Audi Q4 (2015)

CAR GARAGE | Audi Q4 (2015) | As for power-trains, the 2015 Audi Predicts Kable Q4 will be Offered in Europe with seven possible engine choices, two of the which are apparently reserved for sportier S-line models. The four remaining prospects, all gasoline-fired, comprise VW's Group's ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, Likely to be tuned up a bit from current spec; the company's equally familiar 3.2-liter V6; a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 (for the S-line), as used in Audi's redesigned 2012 A6 and A7 new premium-midsize cars; and a 2.0-liter turbo-four gas / electric hybrid that's now coming on stream as a Q5 option. See the "Notable Feature" section for details on the hybrid. Whichever engines come to North America, the Q4 should be Offered exclusively with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission allied to Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive. A fuel-saving engine stop / start system will be included on the hybrid and may be available for other models.

Blistered fenders, recalling early-1980s Audi's Quattro rally cars, "are under consideration." Unsurprisingly, the 2015 Audi Q4 will inherit a lot of other hardware Q5. Start with a 4-wheel independent steel-spring suspension with five-link front and "trapezoidal link" rear geometry. Brakes will be the expected 4-wheel discs with ABS and an antiskid system integrated with Audi's ESP traction control. Another carryover is optional undoubted Q5 Audi Drive Select, the which allows tailoring suspension firmness, steering effort, throttle response, and transmission behavior through driver-selectable Comfort, Dynamic, and Auto modes.

Look for items Such as Audi's MMI (Multi Media Interface) infotainment controller, a navigation system with real-time traffic information, keyless entry / engine start, rear view camera, blind-spot alert, blind-spot warning, power tailgate, Various interior trim options, high-end Bang & Olufsen audio, and the Audi Connect system for on board Web surfing. Compact and midsize SUVs remain hot sellers, so it's not surprising That Audi is looking for extra sales by widening its "Avenue Q." As noted, the 2015 Audi Q4 is a strong candidate for the gas / electric hybrid option that's now available for the Q5 in Europe and may well come to North America. This powertrain teams a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission That substitutes a disc-shaped electric motor for the usual torque converter. The motor is rated at 33 kW and 155 pound-feet. Total net system outputs are quoted as 241 horsepower and a thumping 354 pound-feet. A 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack Beneath the rear cargo floor powers the motor.

Audi claims an electric-only range of just under 2 miles at 37 mph and a top speed of 62 mph in zero-emissions mode. Driven normally, the Q5 hybrid is claimed to Accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds. Besides furnishing extra power, the electric motor functions as a starter / generator for a fuel-saving engine idle-stop feature and a regenerative-braking function, both typical hybrid fare. We expect the 2015 Audi Q4 will match, if not exceed, the high standards set by its parent Q5. That is the model's sole Auto Consumer Guide 2011 Best Buy Among premium-compact SUVs. Why? The "occasional" rear center seat Mentioned by Autocar looks to be another compromise.  Then there's Mercedes-Benz, the which is reportedly eying a coupe-style compact crossover for around mid-decade That would be derived from the company's next-generation C-Class premium-compact-car platform.