Audi Q2 1.4TFSI CoD 150PS S line S tronic18 | 05 | 2017Scotcars rating

    Audi gives compact SUV sector the premium treatment with its Q2 ... but does it deliver?

    IT’S WELL ESTABLISHED now that the compact SUV sector is one of the most important — certainly in terms of volume and customer awareness — for all manufacturers. No surprise then that Audi has a serious contender in the marketplace. (Related: Audi confirms three new EVs by 2020)

    Going head-to-head with the likes of the Nissan Juke, Vauxhall Mokka, Renault Captur and Mazda CX-3, Audi’s smallest SUV leads the charge by the premium badges.

    Available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions and front- or four-wheel drive, like its rivals the Q2 boasts a raised driving position. (Related: Roadtest — Audi Q5 2.0TDI quatro S line S tronic)

    Not surprisingly, Audi offers one of the best interiors anywhere on the market. It will also come as no surprise that the the Q2 carries something of a price premium over its non-premium rivals?

    Ok, let’s first deal with the elephant in the room. Our test car — the Audi Q2 1.4TFSI Cylinder-on-Demand 150PS S line S ironic has a list price of £27,515.

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    Now, take a deep breath. With its optional Vegas Yellow solid paint finish, plus a host of extras — including the 1595 quid Technology Pack, plus the Comfort Pack (£900), power-operated bootlid (£450), adapted cruise control (£375), LED Lighting Pack Advanced (£250), Audi Parking System Plus (£300), to list just a few — the total price was £34,635.

    All that said, there’s no denying the Q2 is a class above the rest of the opposition. The cabin is a great place to be, surrounded by all the usual Audi high quality fixtures and fittings.

    The dash is a delight to use, with a mixture of easy-to-hit buttons for the heating, while Audi’s brilliantly simple-to-operate infotainment screen is controlled via a rotary controller (plus a handful of shortcut buttons).

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    I’ve always loved the efficiency of the Audi system. The screen is crystal clear, and the systems intuitive to navigate; plus you can also add full smartphone connectivity including Apple Carplay.

    Of course, if you want the wow factor, there’s always Audi’s Virtual Cockpit which replaces the conventional instruments with a 12-inch digital customisable display, which can even show the satnav.

    Thankfully, it’s on the test car as part of the Technology Pack, which also includes a 4G SIM card and online connection to live traffic information, Google Earth and Street View, Twitter and email.

    The Q2 is available in three trim levels: the SE, Sport and S line. While the entry-level SE gets 16in alloys, the 7in infotainment screen including DAB radio, multi-function steering wheel and air-conditioning, most buyers will go for the Sport.

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    This brings 17in alloys, Audi Drive Select — which allows you to choose between various driving modes that make the throttle more responsive and add weight to the steering — cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, anda sportier seat design.

    But we’re in the range-topping S line, which adds more aggressive styling, LED lights and 18in alloys to the mix.

    Like so many Audis, the Q2 is a delight to drive. Sure you’ll be glad you’ve ticked the proximity sensors which aid your parking — simply because the thick “blades” or pillars at the back of the car hamper your rear visibility — but elsewhere all the controls are well weighted and positive in their response.

    Our car was fitted with Audi’s seven-speed S tronic auto ‘box, which is silky smooth and is responsive when you need a lower gear for overtaking. Steering is well-weighted and, because of the high, relaxed driving position, forward visibility is excellent.

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    Powered by a 1.4TFSi petrol engine, mated to the auto ‘box it’ll deliver 49.6mpg and emit 130g/CO2. As for performance. Audi says it’ll hit 62mph from standstill in 8.5secs and carry on to a max of 131mph.

    It’s also fitted with a system that can shut two of the four cylinders down when they are not needed in order to save fuel. This is undetectable to the driver and helps the car’s economy.

    As for interior space, there’s plenty of room for an adult behind the driver’s seat and the boot is hatchback-plus spacey. Audi suggests the Q2’s dimensions are similar to that of the A3, but in all honesty, it certainly feels bigger on the inside.

    As you would expect, safety is paramount. All Q2 models have a comprehensive array of airbags and Isofix mounting points. These are further boosted by a system than can apply the brakes to individual wheels to prevent the car from skidding. There’s also another which automatically apply the brakes to help prevent a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian in the car’s path.

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    And while the likes of active cruise control — which keeps you a set distance from the vehicle in front — is available on the options list, so too is traffic jam assist which will steer the car in slow moving traffic. Get used to it: autonomous driving is coming.

    I know I flagged up the price premium early in the review, but the reality is the Q2 is, unquestionably, the best compact SUV on sale.

    It’s got the lot: great engines, a good amount of space, a comfortable and quiet ride, and — something which is now a ‘must-have’ on all new cars —  lots of technology.

    The dilemma buyers have is, for the same amount of money they could buy a larger SUV, something along the lines of the Seat Ateca or Skoda Kodiaq.

    Personally, I think more people will commit to spending the money and buying the Q2, thus ensuring they can proudly park an Audi on their driveway.

    Related: Audi reveals fastest-ever cabrio

    Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars

    Jim McGill

     

    Quick Stats
    Price OTR/As Tested £27,515 / £34,635
    Engine / Power: 4cyl inline, 1395cc, turbocharged, petrol, 7spd S ironic / 148bhp
    How fast?: 0-62mph 8.5sec / Max 131mph
    How big/heavy?: L4191mm W1794mm (excl mirrors) H1508mm / 1265kg
    How thirsty/CO2?: 49.6mpg / 130g/km CO2
    InsGP/Road tax: n/a / n/a
    Alternatives: Nissan Juke, Vauxhall Mokka, Renault Captur, Mazda CX-3

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