Model Review
Revealed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi Q2 is the German company’s smallest crossover model to date, based on the MQB mid-sized platform on which the current A3 is also constructed.
It’s a high-end addition to the small crossover market, not much different in size to a Vauxhall Mokka, Fiat 500X or Nissan Juke, but with added prestige of the Audi badge.
Among its more unusual features is a body-coloured strip that runs through the cabin, brushed alloy effect C-pillars and ambient cabin lighting, which changes intensity depending on the time of day — something that sounds like a gimmick but is just as much a safety feature.
Unsurprisingly, given the popularity of both the Audi badge and the small crossover sector, the Q2 has been a huge hit from the outset, with some models requiring quite a long order lead time do to demand.
Latest model
As with all Audi models, the Q2 range has quite a few variables from which to choose, with power outputs ranging from 116bhp to 150bhp, a choice of petrol or diesel engines, manual, seven speed auto or eight-speed CVT gearboxes and four trim levels.
There’s also a vast options list, and given the Q2’s somewhat vibrant colour palette, it invites itself towards personalisation much in the same way that others in the sector, such as the Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman, also do, albeit with a slightly more mature approach.
All Q2s are extremely competent dynamically, despite the SUV-style raised ride height. You can choose between two or four-wheel-drive, but unless you live in a remote area or regularly traverse wet grass, the front-drive model is perfectly capable of delivering reassuring and impressive grip.
Go for the range-topping S-Line model and you can improve the handling yet further, though only at the expense of ride quality. All models also get Audi’s ‘Progressive Steering’, which alters the steering ratio as you drive, making it much lighter around town and stiffer and sharper when driving more quickly.
Value for money
The Q2 is a desirable car—and Audi knows it. What that means to the buyer is that there aren’t many deals on the table, and those that do exist do so against a backdrop of fairly high prices to start with.
At £22,160, the entry-level SE model doesn’t look like terrific value, especially when you consider that the price quoted is for the lowest power model with no optional equipment. Start to improve the power output or add on options and suddenly you find yourself into much deeper levels of expenditure. The Q2, then, isn’t cheap, nor does it represent great value for money when you look at what you get for your money—a small car with limited kit, but one that is so fashionable and so desirable that the price is something you may consider to be academic.
Looks and image
In terms of car desirability rankings, the Audi Q2 must be right up there at the top of the class—it boasts one of the most desirable badges attached to a car that’s competing in the fastest growing and most popular area of the car market right now.
As small crossovers usurp compact hatchbacks and superminis as our favourite type of vehicles, they’re becoming more desirable than ever, and the Audi brand has an already robust image to attach to such a vehicle.
It matters not one jot, then, that there are certain angles from where the Q2 looks a bit incongruous —it sits wide and squat, but a fair distance off the ground, which gives it an unusual, albeit not unpleasant stance.
Lower-spec models tend to look a bit under-wheeled inside their chunky arches, though, while those with bigger rims might look happier, but have a less composed ride quality.
Space and practicality
Getting comfortable behind the wheel of the Q2 is easy, with plenty of seat adjustment and a high driving position, allowing decent legroom and shoulder room for both driver and front seat passenger.
Space in the back is a little less impressive, though, with limited legroom and headroom that don’t really reflect the car’s crossover culture. The back seats feel overly firm, too in our opinion.
There’s a reasonable amount of cabin stowage, including a decent-sized glovebox, but it’s extremely stingy of Audi to charge a supplement for rear seat cup holders in a car that’s being marketed at families, especially as these are only available with the optional (and expensive) three-way folding seat.
The boot is decent for a car of its size, with 405 litres of space available with the seat up, and 1,050 litres of luggage capacity with the seats dropped own out of the way. It’s not as spacious as the best in class, but it’s more than adequate for most.
It has a nice, square load bay, too, even with the back seats dropped down.
Engines
The entry-level petrol engine is a 1.0-litre turbocharged unit developing 116bhp, which is enough to give the Q2 acceptable performance. It will hit 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds—or 10.3 with the automatic gearbox—and on to a top speed of 122mph, though the engine does feel a little flat in the mid-range.
The next unit up is a 1.5-litre TFSI turbo engine, this time with 150bhp. It’s an ideal match for the Q2, giving it a 0-60 time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 131mph, but remaining punchy and responsive throughout the rev range.
The sole diesel is a 1.6 TDI unit developing 116bhp, which gives the Q2 a 0-60 time of 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 122mph, but it’s extremely responsive through the gears.
Things to look for
Although it has recently gone on sale, the Audi Q2 has already been recalled three times - once for the rear hub carriers not being maintained to the correct standard, again for a fault with the rear head restraints and finally for the parking brake releasing at the same time as the clutch pedal. Hopefully these are just teething problems, but if you’re buying nearly new then make sure they’ve been carried out.
Rivals
If it’s a combination of small and premium you’re looking for, the MINI Countryman is probably the Q2’s closest rival. Others to consider are the Volkswagen T-Roc and SEAT Arona, which originate from the same stable. The Renault Captur, Fiat 500X and Nissan Juke are characterful (and much cheaper) alternatives.
Running Costs
All of the engine variants in the Q2 are fuel efficient, ranging from 54mpg for the 1.0 turbo to 60.1mpg for the 1.6 TDI.
The pick of the range in terms of efficiency, has to be the 1.5 TFSI which cleverly shuts down two of its cylinders when not needed in order to save fuel. As a result it can achieve 50.4mpg with a manual gearbox and 53.3mpg with the dual-clutch auto transmission.
That’s only marginally behind the 1.0 turbo, but with stacks great performance. It’s the best all-round engine in the range.
Depreciation
While it’s too early to predict an entirely accurate depreciation figure for the Q2, it’s likely to be one of the strongest performing cars on the market in terms of residual values, as demand exceeds supply. Expect a three-year-old Q2 to still be worth over 50 percent of its value now if you choose to sell it in three years’ time.
