Audi Q2

Step inside the flagship Audi Q2 compact SUV and you’ll be greeted by that familiar Audi luxury feel. Though ‘more affordable’ than most vehicles in Audi’s portfolio, the Q2 still feels surprisingly lavish with its leather garbed seats, steering wheel, and trims. Ambient lighting with LED illuminating inlays also adds a touch of class and youthfulness to the overall feel. As per usual, Audi did not skimp on convenience technology and connectivity. Although most features do not come standard like the 12.3-inch LED Audi virtual cockpit, a head-up display, or Audi phone box with wireless charging, the Q2 comes equipped with a 7-inch center-mounted MMI infotainment display with Audi smartphone interface compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This means you’ll have access to Google Maps for navigation, stream music, and communicate via calls and messaging systems through voice and touch commands.

Modern with an ode to the past is what would best describe the robust, aggressive exterior design of the Q2. The beauty of this Audi crossover begins at the tough-looking polygon grille that dominates the front bumper. It is flanked with upsweep LED headlights with daytime running lights for that modern vibe. On the side are aerodynamic creases and C-pillar blade in contrasting colors. At the rear are dual exhaust pipes, angular taillights that highlights the hatch, massive rear spoiler, and matching shark fin antenna.

Unlike most Audi vehicles that come in more ‘formal’ color choices, the Q2 surprisingly offers vibrant color options and is available in Tango Red, Ara Blue, Vegas Yellow, Glacier White, Coral Orange, and Audi exclusive custom Green finish. This entry-level Audi crossover measures 4,191 mm long, 2,009 mm wide, 1,548 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,587 mm. This German SUV rides on a set of 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels in 5-V-spoke design.

When it comes to handling, the Q2 delivers what you’d expect on an Audi. The engine is springy and steering is on point. The S Tronic dual-clutch makes shifting gear almost seamless with a little noticeable intrusion. The suspension system can easily handle humps and unevenness of the road for a cushioned, smooth riding experience. In terms of comfort, the sloping roof design means rear passengers get a lower headroom. Add to that, is the already tight legroom and shoulder space. The rear seat is best for sitting three young passengers or two grown adults if you want to remain comfortable for the short ride or long journey. Other than that, riding comfort is still superb.

Unlike other Audi vehicles with diesel and engine options, the Q2 available locally only comes with either a 3-cylinder inline engine with direct fuel injection, turbocharging with indirect intercooler, 16V, DOHC as in the Q2 1.0 TFSI and Q2 Sport 1.0 TFSI or a 4-cylinder inline spark-ignition engine with gasoline direct fuel injection and exhaust turbocharger which is fitted on the top-of-the-line Q2 Sport 1.4 TFSI. The 1.0 liter, 999 cc TFSI engine delivers 116 bHp of power at 5,000 – 5,500 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 2,000 – 3,500 rpm. While the Q2 Sport with 1.4-liters, 1,395 cc engine can churn out 150 bHp of output at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and 250 Nm of peak torque at 1,500 – 3,500 rpm. All petrol engines of the Q2 are mated to a 7-speed S Tronic transmission which sends power to the two front wheels. The 1.0L engine can go from 0 – 100 km/ h in 10.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 190 km/ h. The bigger 1.4L engine can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/ h in just 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 212 km/ h. The Q2 engines use premium, sulfur-free RON 95 gasoline and are Euro 6 standard compliant. For the flagship Q2, fuel efficiency is at 5.3 L/ 100km.

When it comes to safety, Audi has tons of tech features to make their vehicles as safe as possible. Standard safety features for the Audi Q2 include Audi pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition, multi-collision brake assist, and rear parking sensors. Optional driver assistant pack like parking aid systems— i.e. cross-traffic assist rear, park assist, rearview camera and driving aid techs like adaptive cruise control with stop & go and a traffic-jam assist, a head-up display, Audi active lane assist, Audi side assist, emergency assist, and Audi pre-sense basic are technologies that can be added for. Euro NCAP safety gave the Audi Q2 crossover SUV a perfect five-star rating with an impressive 93 percent adult occupant rating, an 86 percent child safety rating, and a slightly lower 70 percent score for pedestrian protection.

The Audi Q2 makes luxury, premium vehicles—which the company is known for, attractive and more accessible to a wider range of SUV buyers. The value proposition of quality, power, and refinement makes it a good contender among both the more affordable SUV brands like Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3, and Honda HR-V; and the higher-end, luxury brands. It is compact enough and fuel-efficient to be a flexible city car that can take on long journeys as well.