Introduction
Audi has slowly built up its presence in the SUV market. First launching the Q7 SUV in 2006, the firm had added a new crossover to its line-up every three to four years. The Q2 was unveiled in 2016 to sit alongside the Q3, Q5 and Q7 and is the smallest SUV in Audi’s current line-up.
The brand is usually reserved with its styling, but the Q2 is quite different compared to the vehicles seen by Audi previously. While its looks won’t suit all, its high shoulder line, low roofline and bold choice of colours and contrasting shades give it a purposeful stance.
The Q2 is offered with Audi’s tried and tested infotainment system, as well as the usual line-up of Volkswagen Group engines.
Performance
Audi offers a mix of both diesel and petrol engines in the Q2, with outputs ranging from 114bhp to 187bhp.
The lower-powered engines soon run out of puff, but the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units – which deliver 187bhp and 148bhp respectively – offer smooth performance and are fantastic motorway cruisers.
A six-speed manual gearbox and seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission are available across most models in the range.
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Ride and handling
The Q2 is one of the best small crossovers out there to drive. The steering is quick and direct, and feels stable in corners without too much leaning. It can also be quite fun behind the wheel, with the Q2’s steering being adopted from the S3 hot hatch.
Unfortunately, while the Q2 might be nimble and light on its toes, this is at the expense of the ride. It’s naturally firm, although still feels comfortable providing you opt for the smaller wheels. The larger wheels fitted to top-spec models are worth avoiding if comfort is a priority on your crossover, although adaptive dampers can be had as an optional extra to help improve the ride.
Interior and equipment
As is customary with Audis these days, the fit and finish of the Q2’s interior is superb.
The Q2 is available with a range of customisation options, and while not quite to Mini levels, there are plenty of options for buyers to create their own spec. The bold exterior design spreads to the interior, too, with splashes of colour adding some extra flair into a design that is quite conservative.
The standard infotainment system is easy to use, while a 12-inch Virtual Cockpit is available as an option. The general interior quality is a league above most other cars in this class, although there are still a few rather cheap plastics used, but they’re well-hidden by soft-touch plastics.
The Q2’s standard equipment list is impressive, and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, autonomous emergency braking, cruise control and rear parking sensors. Sport trim adds bigger alloy wheels and satellite navigation, while the range-topping S Line trim comes with LED front and rear lights, an S-Line bodykit, 18-inch alloy wheels and half leather upholstery.
Cost
The Q2 is priced from £21,665 and while this makes it more expensive than rivals such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Mazda CX-3, it is similarly priced to the Toyota C-HR. Standard equipment is generous although some rivals do come with more kit as standard.
Options are also on the expensive side, so pick and choose these carefully.
All engines - even the powerful 2.0-litre petrol - are efficient, but the 1.6- and 2.0-litre diesel engines are the units to choose if you want to keep down running costs, with CO2 emissions as low as 114g/km, and fuel economy up to 64.2mpg. It’s worth noting that the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol is efficient, as well.
Verdict
The Audi Q2 is a welcome addition to both the small crossover range and to Audi’s model line-up. While it might be on the pricey side, few cars can offer the luxury and cliched ‘premium feel’ that the Q2 offers in this class thanks to its well-built interior. It’s also great to see an Audi standing out from the crowd, which is a trait we would like to see continue.
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