Audi Q2, Ingolstadt’s Most Distinctive SUV

The Audi Q2 is the smallest compact SUV in the German firm’s range and one of the most recent products to be launched on the market, since it began its commercial journey in autumn 2016, a few months after its presentation.

The function of this model is to provide access to an SUV to the public who, in general, tend to buy the Audi A3  and who economically do not have access to the Audi Q3.

As a good intermediate product, the Q2 uses elements already seen in both the A3, which ranks higher in quality, and the Audi A1, ranked lower for obvious reasons. The small German SUV sits on the latest version of Volkswagen’s well-known platform, the MQB,  for front / all-wheel drive and transverse engine.

Design

Aesthetically,  the new Q2 is one of Audi’s most striking products, so it is easily differentiated from the rest of the range, something that really is difficult to happen today. It is true that it borrows elements from other models, but it gives them a new style, which is coupled with the fact that many parts of the body can be painted in other colors.

What is clear is that it is a fashionable car, which translates into a vehicle with a solid appearance, with a high waist and little glass surface, large wheels and very marked wheel arches.

An example of these contrasts is the peculiar C-pillar, which can be black or silver. The same goes for the front air intakes. In general, the Q2 looks very ‘square’, an aspect that extends in the shape of the headlights, different from what the brand is used to.

As is common in the Audi ‘Q’ range, it is possible to equip the S-Line exterior package that eliminates the black plastic surfaces and opts for a more sporty design.

As for the interior, the Q2 makes use of the general lines of the already veteran A3, although the quality of the materials is lower than in the compact, as it makes greater use of hard plastics. Otherwise, the dashboard looks minimalist, with few buttons and a large screen over the air vents.

For its part, the dashboard can equip the so-called Digital Cockpit, or what is the same, a completely digital dashboard that is also customizable to the driver’s taste.

Mechanics

In the mechanical section, the Audi Q2 can be said that it is still in its infancy after a year on the market, as it has three mechanics for both gasoline and diesel, all equitable. That is, with powers of 116, 150 and 190 horses on both fuels. In addition, the intermediate gasoline version has cylinder disconnection, while the 116 hp version is a three-cylinder.

For its part, the 150 and 190 horsepower diesel engines are essentially the same engine (2.0 TDI), which with minor modifications in the electronic management help to have two power levels; strategy that, on the other hand, is very common today in order to lower production costs.

As for the transmission, the Q2 can equip a 6-speed manual transmission as standard or an optional 7-speed S-tronic automatic transmission, while the traction is in any case front, leaving the Quattro all-wheel drive as an option.

Prices

The Audi Q2 is available from 28,910 for the most accessible petrol version. Above is the intermediate level with a 1.4 TFSI engine and cylinder disconnection, starting at 30,960 euros. Finally, there is the powerful 190 hp engine, which starts at 38,560 euros, a figure that seems somewhat excessive for the segment to which it belongs.

Looking at the rates for the diesel versions, prices start at 29,360 euros, a figure that increases to 36,070 for the lower-powered 2.0 engine. Finally, the range is completed by the 190 hp 2.0 TDI, available from 39,780 euros.

Data Audi Q2

• 5 doors
• 5 seats
• Trunk: 405 liters
• 3 and 4 cylinder engines with powers from 116 hp to 190 hp
• 6-speed manual gearbox and 7-speed S-tronic automatic
• Front or all-wheel drive Quattro
• Consumption and emissions: From 4.6 l / 100 km and 118 g / km of CO2
• Price: from 28,910 euros