Audi Q2 2017 Review

Fresh looks, compact proportions and the kudos that comes with a four-ringed badge. Yes, the Audi Q2 pushes all the buttons an on-the-way-up urbanite could ask for.

Moreover, it’s actually an accomplished little car, combining luxurious materials, cutting-edge safety and infotainment technologies, and a range of engines arguably worthy of the asking price.

Debuted at the Geneva motor show in 2016, the five-seat Q2 offers 405 litres of cargo space, yet measures only 4190mm in overall length. It’s the perfect car for inner-city running, yet equally capable – and quiet – on sub-par country roads.

Power at any price
Locally, Audi Australia will offer the Q2 initially with a choice of 1.4 TFSI (turbo-petrol) or 2.0 TDI (turbo-diesel) engines. Both are hooked-up to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission dubbed S tronic in Audi parlance, though only the latter is offered with quattro on-demand all-wheel drive.

From the 1.4 TFSI (from $41,100 plus ORCs) we find 110kW and 250Nm under the bonnet. At the pump this amounts to a combined cycle fuel economy number of 5.3L/100km on a diet of 95-98 RON premium unleaded, while against the stop watch it’s a 8.5sec dash to 100km/h.

Meanwhile, on the oilier side of the fence, the range-topping 2.0 TDI unit (from $47,900 plus ORCs) makes 140kW and 320Nm. Slightly more efficient than the petrol model it returns 5.0L/100km at the bowser, yet still manages to jog to 100km/h in a none-too-shabby 8.7sec.

From launch, Audi offers the Q2 in three guises: ‘design’ and limited-edition ‘Edition #1’ petrol models, and a lone ‘sport’ diesel variant. A 140kW/320Nm 2.0 TFSI quattro variant is expected to join the range from mid-year (2017).

Tech? Check!
Irrespective of which model takes your fancy, the Q2 range is generously equipped. Entry-grade Q2 1.4 TFSI design scores 17-inch alloy wheels, idle-stop, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, dual-zone climate-control and Audi’s MMI infotainment array with satellite-navigation and voice control.

Q2 design also includes cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, and many of the advanced driver safety aids adopted from the flagship Q7, including low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

For the limited-run, and identically-powered, Q2 Edition #1 (from $47,800 plus ORCs) we find Quantum Grey paint and with S line black and Manhattan Grey exterior accents. The Q2 Edition #1 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and adds leather-appointed upholstery, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, electric tailgate, automated parking, and active lane and side assist.

Other technology includes wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, LED backlit trim inlays and head-up display.

The flagship Q2 2.0 TDI quattro sport shares all of the equipment listed for the Edition #1, but is offered with its own choice of paint and upholstery colours, and alloy wheel styles.

The five-star Euro NCAP safety-rated Q2 will compete on price with the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (from $42,900 plus ORCs) and MINI Countryman (from $39,900 plus ORCs). But owing to its unique size currently has no direct, premium segment competitors.

Sass and ride
The Q2’s geometric form language is something we’re certain to see more of, and brings a youthful vibe to the brand familiar to the sporty R8 and Q8 concept model. From the high-set, single-frame octagonal grille to the slab-cut profile and sloped roofline, the Q2 is nothing if not edgy. We love the interchangeable C-pillar blades, too, but note they do somewhat impinge on rear three-quarter visibility.

There is also a little ‘form over function’ when it comes to the Q2’s back seat. Leg and headroom are cosy and there are no ventilation outlets. On the plus side, the wide-opening doors make entry and exit easy; the spread of clever storage cubbies and split-fold seats also welcomed.

Impressively quiet, the Q2’s cabin rides smoothly over pockmarked roads on all but the largest alloy wheels. There’s a little ‘chatter’ evident from the diesel engine, though we wouldn’t say it’s a deal breaker.

What’s more, the lightweight MQB chassis, strut front/multi-link rear suspension (torsion beam rear on front-drive variants, and with up to 147mm ground clearance) and wheel-at-each-corner footprint give enthusiastic handling. Its thirst for corners is enhanced further by accurate, variable-speed electric steering.

Stop, go, whoa!
There is a difference in ‘flavour’ between the two engine options offered. Where the TFSI is smooth and free-revving, the diesel is gruff, with more step-off lag from standstill. Still, they both slot briskly through the gears and stride happily at highway speeds. Were it my choice, I’d go for the turbo-petrol, simply for the fact its refinement is more fitting of the badge.

Of course the Q2 stops as well as it goes. The four-wheel disc brakes (measuring 312mm front/272mm rear) provide plenty of ‘meat’ for emergencies, the pedal stroke’s travel uniform in feel and feedback.

Fuel economy on test saw averages of 7.0L/100km for the TFSI, the TDI model managing 6.2L/100km. Of course we should note that our country saunter was over winding, hilly terrain and at highway speeds. But with urban travel, and more liberal use of the idle-stop system, a better result is entirely plausible.

But should I, or shouldn’t I?
You so should. This is a terrific hatch-cum-SUV that, as well as wearing a premium badge, also offers a premium feel. It’s the kind of car that’s grown up when it needs to be, but still just as ready to let its hair down. We love the look, and most of the packaging, too. It’s just a shame the back seat couldn’t give a little more.

Sure, the Q2 mightn’t be the cheapest compact SUV around, but against rivals from Mazda (say the CX-3 Akari at $37,690) and the likes, is notably quieter, more refined and has more space inside – especially in the boot.

Odds are this will easily become Audi Australia’s best-selling model yet.

2017 Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI design pricing and specifications:
Price: $41,100 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 122g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP)

2017 Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI Edition #1 pricing and specifications:
Price: $47,800 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 122g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP)

2017 Audi Q2 2.0 TDI quattro sport pricing and specifications:
Price: $47,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/320Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 131g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP)

Related reading:
>> Audi Q2 International Launch Review
>> Audi Q2 Video Review
>> Audi Q2 Safety Systems Video

Audi Q2 trivia:
The polygonal styling cues of the Q2 might seem new and exciting, but take a closer look at the hexagonal recess between the front and rear wheel-arches. Running along the shoulder line of the front and rear doors, the indent is said to exaggerate the wheel-arches and track of the Q2 -- an idea designer, Marc Lichte, says was inspired by his 1985 Ur-Quattro. Count them all, and there are 34 polygons in the front grille alone.