New Volkswagen T-Roc vs used Audi Q2: which is best?

If it’s true that SUVs are, from a sales perspective at least, all the rage – and it certainly is true – then the segment within that category that’s enjoyed the most growth and success is the small SUV. Buyers seem to like the idea of that raised and semi-rugged sporting style, but don’t want to spend a fortune buying and running a large and luxurious car – so a small one has been proving the more popular choice.

Here, we’re pitching two of the best examples against each other. The smart new Volkswagen T-Roc finds itself taking on a barely used example of the Audi Q2, a kissing cousin of the T-Roc but one that carries the premium air you’d expect from a car with the four-ring badge on its grille. They both cost about the same, but which one makes more sense and is the more appealing? Read on as we find out.

Volkswagen T-Roc 1.0 TSI Design List price £21,320 Target Price £20,551 Official fuel economy 55.4mpg Emissions 117g/km CO2 Power 115bhp 0-62mph 10.1sec Top speed 116mph

Audi Q2 1.0 Sport Price new £23,065 Price today £19,490 Official fuel economy 55.4mpg Emissions 117g/km CO2 Power 116bhp 0-62mph 10.1sec Top speed 122mph

Price today is based on a 2018 model with average mileage and a full service history

New Volkswagen T-Roc vs used Audi Q2 – interior & equipment

The dashboard and all the major and minor controls in the T-Roc are logically laid out and you can specify your car with the optional active instrument display that replaces conventional dials with a digital screen. The standard touchscreen infotainment system is the same 8.0in unit that you find in the Golf, but it’s been shifted to the top of the dashboard so that you can still keep half an eye on the road when operating it. Interior quality is alas a little disappointing, because it feels surprisingly cheap, with hard and unforgiving plastics the order of the day. Our favourite trim, Design, is well equipped and offers a host of styling details that make the car look more distinctive.

The Q2 has a dashboard lifted from the premium A3, with easy-to-read dials and switches that fall easily to hand and are nice to operate. Some models also come with the optional digital instrument display, which replaces the conventional dials. The infotainment system’s standard 7.0in touchscreen sits atop the dash and the MMI rotary controller is a joy to use. The Q2’s interior is of a high quality and one of the best in the SUV class. There are soft-touch plastics throughout and all the surfaces look smart. Our chosen trim, Sport, is well equipped with 17in alloy wheels, sat-nav and automatic lights and wipers.

New Volkswagen T-Roc vs used Audi Q2 – space & practicality

You sit high in the T-Roc, and anyone familiar with VW Group cars will feel at home. It’s easy to find the right driving position, with a wide range of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel. There’s plenty of space up front, even for the tallest, and rear head room is excellent. Rear leg room can be tight if you’re sitting behind a taller front occupant, though. The T-Roc’s boot is practical and a usefully square shape. It’s larger than the Q2’s, too.

The Q2’s driving position is first class, with plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel, and there's also a height-adjustable driver’s seat. There’s plenty of space up front, but rear space isn’t as generous as the T-Roc’s, with slightly less leg and head room; and, like the T-Roc, three abreast is a bit of a squeeze. The boot, while smaller, is still square in shape and quite practical.

Next: What are they like to drive? >