Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi Q2 review: premium small SUV with plenty of style

The Audi Q2 is a stylish crossover with big car features, but it’s dated and less well-finished than you might expect

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Price
£29,065 to £49,510
  • Spacious interior
  • Impressive safety kit
  • Good build quality
  • Starting to feel its age
  • Firm ride on larger wheels
  • Best features are optional
Find your Audi Q2
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Customers got an average £1000 more vs part exchange quotes
Advertisement

Audi has an extremely wide range of SUVs these days and kicking off the lineup is the Q2, which aims to offer the same style of its larger siblings in a compact crossover package. It sits below the Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8 in the internal-combustion engined side of Audi’s SUV range, with the Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron and Q8 e-tron providing the all-electric alternatives. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Q2 sits in the same class as the BMW X2 and Mercedes GLA, but having launched back in 2017, the Audi is feeling its age compared to its relatively fresh rivals. In some areas that’s a good thing though, because inside you get lots of old-school physical buttons and good overall ergonomics. There’s a pretty firm ride, however, and the technology on entry-level models is a bit low-rent for a premium SUV. 

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Q2 fits into the line-up beneath the Q3 and Q5 models - at least for now. Audi announced in early 2022 that it would axe the small crossover at the end of its current life-cycle, with no direct successor planned and its focus switching to larger models and full electrification. Audi also plans on making every even-numbered car an EV. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Q2 is pretty close to the Q3 in size as both share a platform related to that of the previous-generation 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 SQ2 variants receive a quattro drivetrain.

The engine range features two petrol engines, with diesel power no longer available: a 109bhp 1.0 TFSI three-cylinder turbo, badged 30 TFSI, and a 148bhp 1.5 TFSI turbo four-cylinder, badged 35 TFSI.

You won't find the 187bhp 2.0 TFSI 40 TFSI model on the price list any longer, or the 114bhp 1.6 TDI and 148bhp 2.0 TDI, badged 30 TDI and 35 TDI respectively.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

All models get a six-speed manual, while the 35 TFSI can also be had with Audi's seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox. Performance fans will be better served by the sporty Audi SQ2 model, 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 previous-generation Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The old Technik trim level was removed so the cheapest Q2 is based on the Sport model. These are sparsely equipped in comparison to the rest of the range, but they do get 17-inch alloy wheels, sport seats and an 8.3-inch central screen and Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’. 

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. There’s also a free choice between silver or white for the third-pillar ‘blade’.

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

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 helpful driver assist options include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keep assistance, plus traffic sign recognition and rear traffic alert when you’re reversing.

With the loss of the basic Technik trim level the Q2’s starting price increased from £24,000 to around £28,000, with S Line starting at just over £30,000 and Black Edition starting from around £32,000. The sporty SQ2 starts at over £45,000.

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. All of those have since launched with brand-new iterations, however, making them a fair bit more expensive than the Audi. Elsewhere, the MINI Countryman is worth considering, while high-end versions of the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger offer a lot of kit for similar money to basic versions of the Q2.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    30 TFSI Technik 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £24,635

Most Economical

  • Name
    30 TDI Technik 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £26,820

Fastest

  • Name
    SQ2 Quattro 5dr S Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £39,540
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Q2

Show me:
Audi A1 and Audi Q2 won’t get follow-up models
Audi Q2
News
9 Feb 2022

Audi A1 and Audi Q2 won’t get follow-up models

The brand’s two smallest vehicles will soon be removed from its line-up, as Audi shifts its focus to larger, more premium vehicles
New Audi SQ2 2021 review
Audi SQ2 - front
Road tests
12 Oct 2021

New Audi SQ2 2021 review

Audi’s updates have given the SQ2 a little more kerb appeal, but there’s no getting around the fact that there’s better value to be found in a traditi…
Audi Q2 35 TFSI: long-term test review
Audi Q2 35 TFSI long termer - final report header
Long-term tests
6 Aug 2021

Audi Q2 35 TFSI: long-term test review

Final report: our Audi Q2 is a hit with the family, but options make it quite pricey
Facelifted Audi SQ2 launched with fresh styling and new tech
Audi SQ2 - Paris front
News
16 Nov 2020

Facelifted Audi SQ2 launched with fresh styling and new tech

Performance crossover Audi SQ2 gets mid-life update to accompany the recently facelifted Q2
New Audi Q2 2020 review
Road tests
21 Oct 2020

New Audi Q2 2020 review

The updated Audi Q2 crossover gets fresh looks and extra kit, all at lower prices
Audi Q2 SUV given minor facelift for 2020
News
1 Sep 2020

Audi Q2 SUV given minor facelift for 2020

Subtle styling tweaks inside and out plus improved in-car tech look to keep the Audi Q2 fresh against newer rivals
Cupra Ateca vs Audi SQ2: twin test review
Cupra Ateca vs Audi SQ2 - header
Car group tests
17 Apr 2019

Cupra Ateca vs Audi SQ2: twin test review

Cupra Ateca squares up to the new Audi SQ2 in a performance SUV shootout
Volkswagen T-Roc vs Audi Q2 vs MINI Countryman
Volkswagen T-Roc vs Audi Q2 vs MINI Countryman - head-to-head
Car group tests
17 Feb 2018

Volkswagen T-Roc vs Audi Q2 vs MINI Countryman

The new Volkswagen T-Roc aims to see off the Audi Q2 and MINI Countryman to claim the premium small SUV crown
Audi Q2 range updated with hot new 2.0 TFSI quattro model
Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro front quarter
News
11 Aug 2017

Audi Q2 range updated with hot new 2.0 TFSI quattro model

187bhp, all-wheel-drive model is the most powerful Q2 yet, and whets the appetite for S and RS models
MINI Countryman vs Audi Q2 vs Volvo V40 Cross Country
MINI Countryman vs Audi Q2 vs Volvo V40 Cross Country - header
Car group tests
11 Feb 2017

MINI Countryman vs Audi Q2 vs Volvo V40 Cross Country

The new MINI Countryman is bigger and better than ever, so does it have what it takes to beat the Audi Q2 and Volvo V40 Cross Country?
Audi Q2 1.4 petrol 2016 review
Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI - front
Road tests
2 Nov 2016

Audi Q2 1.4 petrol 2016 review

The 1.4-litre petrol engine is a good choice for the Audi Q2, but it's pricey in S-line trim with added options
Skip advert
Advertisement
Audi Q2 vs Mazda CX-3 vs Mercedes GLA
Audi Q2 vs Mazda CX-3 vs Mercedes GLA - header
Car group tests
1 Nov 2016

Audi Q2 vs Mazda CX-3 vs Mercedes GLA

Audi’s new Q2 is leading a premium crossover charge. Can it see off the upmarket Mazda CX-3 and Mercedes GLA?
New Audi Q2 1.0 TFSI 2016 review
Audi Q2 1.0 TFSI - front tracking
Road tests
19 Aug 2016

New Audi Q2 1.0 TFSI 2016 review

Entry-level, three-cylinder Audi Q2 aims to deliver pace and efficiency, and is arguably the pick of the range
Sporty new Audi Q2 Edition #1 revealed
Audi Q2 Edition #1 - front quarter
News
18 Aug 2016

Sporty new Audi Q2 Edition #1 revealed

Audi's new Q2 crossover gains special edition trim with chunky styling upgrades, available to order next month
New Audi Q2 on sale now: full prices and specs announced
Audi Q2 - front
News
18 Aug 2016

New Audi Q2 on sale now: full prices and specs announced

Audi's smallest SUV kicks off from £22,380 with a 148bhp petrol engine, while Edition 1 launch special is announced
New Audi Q2 diesel review
Audi Q2 - front
Road tests
29 Jun 2016

New Audi Q2 diesel review

We take the Audi Q2 1.6 TDI Sport for a spin for the first time. How does Audi's smallest SUV do?
New Audi Q2 2016 review
Audi Q2 - front action detail
Road tests
28 May 2016

New Audi Q2 2016 review

The small SUV segment has a new entrant in the shape of the Audi Q2, and it'll be a tough act to beat