Audi Q2 review

Introduction

In many ways the Audi Q2 is like the iPhone Mini series. It offers all the desirability of larger Audi SUVs but its smaller size and lower price make it much more manageable for most people.

And with its compact dimensions and a level of build quality worthy of that famous four-ringed badge, the Q2 arrived immediately proved that small SUVs could be more than just a fashion statement.

It’s been around for a while now, but the Q2 is still punching above its weight in key areas, proving a best-seller among Audi’s range of SUVs. One of the reasons it has remained popular is that Audi has treated it to a number of updates, introducing sharper styling and updated tech.

Audi Q2 video review

That’s good news, because the Q2 has traditionally struggled to compete price-wise with most rivals, including the Ford Puma and Volkwagen T-Roc (as well as the larger Seat Ateca). However, as time has gone by, these rivals have all slowly increased in price and the Q2 now seems temptingly competitive

So does the Audi Q2 still cost more, and if so is it worth it? Read on to find out..

What’s new?

• February 2022: Audi confirms that the Q2 will not be replaced, due to disappointing sales

• June 2021: Vorsprung models receive improved Sonos sound system as standard

• September 2020: Mid-cycle refresh issued, bringing a sharper design, more technology and extra customisation options

• March 2016: Q2 launched at the Geneva Motor Show, sharing underpinnings with the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf

Overview

The Audi Q2 is a desirable and fine-driving small SUV with a smart, user-friendly interior. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives, but Audi's smallest SUV justifies its cost with its superb all-round ability. If you do buy a Q2, we recommend going for the 35 TFSI petrol engine with entry-level Sport trim.

Pros

• Classy and user-friendly interior
• Tidy handling
• Slow depreciation

Cons

• Not as sharp to drive as a Ford Puma
• VW T-Roc has a more comfortable ride
• Skoda Kamiq has even more rear leg room

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Performance & drive

What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is

Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox

The entry-level Audi Q2 is called the 30 TFSI and gets a 1.0-litre petrol engine that offers perfectly adequate acceleration and officially takes 10.5 seconds to get from 0-62mph. It can struggle a bit in hilly areas though, especially when fully loaded with people and bags.

The Q2 35 TFSI has a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine and is noticeably punchier. It feels more eager than a Ford Puma 155, despite both cars achieving a similar 0-62mph time (8.6 seconds). Given the Q2's premium billing, we reckon it's worth the extra. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and you can pay extra to have a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.

There's no diesel or hybrid engine option for the Q2 but there is a performance version – to read about that see our Audi SQ2 review.

Suspension and ride comfort

The Q2 has firmer suspension than many small SUVs, including the Peugeot 2008 and VW T-Roc, so you're jostled around in your seat a little more, particularly along pockmarked urban roads.

Thankfully, if you stick with the 17in wheels on Sport trim, things never get overly firm or jarring, with bumps rounded off in a well controlled manner. The ride settles down to become quite smooth and composed when you approach motorway speeds.

We’d avoid the S line and Black Edition trims because their combination of larger wheels and firmer sports suspension results in the Q2 fidgeting so much more it can become annoying.

Handling

The Q2's relatively firm suspension does a great job of propping up its body through corners, and there's hardly any more lean than in a regular hatchback. There's also plenty of grip and well weighted steering, so this is a car you can drive quickly along a country road with real confidence.

All versions come with Audi’s progressive steering, which means the steering gets quicker the more you turn the wheel, so fewer turns are required when parking and manoeuvring. It works well, but the Ford Puma has sharper steering and is even more fun to drive because of it. Meanwhile, the Range Rover Evoque has a more polished ride and handling balance.

Noise and vibration

The Q2's three-cylinder 30 TFSI petrol engine sounds a little thrummy when worked hard, but it settles down at a steady cruise. You can feel a little vibration through the controls but not an excessive amount. The four-cylinder 35 TFSI is noticeably smoother than the entry-level engine and the similarly powerful three-cylinder Puma 155.

At motorway speeds, all versions of the Q2 cruise relatively quietly, making it a relaxing car to take on long journeys. Little wind noise enters the passenger compartment and while there is some road noise (particularly on models with larger alloy wheels) it’s not as prominent as it is in the Puma or the Toyota Yaris Cross. That said, the T-Roc and the much pricier Evoque are quieter alternatives.

The Q2's six-speed manual gearbox is light and slick, and the clutch bites positively. Combined with the well-weighted brake pedal, it makes the Q2 an easy car to drive smoothly. The optional S tronic auto gearbox is occasionally a little hesitant at very low speeds, which can make it a little tricky to set off smoothly. Otherwise the gearshifts are smooth and snappy.

"My engine pick for the Q2 would be the 35 TFSI for its punchy performance and good fuel economy. I also like that it doesn’t drone or sound as strained as it does in other Audis." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Interior

The interior layout, fit and finish

Driving position and dashboard

Whatever size and shape you are, it’s unlikely you’ll have a problem with the Audi Q2’s driving position. The steering wheel has a good range of reach and rake adjustment, while every model has powered adjustable lumbar support as standard.

Better still, the seat supports your thighs and shoulders well, helping you stay comfortable on a long journey.

The Q2's dashboard is essentially the same as the one in the previous-generation Audi A3 and that's a great thing. It means the buttons and switches are clearly marked and positioned within easy reach, and you get 12.3in Virtual Cockpit digital driver's display as standard on all trims.

Visibility, parking sensors and cameras

Even though the Q2 is a relatively small car, it still gives you a decently high-up driving position that most SUV buyers seek. You're treated to a great view of the road ahead, aided by slim front windscreen pillars.

Because of its wide rear pillars, the over-the-shoulder view isn’t quite so good. That said, the rear screen is usefully tall (much more so than on a Range Rover Evoque) and you get rear parking sensors as standard. If you want front parking sensors and a rear-view camera, you need to add them as part of the optional Technology Pack.

All versions come with powerful LED headlights as standard.

Sat nav and infotainment

Earlier versions of the Q2 had one of the best infotainment systems in any small SUV because they had a dial controller between the front seats and shortcut buttons by the gear lever. However, newer version don't get a dial so you need to prod the 8.8in touchscreen to make selection, which is more distracting.

The menus are logical enough and the screen responds fairly quickly to inputs but you have to stretch out more to reach it than you would in a Ford Puma, Lexus LBX or Range Rover Evoque.

The Q2's system includes all the essentials, including DAB radio, Bluetooth, and Android Auto and Apple Carplay smartphone mirroring. You get sat-nav no matter which version you go for, with online map updates (free for five years). The standard six-speaker stereo will be good enough for most, but you can get an upgraded 14-speaker Sonos sound system and wireless phone-charging as part of the Technology Pack.

Quality

Audi has a fine track record of creating beautifully built interiors and the Q2 is a cracking effort. It puts most other small SUVs (and even newer, more expensive Audis) to shame for quality.

The upper surfaces of the dashboard feel soft to the touch, while all the air vents, switches and buttons operate with a precise click. The rotary climate-control buttons, for example, tick satisfyingly when you rotate them.

You can personalise your Q2 with a number of interior trim combinations. You can also add more interior ambience, with the optional LED interior lighting pack, which gets illuminated inlays, which glow in a number of different colours.

"I think the Q2’s interior is ageing really well. Many rivals are cutting back on the use of soft materials and physical controls, but the Q2 retains all of that." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Passenger & boot space

How it copes with people and clutter

Front space

Even if you're a bit of a giant, front space shouldn’t be a problem in the Audi Q2. There’s plenty of head and leg room, and the interior isn't narrow enough to make you feel like you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with your front passenger.

There's a decent-sized glovebox and door bins that are large enough to hold a one-litre bottle of drink. You also get two cupholders in front of the gearlever.

Rear space

There's enough space in the back of the Q2 for a couple of six-footers, with more head and leg room than in an Alfa Romeo Junior, Ford Puma or Lexus LBX. It's broadly similar space-wise to the Peugeot 2008 and VW T-Roc but the Skoda Kamiq trumps it if you want to stretch your legs.

Rear passengers each get a door bin that can swallow a small bottle of water, plus there's a folding centre armrest complete with two integrated cupholders.

Seat folding and flexibility

The Q2 comes with 60/40 split-folding rear seats as standard, and the backrests are easy to drop using levers by each rear headrest. However, if you want to carry skis or anything else along with three other people in the car, you can have them arranged in a 40/20/40 split as an option. The Hyundai Kona has the latter layout as standard, while the VW T-Roc is similarly versatile by coming with a ski hatch behind the middle seat as standard.

Unlike in some rivals – including the cheaper VW T-Cross – there’s no sliding rear seat option for the Q2.

Boot space

The Q2 has 405 litres of boot space (slightly more than an Audi A3 Sportback). The boot is usefully square in shape and we managed to fit in six carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf. The Skoda Kamiq has space for seven cases.

You get a powered tailgate and height-adjustable boot floor. In its highest position, the floor is flush with the leading edge of the boot opening, so there’s no load lip. There's also an agreeably flat extended load deck when you fold down the rear seats.

"There’s plenty of space in the back seats of the Q2 for me, but I wish access was a bit better. The roof tapers quite far down to the side and you have to duck to get in or out." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Buying & owning

Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is

Equipment, options and extras

Entry-level Sport trim is well equipped and the trim we’d go for. It comes with 17in alloys, air-conditioning, cruise control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Unlike many rivals, there’s no keyless ignition, but we doubt many buyers will miss that.

S Line trim is next in the ladder, adding 18in wheels, sportier S Line styling, sports seats, ambient lighting and rear privacy glass. Top-spec Black Edition isn’t worth the extra, adding even larger 19in wheels and black exterior styling.

S line and Black Edition is available with an optional Technology Pack Pro, which adds climate control, keyless entry and a panoramic roof.

Costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2

The Audi Q2 is a little pricier than most of its rivals, including the Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, Peugeot 2008 and VW T-Roc. The Range Rover Evoque is even more upmarket but costs significantly more. Helpfully, the premium badge means the Q2 is predicted to lose its value more slowly than many rivals, so you should see more of your money back when you decide to sell it in the future.

That means monthly PCP finance costs are not as steep as you might expect, either, and can be slightly less than an equivalent T-Roc per month. To make sure you get the best price, check our New Car Deals pages.

The Q2's CO2 emissions are not particularly low, and in terms of BIK tax payments, a Peugeot 2008 mild hybrid will cost less to run as a company car. Both Q2 engines have a similar CO2 output and are reasonably frugal, officially achieving more than 45mpg.

Reliability

The Q2 performed very well in our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing second in the small SUV class, just behind the previous-generation Mini Countryman. It was one of the most dependable Audis ranked, although Audi finished a slightly disappointing 24th out of 31 car makers in the manufacturer reliability table.

You get a comprehensive three-year, 60,000-mile manufacturer warranty, which includes breakdown cover.

That’s the same level of cover as the Skoda Kamiq and VW T-Roc get, and you can extend it for a reasonable cost for up to five years or 90,000 miles. The Hyundai Kona comes with a more impressive five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty while the Lexus LBX gets up to 10 years and 100,000 miles if you service it at an official centre.

Safety and security

All Q2s come with six airbags, three Isofix child-seat mounting points (one in the front and two in the back), and automatic emergency braking (AEB).

Other standard kit includes hill-hold assist, traffic-sign recognition and lane-departure warning. You can no longer get blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert because they were part of the discontinued Vorsprung trim.

The Q2 was awarded five stars out of five for safety by Euro NCAP with no major weaknesses identified, although that was back in 2016 and the rating has since expired.

"I personally wouldn’t bother with Q2's S line trim. I'd go for Sport and spend the savings on the Technology Pack to get you all the kit you’d want." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

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