, a reverse camera and a handsfree powered tailgate.
At RM360k, the Q5 is priced slightly above the BMW X3 xDrive30i, less powerful Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4Matic and Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. However, the Audi is a CBU import while the rest are CKD locally assembled.
GALLERY: Audi Q2
GALLERY: Audi Q5
