Major Tech Upgrade Announced for Audi Q2 in Australia by Late 2024

Audi Australia has announced a significant infotainment upgrade for its smallest SUV, the Q2 crossover, set to roll out in the fourth quarter of 2024. This update aims to bring the Q2 in line with the advanced technology found in Audi’s broader lineup.

Infotainment and Interior Enhancements

The existing model’s 8.3-inch ‘MMI navigation plus’ display will be replaced by a larger 8.8-inch MMI touch unit, featuring Audi’s latest user interface. This new system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, natural speech voice control, USB-C ports, and extended connected functions. Additionally, a new storage compartment will replace the previous rotary controller on the center console, providing more convenience for drivers.

Updated Digital Instrument Cluster

The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit (digital instrument cluster) will also receive improvements, with updated graphics and new layout options depending on the model grade. For example, the SQ2 will adopt the bar-shaped tachometer counter seen in other Audi Sport models.

Launch Schedule and Standard Features

The updated Q2 is scheduled to launch in Europe in the first half of 2024, with an Australian release expected towards the end of the year. European models will come standard with a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, and rear parking sensors—features that are already standard in the Australian market.

New Features for 2024

For the 2024 model year, the Q2 will include several advanced features as standard:

• Adaptive cruise assist
• Active lane assist
• Audi pre sense front
• Audi pre sense basic
• Rear USB-C charge ports
• Storage package

Future of the Q2 and Audi’s Strategy

Audi CEO Markus Duesmann revealed in an interview with German business newspaper Handelsblatt that the Q2, along with the A1 Sportback, will not be replaced as Audi shifts its focus towards more profitable, higher-end models. “We have decided not to build the A1 [at the end of this model cycle], and there will be no successor model for the Q2 either,” Duesmann stated. The timeline for when the A1 and Q2 will cease production remains unconfirmed.

Market Performance and Outlook

Since its debut in 2016 and Australian release in early 2017, the Q2 has faced competition from its larger sibling, the Q3. In 2023, there were 1,486 new Audi Q2 units registered in Australia, compared to 4,457 registrations for the Q3. As of May 2024, only 452 Q2 units had been registered, compared to 2,150 Q3s. The upcoming tech enhancements, along with potential pricing and specification revisions, may help boost the Q2’s sales performance in the competitive SUV market.

By equipping the Q2 with cutting-edge technology and advanced features, Audi aims to strengthen its position in the compact SUV segment and attract tech-savvy consumers seeking a premium driving experience.