The Q2 is the smallest of Audi’s five-model SUV range sitting below the Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8. Like most of its competitors in the compact SUV segment it treads that very fine line of differentiation between hatchback and SUV although unlike many of them it does come with the option of all-wheel drive.
Launched in late 2017 it comes in two variants both with four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines. The entry level 35 TFSI has a 1.4-litre 110 kW engine and front wheel drive while the 40 TFSI quattro generates 140 kW and, as the name indicates, is all-wheel drive.
Prices are $41,950 and $49,400 respectively plus on-road costs.
A new variant was added to the Q2 range earlier this year. Called the Q2 Edition #2 it provides a sportier look with a choice of 19-inch alloy wheels and black exterior trim. It also adds a convenience key and side assist safety technology.
Edition #2 adds $2600 to the price of the 35 TFSI and $3000 to the 40 TFSI.
All Audi Q2 variants including the Edition #2 are available with Technik, Comfort and Assistance option packages.
STYLING
Audi Q2 is more conservative in its looks when compared with larger vehicles in the current Audi range although that’s probably dictated by its smallish dimensions. It’s rather more vertical and chunkier and doesn’t have the sloping profile.
What it does offer is a huge choice of customisation options clearly aimed at attracting younger buyers. We’re told by the company that it’s possible for five million people to buy one unlike any other.
To start with there are 12 different body colours with door mirrors can either match the rest of the body or take a different one. The front grilles also come with different colour options and can even have a contrasting shade in their surround. The lower sections of the bumper can be chosen in different colours while the door-sill trims are available in several shapes depending on the Audi Line chosen.
The C-pillar in the Q2, called the ‘C-Blade’, can be ordered in a variety of interchangeable finishes and colours.
The Black package includes black exterior mirrors and C-pillar blades, panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting and matt brushed aluminium inlays.
INTERIOR
The interior follows the familiar neat and functional Audi styling with the premium ambience that is inherent in the German brand. The dash is simple and uncluttered with the controls for the dual-zone climate control in the centre. The front air vents are round and can be swivelled for optimum coverage.
Continuing the customisation theme Q2 trim is offered in several styles and materials including leather, Alcantara and cloth. The seats can be in single or two-tone and have different trim designs and choices of stitching. Brushed aluminium is available as an option for all Q2 variants and is standard on the S line sport package.
Audi Australia is very sports focussed and consequently all local Q2 models come with a flat-bottom sports steering wheel.
Storage space in the front is limited with the large infotainment knob ensuring there’s nowhere to leave keys, phones, wallets etc meaning that the two cupholders get used at the bottom of the dashboard.
The boot can take up to 405 litres and the floor can be set at two levels, to either provide security for smallish objects under it, or for tall cargo. Maximum capacity can be increased to 1050 litres with the 60:40 rear seatbacks folded. A 40:20:40 configuration is available as an option should you regularly carry longer items.
ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS
Our road test Audi Q2 was the 40 TFSI Edition #2 quattro. The four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine puts out 140 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque at 1450 rpm with the latest version of Audi’s seven-speed S tronic transmission providing faster shifts and smoother takeup at ultra-slow speeds than the previous model.
The smaller 1.4-litre cylinder-on-demand (CoD) turbo-petrol engine produces 110 of power and 250 Nm of torque at 1500 rpm. It is fitted with an older version of the S tronic.
A 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that came with the original Q2 was dropped from the range in July 2018.
SAFETY
Standard safety features are seven airbags, electronic stability program with enhanced ABS brakes and Audi’s pre-sense city with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
The optional $1600 Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, blind spot monitoring, active lane assist, automatic high beam, rollover sensor, hill hold and park assist.
INFOTAINMENT
The Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) system is neatly integrated into the Q2 and is operated through a 7.0-inch tablet-look fixed screen above the centre of the dash area. The graphics are of excellent resolution and the system itself is easy enough to operate once you get used to the dial control. It’s fast and reasonably easy to use, with high-quality sounds providing excellent entertainment.
There is Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Audi connect technology with WiFi hotspot and Google services.
DRIVING
Q2’s relatively tall height makes entering and leaving quite easy as well as providing a relatively high driving position, always a valuable selling point in even the smaller SUVs.
The front seats are comfortable with minimal side bolstering but still remain supportive even when the car is pushed through tightish corners.
Two adults can ride in some ease with adequate head and legroom if you are more on the average side but kids will naturally make a better go of it.
Rear seat legroom is borderline for adults and some compromises will have to be made with those in the front if tall travellers are on board. Three adults can sit across the back, but two and a child makes more sense. Hardly a criticism though as this is the same issue in most cars of this size.
There are ISOFIX points on the outer seats but no air vents though which seems a bit on the mean side.
Ride comfort is very good and generally quiet, though Aussie coarse-chip can produce the sort of road noise that seems to trouble many German cars.
Handling is competent enough, with high levels of road grip and the car is assured and stable in corners in the context of it being a fairly small SUV with its higher centre of gravity. Feel through the steering is too light for our tastes and is on the dead side when initially moving off the straight ahead position.
Steering is a bit lighter than we prefer but nicely weighted contributing to an engaging, dynamic drive.
Although Q2’s ground clearance of 144 mm isn’t much higher than that of equivalent hatchbacks it does have quite short overhangs so it we were able to tackle some mild dirt roads without incident.
Grip with the quattro AWD system is excellent and the brakes need only the gentlest of touches to take effect.
Good aerodynamics aren’t generally a strength with tall SUV bodies but Audi has managed a low coefficient of drag of just 0.30 in the Q2.
We averaged 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres during our test of the 40 TFSI quattro not far above the official figures of 5.6 L/100 km.
SUMMING UP
Audi Q2 is a stylish compact SUV that’s spacious for its class, easy to drive and park and a good midsize load hauler.
The vast array of customisation is sure to attract younger buyers with vivid imaginations and the desire to attract attention to their car. For couples with young children it’s a sensible and functional premium car for urban use while, with its AWD option, suitable for a bit more semi-adventurous activities.
Audi’s warranty remains at the lower end of the scale with three years but unlimited distance.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Q2 35 TFSI 1.4-litre turbo-petrol 2WD five-door wagon: $41,950 (automatic)
Q2 35 TFSI Edition #2 1.4-litre turbo-petrol 2WD five-door wagon: $44,550 (automatic)
Q2 40 TFSI quattro 2.0-litre turbo-petrol AWD five-door wagon: $49,400 (automatic)
Q2 40 TFSI Edition #2 quattro 2.0-litre turbo-petrol AWD five-door wagon: $52,400 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Audi dealer for driveaway prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Audi Q2 40 TFSI quattro 2.0-litre turbo-petrol AWD five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.984 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 4200-6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 320 Nm @ 1500-4200 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 98ROM
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 148 g/km
DRIVELINE:
Seven-speed S tronic automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4191 mm
Wheelbase: 2587 mm
Width: 1794 mm
Height: 1498 mm
Turning Circle: Not supplied
Kerb Mass: 1360 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / unlimited km
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