Audi Q2 Review

How much does it cost?

As with other Audi models, the Q2 does command a premium over similarly-sized rivals. Prices kick off at £30,015 for an entry-level Sport model with a six-speed gearbox, rising to £37,525 for a fully-specced Black Edition with the most powerful 148bhp 1.5-litre engine. The high-performance SQ2 model, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, comes in at £47,645. However, because the Q2 has been on sale for such a long period, there are loads to choose from when shopping for a pre-owned model and, as a result, there are some real savings to be had. For instance, the range-topping SQ2 model can be found for £39,750 with just 4,200 miles on the clock via AA Cars, while examples of a fully-loaded Black Edition model can be had for £32,000 with 5,000 miles on the clock, representing quite the saving over a brand-new model.

Engine and performance

Overview

While older examples of the Q2 were available with a diesel engine, today’s line-up focuses solely on petrol. Things kick off with a low-powered 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol with either a manual or automatic gearbox, and this is followed by a more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged engine which provides a little extra punch and flexibility. Again, this engine can be specified with either a manual or automatic gearbox.

At the top of the range is the SQ2. Forming part of Audi’s ‘S’ performance range, the SQ2 has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an impressive 296bhp and this drives all four wheels through Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system. Zero to 60mph comes in a speedy 4.6 seconds as a result.

Out on the road

Much like its well-finished interior, the Q2 exhibits a polished driving style as well. There’s a small bump in ride height over your typical hatchback and this gives you a slightly elevated view of the road ahead. Cars equipped with the 1.0-litre engine don’t feel that punchy, whereas those with the 1.5-litre unit have a little extra puff to rely on when you need it. That said, the smaller-capacity engine is still more than up to the job of around-town driving, where its peppy performance is perfectly adequate. While the six-speed manual is smooth enough, the automatic has proven to be the more popular option over the years. It’s a little laggy at times - there can be a delay between a press of the throttle and the resulting acceleration - but it’s not too bad overall.

Ride and handling

The Q2 certainly rides on the firmer side of things compared with rivals, but this does mean that it feels very well supported through the bends. Cars with larger wheels tend to feel a little fractured over poor surfaces but at speed, things ease up and the whole experience gets even more refined. In fact, when you’re at motorway speeds, the Q2 behaves far more like a larger car, so it’s great for long journeys. Opt for the SQ2 and you’re in for an even more involving driving experience. The 2.0-litre engine is remarkably punchy, while the fitment of quattro all-wheel-drive means that you’ve always got the confidence to put that power to the road, no matter the conditions. Interior and features

Interior and features

Interiors

There’s lots of that typical Audi sparkle to find inside the Q2. You’ll find plenty of good materials used here and there and, even though this car has been on sale for a little while, things look fresh. The only tell-tale sign of this car’s age is the infotainment system, which, by modern standards, is quite small and thin on features. However, you still get smartphone mirroring systems and it’s easy to use, so it’s not too much of a bother.

One aspect of the Q2 that we don’t mind feeling older is the use of physical buttons. You’ve got them for all key functions, from heating and ventilation to volume, and it reminds you how user-friendly they are compared with a screen-dependent approach. There’s even a handy rotary controller for infotainment, which makes going through the screen much easier when you’re on the move.

Boot space and practicality

For what is a relatively compact car, the Q2 delivers big on space. With its boxy dimensions, this Audi brings a good level of headroom for all occupants, and it’s not bad in terms of legroom for those in the back, either. The middle seat is quite small, mind you, but it’s a handy extra to have when you’re in a pinch. Storage is good throughout, too, with deep door bins available in both front and rear doors, as well as a handy area under the central armrest.

You’ve got 405 litres of boot space to use up in the Q2, too, and it’s easy to drop the rear seats should you want to expand that further. The boot opening is also square and, thanks to a very small load lip, this helps when loading more awkwardly-shaped items into the back.

Features

As a premium model, the Q2 gets lots of equipment as standard. Entry-level Sport models, for instance, benefit from 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as an 8.8-inch infotainment system which is helped by a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit system which replaces the conventional dials with a high-definition screen that can be configured to show a variety of readouts. Popular S Line trim adds larger wheels and sharper suspension, as well as a full S Line exterior styling pack with redesigned bumpers and a more intricate grille. Range-topping Black Edition cars get, as the name suggests, a range of black elements in areas such as the grille and wing mirrors, as well as larger black alloy wheels. The SQ2, meanwhile, resembles the S Line trim in many areas, but also benefits from quad exhaust pipes which hint towards this car’s heightened performance.

Trim and colour options

The current Audi range consists of Sport, S Line, Black Edition and the range-topping SQ2, which does sit underneath the ‘S’ performance banner rather than being a trim level. Sport cars get 17-inch alloy wheels, sport seats up front and that full infotainment system and Virtual Cockpit setup. Cruise control, parking sensors and manual air conditioning add to the list of standard features. Switch to the popular S Line and you get a sportier exterior design with 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and sporty pedals finished in stainless steel.

Black Edition gets all of the bells and whistles you could really want. There are 19-inch alloy wheels as well as a variety of gloss black elements to give the exterior of the car a more undercover appearance. A full LED interior lighting pack helps to add some character to the cabin, too. Tip-top SQ2 models get pretty much everything you could want. Alongside the mechanical upgrades, you get an upgraded Sonos sound system, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. There’s a good mix of colours to choose from, too, with reds and blues there for those who like to stand out from the crowd.

Safety and reliability

The Audi Q2 is accompanied by a five-star safety rating awarded to it by Euro NCAP. Testers gave it a high 93 per cent rating for adult occupant safety, as well as 86 per cent for child occupant protection. However, there is a caveat to this; the Q2 was tested back in 2016 and, since then, the crash tests have become stringent and more complex. There’s a good chance that if the Q2 were tested today, it wouldn’t get close to that five-star rating. The Q2 has a somewhat mixed reliability score, with some electrical gremlins having plagued certain models. If you’re shopping used, make sure that you check the history of the car you’re looking at and test all of those key features to make certain that everything is working as it should.

MPG, emissions and tax

Stay away from the performance SQ2 model and the Q2 shouldn’t prove expensive to run. Versions equipped with the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine can return up to 47.7mpg combined, while CO2 emissions are as low as 135g/km on certain models. Head to the more powerful 1.5-litre version and things still aren’t too scary, with Audi claiming up to 47.2mpg alongside CO2 emissions of 136g/km on certain versions. Most cars will cost the standard rate of £195 per year to tax, though those over £40,000 will incur the Expensive Car Supplement for the first five years after registration. Though more fuel-hungry, the SQ2 still isn’t too bad efficiency-wise. Audi claims up to 34.5mpg combined as well as CO2 emissions of 186/gkm. However, drive the SQ2 a little more keenly and its fuel consumption will take a hit quickly.