12:13 pm, July 26, 2016
Can Audi’s premium entry into the compact crossover segment attract the younger buyer? Sophie Williamson-Stothert finds out
What is it?
This is Audi’s new Q2, designed to entice new, younger, buyers to the brand, and provide a splash of colour to the ever-growing segment. With its refined build quality and powerful line-up of powertrains, the Q2 is set to offer buyers an affordable premium choice to customers in the SUV sector.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Q2 is launching with an initial choice of two four-cylinder petrol engines – the 115bhp 1.6-litre TDi and the Cylinder-on-Demand 150bhp 1.4-litre TFSi. A three-cylinder TFSi 
and a four-cylinder 2.0-litre TDi will become available later in the year. The 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel units are expected to top the sales sheets and, as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox, Audi has said it will offer the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission across the range, bar the 1.0-litre.
What’s the spec like?
The Q2 incorporates the latest multimedia gadgets from the new A4 and there are three generously equipped specification levels to choose from – the entry-level SE, the Sport (for an additional £1,500) and the range-topping S Line (£2,500 above Sport). Entry-level versions benefit from a suite of features from standard, including smartphone interface, a seven-inch infotainment screen and Bluetooth connectivity. Audi has also created an extensive palette of vibrant colours for customers to choose from – 12 to be precise – including the option of coloured dash inserts.
What’s it like to drive?
Spot-on. Audi has managed to build a spacious compact SUV that can nip around corners with ease. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful models in the segment. It even incorporates a low seating position, similar to what you’d find in an Audi saloon car, which gives you confidence while on jaunts across winding country roads.
What do the press think?
According to Auto Express: ‘It has something Audis (and most German cars) have lacked in the past – charm. It’s cool, safe, spacious, fun, great to be in and great to be seen in.’
What do we think?
The Q2 offers buyers plenty of bang for their buck. Not only is it offering premium equipment at a lower cost to its rivals, it’s got bags of space – including a large boot, which can carry up to 1,050 litres – and oozes family-friendly practicality from every corner. We are also impressed by the colourful touches, which have been specifically designed to counter criticism that all Audis come only in dull greys. It’s also more than £4,000 cheaper that the entry level Mercedes GLA 200 CDi Sport.
