The Q2 shows that Audi has a youthful side and has here been lightly improved. Jonathan Crouch checks out this appealing little small SUV.

Ten Second Review

Audi aimed to inject a little more fun into its SUV line-up with this more compact and affordable Q2 model - and has here lightly improved it. This little crossover is aimed at customers wanting a Nissan Juke-style small Crossover but requiring a little more class and quality. It's offered a new direction for the Ingolstadt brand.

Background

'Fun' isn't a word you necessarily associate with Audi. 'Cool' perhaps. 'Classy' possibly. 'Mature' definitely. Well forget that third adjective when it comes to discussion of this car, the Audi Q2. It's the kind of product that the German brand hopes will lower its target age demographic, at the same time giving buyers of small Crossovers like Nissan's Juke and Renault's Captur a more appealing option to aspire towards. In truth, it's likely that the Q2 will prove to be a little too pricey for customers of those cars, but premium models in this segment - contenders like Honda's HR-V, Mazda's CX-30 and Jeep's Renegade - should certainly feel the heat from this Q2. Especially in this updated form.

Driving Experience

The Q2 line-up is primarily based around a mid-range 35 TFSI variant which uses a four-cylinder 150PS 1.5-litre turbo petrol unit with the brand's clever 'Cylinder on Demand' system. There's a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed S tronic auto. Slotting in below this variant is the 30 TFSI, which uses a 116PS 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit. Two four-cylinder diesel engines are also available with 1.6 and 2.0 litres of displacement and outputs of 116PS (30 TDI) and 150PS (35 TDI). The '35 TDI' comes with quattro 4WD. As before, at the top of the range is a 300PS SQ2 quattro sporting model. The top 'Vorsprung' variant gets 'Adaptive cruise assist' for limit autonomous highway driving capability. Installed at the rear on the front-wheel drive versions is a semi-independent suspension, while the quattro models have a four-link suspension. Progressive steering is standard in all variants. It varies the steering gear ratio as a function of the steering input; the ratio is made more direct with large steering movements. Adaptive dampers are available as an option, and there's the Audi drive select system with which drivers can set an individual characteristic for their Q2. On rougher terrain, ground clearance of almost 15 centimetres is slightly better than some other small lifestyle SUVs can offer - and Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) with an integrated off-road mode will also serve the compact crossover well.

Design and Build

Audi has subtly altered the look of this Q2, slightly lowering the octagonal Singleframe front grille to make the front of the car appear wider. Plus full-LED headlamps are now standard and the air intakes now look more 'expressive' and, as with other recent Audis, narrow slits have been added between the radiator grille and the bonnet in the style of the iconic Audi Sport quattro. At the rear, there's a fresh bumper design with an integrated diffuser insert featuring large five-sided polygons. As before, the Q2 certainly looks distinctive with its 'floating blade' C-pillar and colourful trimming. It's slightly shorter and narrower than an A3 hatch and boasts a complex shape that shows a lot of vertices and edges. In profile, the high shoulder line is especially eye-catching, as are the concave flanks in the door area. Inside, most variants now get the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument binnacle display as standard, paired with an 8.3-inch 'MMI navigation plus' centre-dash screen. Otherwise, you'd have to be an Audi sales person to really notice the changes made - things like smarter fabrics, a revised gearshifter knob and re-styled air vents. As before, the MMI infotainment system can be controlled by natural language operation and the integrated MMI search set-up. The driver's seat position is low in relation to the steering wheel as in an Audi saloon. There's reasonably comfortable seating in the rear for two, but if you'll be using the back seat for adults regularly, you'd be better off trying an Audi Q3. Practically, the Q2 fulfils the fundamental expectations of an SUV with a high entry, good visibility and a large luggage compartment (405 to 1,050-litres of capacity). A power tailgate is standard, as is a three-way split rear bench backrest with cargo through-loading.

Market and Model

Prices see this car pitched just above the brand's A1 supermini, which means that Q2 buyers will be paying somewhere in the £22,500 to £35,000 bracket for mainstream models. There are five main trim options - 'Technik', 'Sport', 'S line', 'Black Edition' and 'Vorsprung', plus the SQ2 model at the top of the range. All variants now get full-LED headlights as standard, upgraded on 'Vorsprng' versions to intelligent 'Matrix LED' status. There are now new paint colour options and the C-pillar blades can either be body-coloured or finished in black, grey or silver. Features common to all versions include powered tailgate operation, the Audi Smartphone Interface, rear parking sensors and cruise control, and on top of their visual and technological gains, 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Black Edition' models are enhanced by additions such as front sport seats (those in the latter two variants finished with a cloth and leather combination upholstery) and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. 'Black Edition' specification also brings a black styling treatment for many exterior details, combined with larger 19-inch alloy wheels for maximum visual impact, while top 'Vorsprung' models take all of these benefits and embed even more luxury, technology and safety. Fine Nappa leather upholstery and seat heating, a panoramic sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen audio system and an upgrade to dual-zone climate control soothe occupants of this top specification model, as do advanced LED ambient lighting and softly backlit inlays whose colour scheme can be selected via the MMI.

Cost of Ownership

The Q2 looks set to be a frugal choice if you're looking for a car of this kind; let's get to the WLTP figures. The 1.0-litre 30 TFSI petrol version's likely to be a popular choice, capable of up to 47.1mpg on the combined cycle and a CO2 return of up to 135g/km. The 35 TFSI manages up to 44.8mpg and up to 142g/km. The 30 TDI 1.6-litre diesel of course does even better, with combined cycle fuel consumption of up to 49.6mpg and 150g/km possible. Depreciation figures should be as strong as they usually are on Audi models. It's a little disappointing though, that the brand sticks to its usual 60,000 mile limit on the three year warranty. Optional extra-cost packages can extend the cover to either four or five years. Pre-paid servicing packages are also available.

Summary

In some ways, you wonder why it took Audi so long to enter the small Crossover market. Yes, it's had its Q3 model in campaigning here, but that car has proved to be a little too pricey to interest the Juke and Captur crowd. This car will still require such people to take a long hard look at their bank balances but it's certainly proved to be more accessible and has markedly widened Audi's SUV sales demographic. It's not perfect, of course. Not everyone will like the styling. You'll need to avoid the larger wheel rim sizes if you want a decent quality of ride. And some - ourselves included - might find themselves to be a touch disappointed that the premium pricing doesn't deliver a little more in terms of standard kit. Otherwise though, there's very little to criticise. The Q2 is fun, fashionable and perfectly pitched for aspirational compact Crossover buyers. If you're one of these people, we think you're probably going to want one.

Body Glass

Privacy glass - dark tinted rear and rear side windows from B-pillar backwards

Rear wiper

Front windscreen with grey tinted sunband

Variable front intermittent wipers

Brakes

Hill hold assist

Electronic stabilisation control including ABS, ASR and EDL

Electromechanical parking brake

Carpets/Rugs

Black carpets

Front/rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Sport suspension

Communication

Audi connect navigation and infotainment includes innovative services

Audi connect remote and control connects your vehicle to your smartphone

Natural voice recognition

E-call

Bluetooth interface includes bluetooth audio streaming

Audi smartphone interface - Apple carplay/Android Auto, USB connect, 2xSDXC card readers, voice control for navi, telephone, music and 3rd party apps

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning

Audi drive select: S tronic - power steering assistance + engine + gearshift (modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, individual)

Distraction and Fatigue warning

Progressive steering

Camera based traffic sign recognition

Cruise control

Driver Convenience

Automatic start/stop system with recuperation

Power operated tailgate

Driver Information

MMI navigation plus with 8.8" touchscreen

3D map display

Jukebox hard drive memory for music (10GB)

Audi virtual cockpit

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Electrically adjustable, folding, auto dimming and heated door mirrors with integrated LED side indicators

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Gloss black centre console

Matt brushed aluminium trim inlays

Black dashboard

Aluminium interior element

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

USB type C port

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

S Line badges on the front wings

Black window trims

S Line body styling - front and rear bumpers, side skirts, radiator grille, rear diffuser insert and front air intakes

Wheel arch trims in manhattan grey

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

LED headlights with dipped beam, high beam, position lights, indicators

LED rear lights

LED third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Manual air conditioning

Interior Features

Front centre armrest

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

3 spoke multi-function leather steering wheel with S badging

Illuminated door sill trims with S logo

12v socket in front

Stainless steel pedals

Black cloth headlining

Packs

Technology pack - Q2

Safety

Seatbelt monitoring

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition

6 airbags - Front, curtain and front side airbags

Tyre pressure warning light with visual and acoustic warning

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Seats

ISOFIX child seat mounting in front passenger and rear outer seats

4-way electric lumbar support for front seats including manual seat height adjustment for both front seats

Single front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Front and rear head restraints

Front sports seats

60/40 split folding rear seat bench

Security

Anti theft alarm

Electronically operated child locks

Remote central door locking

Anti theft wheel bolts

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 138

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 138

Engine and Drive Train

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Engine Code: GAGCKG

Gears: 7 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

CC: 1498

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.9

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 44.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.4

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 20E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Coin Series: S Line [Tech]

Coin Description: TFSI

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Performance

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 150

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.6

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Top Speed: 135

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/50 R18

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5-SEGMENT SPOKE DESIGN

Tyre Size Rear: 215/50 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2592

Width (including mirrors): 2009

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1503

Width: N

Length: 4208

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1870

Minimum Kerbweight: 1305

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1700

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 690

Max. Loading Weight: 565

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 405

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.1

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1050

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Opening panoramic sunroof

C-Pillar blade in selenite silver

Sport bumpers in contrasting colour

Audi exclusive paint

Metallic paint

Special metallic paint

Interior Features

Fine Nappa leather upholstery with S embossed logo

Packs

LED interior lighting pack advanced - Q2

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Glacier white

Metallic - Progressive red

Metallic - Dew silver

Metallic - Navarra blue

Metallic - Ascari blue

Metallic - Mythos black

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Daytona grey

Pearl - Arrow Grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arkona white

Paint - Special

Audi Exclusive - Custom

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Towing

Lockable and removable tow bar

Trim - Leather

Fine Nappa leather with S embossed logo - Black with rotor grey stitching

Trim - Part Leather

Pulse cloth/leather with S embossed logo - Black with rock grey stitching

Wheels - Alloy

18" 5 arm off-road style in matt titan grey diamond cut finish alloy wheels

19" 5 double spoke edge design alloy wheels in matt grey look with diamond cut finish

Wheels - Spare

Space saver spare wheel with jack