Audi Q2 (2016 - ) Review

Audi have been busy refreshing models of late, but not had an entirely new car released for some time the last one being the Q3 in 2011, but going from 17 to 44 models in just 15 years means it can’t be denied how popular the manufacturer is so with that in mind they’ve launched the eagerly awaited Q2.

The new compact premium SUV is larger than the baby A1 but smaller than the Q3, so what’s it like? We took it for a spin on the UK launch along the Suffolk coast.

Audi have a good range of engines available for the Q2; a petrol 1.0 TFSI producing 116PS will be added to the lineup later this year while currently there is a 1.4 TFSI with 150PS that features their efficient cylinder on demand technology and it's available with a 6-speed auto or a 7-speed S tronic ‘box, (the latter not as smooth through the gears as we expected to be) with 250 Nm of torque to get it from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds with a 131mph top speed. For those wanting a bit more power a 190PS 2.0 TFSI quattro arrives in the middle of 2017 and we certainly look forward to that...

Diesel options include a 1.6 TDI producing 116PS which is available to order in December and a 2.0 TDI delivering 150PS.

When you look at the dimensions of the Audi Q2 it’s only a fraction smaller than the Q3, it has a lower roofline and it is lighter so actually the size of the car makes for a very agile model. The ride is fairly firm but adapts well to various road surfaces we tested it on, including sand (don’t ask…) and with Audi’s drive select system you can adjust the adaptive dampers (these are an option) depending on if you want to drive it sporty or efficiently with changes also made to steering, engine and gearshifts.

The light steering is really responsive, reacted well on the B roads we drove it on without the need for any overcorrection if you really want to crack on.

Audi do refinement very well, cabins are well insulated from the engine and there doesn’t seem much wind or road noise.

They've also released a special Edition #1 featuring stunning Quantum Grey paint colour, a contrasting black styling pack, Fine Nappa leather sports and a great personalisation option but on all Q2s you have the ability to have a different colour on the C-Pillar blades which adds a uniqueness to your model. It also looks a bit ‘R8’ too which we like.

Interiors of Audis never fail to disappoint and the Q2 hasn’t seen any cost cutting compared to the more premium models in their lineup. The cabin is well laid out with plenty of equipment - the brightly coloured interior inlays really make it appeal to a younger audience and there is the option of an LED interior lighting pack which lets you change the colours of the inlays depending on your mood that is very cool.

A 7-inch display screen comes as standard, there is the option to pay a bit more for a larger 8.3-inch, but both feature navigation, entertainment, car and phone settings plus Audi drive select options, but at an extra cost their 12.3-inch LCD virtual cockpit screen is available which once you’ve tried it you don’t really want to go back to the analogue dials.

There are three trim levels: SE, Sport and S line - there's plenty of equipment on the entry level version including air conditioning, dynamic suspension, Audi Smartphone Interface and their pre-sense front pedestrian recognition safety system.

Costing an extra £1,550 Sport additions include front sports seats, MMI navigation, cruise control and light and rain sensors, while top of the range S line features leather sports seats, S line interior and exterior styling, free upgrade to sports suspension and the snazzy LED interior lighting pack.

This new five-door proposition from Audi is spacious enough, there is good leg and headroom but three adults might struggle in the rear. Also the seats in the back don’t seem that long in the leg so taller passengers will be lacking in seat support.

The boot holds 405 litres, rear seats folded increases this to 1,050 litres, it’s a decent size if you’re looking to pack plenty of luggage and there is a boot shelf divider too.

The Audi Q2 is priced from £20,230 which will be for the 1.0 TFSI which arrives later this year but currently the entry level is the 1.4 TFSI in SE trim which starts at £22,380. The Edition #1 is available now costing £32,720.

If you’re in the market for something stylish and practical but can’t necessarily afford the extra £5,000 for the Q3 then the Q2 should definitely be on your list. There’s no doubt that these will sell like hot cakes as this model opens it up to a wider audience, here’s hoping Audi put the letters ‘RS’ in front of it at some point in the future.

With CO2 emissions as low as 114g/km and fuel consumption around the early fifty to mid-sixty mark across the engine range then running costs will be really good.

CAP Monitor also predict that it will have strong residual values at 44% after 3 years / 60,000 miles.

As always Audi have bolted together a very high quality car, the nice soft touch leather with colour accents on the seats and toughened plastics make it feel premium and the colour interior inlays do make it look stylish.

Audi are behind the Japanese manufacturers when it comes to reliability and overall driver satisfaction but they’re not the worst, while any problems can be quite costly to fix.

The Audi Q2 may have only just arrived on the scene but it already is award-winning having scooped the ‘Best of the Best’ honours in the Automotive Brand Contest, no doubt it will have many more gongs to add to its name.

The Audi Q2 hasn’t yet been tested in the Euro NCAP ratings but expect it to score the maximum five stars as it has an extensive safety and driver assistance list including airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, cross traffic rear and lane keeping assist, and as standard is Audi pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition which will warn the driver should a person look likely to walk out into the path of the car and should they do so, automatically apply the brakes.