Audi Q2 review

Just when you thought Audi's range of crossovers was complete, along came another one. As its name suggests, the Q2 sits below the Q3, Q5 and Q7, and it offers a level of style, class and big-car features that most rivals simply can't compete with. Sadly, it’s let down by miserly kit in basic guise, a firm ride and a cheap-feeling interior finish in places.

Still, there’s lots to like about the Audi. It’s good to drive, roomy and offers a range of personalisation options. It’s also backed by some tempting finance deals. You’ll just need to watch the options list to stop the price spiralling out of control.

About the Audi Q2

You have to be impressed at the speed with which Audi has filled and/or helped to invent the wide range of SUV niches we’re blessed with today. The company hadn’t built an SUV before the game-changing Q7 first arrived in 2005, and nowadays they’ve got a desirable option in almost every segment of the sector you can think of.

The Q2 fits into the line-up beneath the Q3 and Q5 models, and although there has been talk of a smaller Q1, it seems Audi’s current thinking is that diminishing margins on smaller models mean it’s not worth the effort. That means the Q2 will likely be the baby of Audi’s SUV for the foreseeable future, but in fact it’s pretty close to the Q3 in size as both share a platform related to that of the A3 hatchback.

Interestingly, while the success of the Audi SUV line-up has been built to some extent off the back of its reputation for quattro four-wheel drive, it’s a feature that’s only of passing interest to buyers of the Q2. Most of the line-up is front-wheel drive only, and only the most powerful Q2 variants are blessed with a quattro drivetrain.

The engine range features four units; two petrol engines and two diesels. First up are the petrols, a 109bhp 1.0 TFSI three-cylinder turbo, badged 30 TFSI, and a 148bhp 1.5 TFSI turbo four-cylinder, badged 35 TFSI, while the 187bhp 2.0 TFSI 40 TFSI model is no longer available. The two diesels are a 114bhp 1.6 TDI and a 148bhp 2.0 TDI, badged 30 TDI and 35 TDI respectively.

All models bar the 2.0 units get a six-speed manual, while all engines bar the 1.0 TFSI can be had with Audi's seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox. Quattro four-wheel drive and the seven-speed S tronic box are standard on the 2.0 TDI and TFSI.

There's also a sporty Audi SQ2 model on offer, which brings a 296bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, quattro four-wheel drive and a DSG gearbox. In mechanical terms it's similar to the Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R; performance is impressive as a result.

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Technik models are sparsely equipped in comparison to the rest of the range, but they do get 16-inch wheels, a dashtop screen and air conditioning. Most buyers will be willing to pay the premium of around £1,550 that Sport models command to get 17-inch wheels and sports seats. The Sport model also features Audi Connect and its infotainment extras including MMI navigation, as well as more upmarket interior trim.

S line models feature a different look, courtesy of body coloured wheelarches, a silver grille and redesigned bumpers. 18-inch wheels, full LED lights with scrolling indicators at the rear, leather seats and sports suspension are also included. However, in our experience the sports suspension is too stiff to be comfortable on British roads, so we'd recommend switching to comfort suspension, which you can do at no extra cost. S line cars also get LED interior lighting that bathes the cabin in gentle light and illuminates various trim elements.

Black Edition models add 19-inch black alloys and a gloss black exterior pack, while the top-level Vorsprung trim no longer features on the price list.

One highlight of the Q2 is that it comes with Audi’s Pre Sense safety kit. It's standard on all models and includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, which will put the brakes on if the sensors detect a pedestrian stepping out in front of the car. Other big car options include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keep assistance, plus traffic sign recognition and rear traffic alert when you’re reversing.

Prices range from around £25,500 to more than £37,000 for Technik through to Black Edition models, while the sporty SQ2 starts at just over £41,000.

As it's a premium model, rivals for the Q2 are from the higher end of the small crossover class. Chief among these rivals are the BMW X1 and X2 twins, the Mercedes GLA and Range Rover Evoque. Elsewhere, the MINI Countryman is worth considering, while high-end versions of the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X offer a lot of kit for similar money to basic versions of the Q2.

For an alternative review of the Audi Q2, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...