Used test: Audi Q2 vs Volkswagen T-Roc: interiors

Interiors

Driving position, visibility, build quality, practicality

Both of our SUVs get height and reach-adjustable steering wheels and a decent amount of movement in their seats, but neither got adjustable lumbar support as standard from new.  

From a quality perspective, the Audi Q2's interior is excellent, with plush materials featured throughout and a logical layout to all the buttons and switches. 

The Volkswagen T-Roc isn't quite so stellar in this department. Yes, you can get some colourful trim on the dashboard, but the plastics used are what you’d expect to find in a cheap city car, not a £30,000-from-new SUV. There are no soft-touch materials anywhere and the doors have only a tiny amount of fabric for your elbows. It’s a real shame, because the dashboard layout is just as logical as the Q2’s.

The Q2's S line trim comes with a 7.0in screen, DAB radio, Bluetooth and sat-nav, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity. Controlled by a dial between the seats, the system is easy to use on the move, thanks to clear, responsive menus and sharp graphics. You could have upgraded to an 8.3in screen with a more sophisticated sat-nav, but the standard system is plenty good enough.

Unlike the Q2, the T-Roc’s infotainment is controlled by a touchscreen only. The 8.0in system has sharp graphics and well-organised menus, but some of the icons are a little too small to hit accurately on the move. The shortcut buttons around the screen’s edges are welcome, because they make it easier to jump to the menu that you want, but we still prefer the rotary controller of the Q2.

Both cars have useful cubbies in front of the gear selector, with the T-Roc’s being more generous in size. When you take into account the door pockets and other cubbies, it’s the T-Roc that offers the most storage space.

As long as you avoid the temptation to choose a car that’s had the optional sunroof or panoramic roof added, most front seat occupants will have plenty of head room in both cars. The T-Roc’s interior is wider front and rear, though.

The T-Roc and Q2 are equal for rear leg room, but the T-Roc has more rear head room. Whichever one you go for, fitting three adults across the rear seats is a squeeze.

Both cars come with 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, but the Q2 had the option from new of a more flexible 40/20/40 configuration. The T-Roc has a marginally bigger boot than the Q2.

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