Audi Q2 Review

Even Audi wasn’t going to miss the chance to jump on the small SUV bandwagon, and its baby 4x4 manages to distil some of Audi’s premium qualities into a more compact, easier-to-park package.

The Audi Q2 shares its underpinnings with the A1 supermini, and so doesn’t really have any direct rivals from BMW or Mercedes – their smallest SUVs are bigger and more expensive. So, if you want a premium German SUV, the Q2 is the cheapest way to please your very specific tastes, although the Volkswagen T-Roc feels very similar in a number of ways. Otherwise, you might compare the Q2 to the Mini Countryman, Lexus UX and Ford Puma.

And, compared to small SUVs with more mainstream badges, the Q2 looks expensive. But, take into account the Q2’s well-built interior, punchy engines and good practicality, and it ticks a lot of boxes. Why not test-drive one at your local Motorpoint store?

You’ll probably prod the media screen quite a few times before you realise it’s not a touchscreen. Instead, the screen is controlled by a large round dial on the centre console – a bit like many modern BMWs. It takes a little getting used to but, once muscle memory kicks in, it’s really easy to operate and lets you navigate around the various menus without taking your eyes off the road for long periods.

If you can stretch to a car with Audi’s digital dials, the Q2 feels more modern and upmarket. Although these Virtual Cockpit digital dials will highlight that the Q2 has an older infotainment system than the A1 and A3, with slightly worse graphics and a menu layout that’s not quite as slick.

It’s forgivable that the Q2 has a few cheaper plastics on show, because the majority of materials used feel great. The material quality is several leagues above the SEAT Arona or Vauxhall Crossland, which is why you’d strive for the Audi badge over a cheaper rival.

The Q2’s short, stocky stance creates a good amount of interior space. Two fairly tall adults can sit behind each other with no complaints. Legroom is generous for most adults and headroom is decent enough as well. Like its rivals, three adults will only be fine on the rear seats for short journeys.

A 405-litre boot is about average for a small SUV, and it’s slightly more than you get in both the A1 and A3. It’s easily accessed by a wide boot opening, and many models come with an adjustable floor to reduce the load lip and a powered tailgate for fuss-free opening and closing.

The Q2 is now petrol-only, but you’ll find plenty of older cars with diesel engines. These will suit long-distance drivers, who’ll surely appreciate the promise of nearly 60mpg. With no hybrid offering of any sort, two petrol engines are the only other choices in the main Q2 lineup.

Thanks to the Q2’s light weight, these 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines aren’t really any less economical than an equivalent A3 hatchback – impressive considering SUVs are usually more expensive to run. Both return in the region of 45-50mpg, so most buyers won’t need the higher fuel economy of the TDI diesels.

You don’t sit as high in the Q2 as in many other SUVs, but the tradeoff is a more car-like driving experience. The quick steering and tight body control mean the Q2 feels quite sporty, although there’s no feel in the steering and the sporty suspension contributes to a firm ride.

Potholes can cause it to lurch and jolt a bit, and this is even more noticeable on high-spec versions with large alloy wheels. The Q2 is perfectly at home around town – where its compact size makes it easy to slot into a space – and on the motorway.