Audi has introduced the final variant to its successful new Q2 range. The TFSI quattro sport use a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 140kW of power, and 320 Nm of torque. Naturally power goes to all four wheels by way of the Audi quattro drive system.
It has a higher level of specification to the others in the Q2 range and has a recommended retail price starting at $48,500.
Zero to 100 km/h performance is 6.5 seconds. Quick, but not super quick – we will have to wait for the S2 and possibly an RS2 before getting into the five, possibly even four-second brackets.
Interestingly, the latest Q2 engine has an innovative combustion method to give shorter compression and longer expansion phases. The aim is to increase power when driving hard and reduce consumption and emissions under part throttle.
Though it’s not what you would call a full SUV, the Q2 has an Esc Offroad mode. With 147 mm of ground clearance it can handle rough n’ ready dirt roads with little chance of damage. Off-road? No, that wouldn’t make sense.
As the halo model in the Q2 range the 2.0 TFSI quattro sport is loaded with extra gear. External features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dynamic rear indicators and a strongly shaped body kit. It has a powered tailgate.
Inside there are sports seats, MMI with satellite navigation, Bluetooth, smartphone interface, Audi Connect and voice control.
Customisation is a big feature of the very stylish Q2. Our favourite area is the ‘C-Blade’ rear-side pillar (named for the side Blades on the Audi R8 supercar.) The Q2’s C-Blades can be ordered in a variety of finishes and colours. Even better, they can be removed and replaced with new ones quickly and easily. Some owners may even choose to keep a couple of different Blades in their garage and swap them to match different occasions.
DRIVING
Front seats are well designed and comfortable, though designated as sports units the bolstering isn’t overdone and we found the support to be just to our tastes.
The 2.0-litre engine has plenty of performance and turbo lag is kept to a reasonable minimum. Performance is certainly sporty, though it doesn’t sit in the hot-hatch category, as mentioned we eagerly await the S and possibly RS Q2s.
Handling is excellent with a neat feel through the steering and the ability to change direction mid corner if required.
Our test Audi Q2 TFSI quattro sport had 19-inch alloys replacing the standard 18s. The bigger wheels sit inside 35 per cent tyres and look great, however the tyres create quite a bit of noise on coarse-chip roads. Try for yourself if you’re going to be using that sort of roads on a routine basis.
On smooth roads, especially motorways, the tyres were smooth and quiet and gave the Q2 a peaceful ambiance that would work well on extended trips.
Our favourite feature of the latest Audi range is the ‘virtual cockpit’ which offers a choice of displays in a most sensible and attractive way. It was fitted as part of the $2500 Teknik Package, which also also gives you Navigation plus and a multifunction sports steering wheel.
MODEL RANGE
Q2 Design 1.4-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $41,800 (automatic)
Q2 Sport 2.0 2.0-litre turbo-petrol quattro five-door wagon: $48,500 (automatic)
Q2 Sport 2.0 TDI 2.0-litre turbo-diesel quattro five-door wagon: $49,100 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Audi dealer for driveaway prices.
