2018 Audi Q2 Review

Audi launched the Q2 into the highly competitive small compact AWD SUV premium market segment.

The compact segment has seen the most growth in recent years with almost all manufacturers having an entry level model.

The vehicle we are testing here is the 2018 Audi Q2 2.0L TDi Quattro 7 speed S Tronic.

Exterior

The Audi Q2 has something about it that differentiates it from the others. It immediately makes you feel at home with it when approaching.

Style is a personal thing obviously but the Q2 really appealed to me.

Audi’s polygonal design style has got edgy spot on without being ugly, unlike one or two of Audi’s main competitors. Externally the Q2 has that coupe style while retaining plenty of internal space.

It could arguably be the most stylish offering in this segment.

Internal

Internally the stylish design continues with the overall ambience of quality and a subtle sporty feel.

It offers comfortable (read higher than a sports car) entry and good visibility, but also a sporty seating position for the driver and front passenger.

Both front seats are height adjustable. A power lumber support and heated seats are available as options, with the centre armrest as standard.

With the sport seats – standard with the sport line and S line sport package, the angle and length of the seat cushion can also be adjusted.

The rear seats are also comfortably upholstered. Despite the descending, coupe-like roof line, adults enjoy enough headroom but in all SUV’s this size the knee and leg room is limited.

There are numerous storage compartments available for all seats but the overall nick knack storage is limited.

The optional storage compartment and luggage compartment package provides additional storage space.

The rear seats will fold almost flat and are operated by using a handle on the upper edge of the backrest. This gives a capacity between 405 and 1050 litres.

Along with the very impressive Audi ‘virtual cockpit’ and convenient optional head-up display, the steering wheel perfectly frames the dash and being thick rimmed feels great in your hands.

There is a very familiar and comfortable feel to the cockpit.

Features

The centre console houses Audi’s intelligent, intuitive Multi Media Interface (MMI), an infotainment and navigation system, which can be operated by a rotary/push-button scratch pad control and a touchpad (on MMI Navigation plus) on the central control element.

In addition, the system can be conveniently controlled by voice, known as natural language operation, and the integrated MMI search. Audi Connect, Google Earth and Google Search functionality, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, enables surfing and streaming with mobile devices.

The list of standard features includes:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB),
• Bluetooth and smartphone interface,
• Voice control and parking system plus with rear view camera.
• Automatic air-conditioning with dualzone climate control,
• leather-appointed seats,
• auto-dimming interior mirror,
• a contrasting C-pillar blade and
• 18-inch alloy wheels round out the key highlights.

The 2.0 TDI quattro also gains an electric tailgate, sport seats and Audi side assist as standard equipment.

Drive and Engine

The 2.0L TDi has figures of 110kW/340Nm. Bringing its 340Nm of torque in at a relatively low 1750 rpm promotes a relaxed almost lazy driving style that allows plenty of response when needed and excellent fuel economy of an ADR 5.0 l/100km.

The quattro system on the 2.0 TDi has been explained many times before. It is simply brilliant and installs exemplary road manners and safety.

The Q2 Quattro has a sporty seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.

The Q2 is absolutely designed as an urban warrior. It is more suited to the trips to the ski fields (in quattro format) than any sort of adventurous dirt road driving and definitely NO off road driving.

Driving the Q2 provides an integrated experience.

We have managed to drive the Q2 over a multitude of driving experiences, from heavy city traffic, expressway driving, some dirt road and lots of hilly windy back roads that were a delight to drive the Q2 on.

Safety

All round visibility is also good for this type of vehicle. To complement that there are the driver assistance systems for the Audi Q2 that come directly from the upper luxury classes.

The Audi pre sense plus (AEB) system recognises critical situations with other vehicles, as well as pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle, while driving at speeds of up to 85 km/h. If necessary,

Audi pre sense plus can initiate hard braking – to a standstill – at low speeds. Other systems in the line-up include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, the lane-departure warning system.

Audi side assist, the lane-keeping assistant Audi active lane assist, and cross-traffic assist rear which supports the driver while reversing out of tight situations.

The all-new Q2 has been awarded a five-star ANCAP rating.

Good Bits

• Style, design, quality
• Power & economy
• Ride & Handling

 Not So Good Bits

• Long and expensive options list
• High waist line internally
• Limited storage

Summary

The Q2 is not a sports SUV, nor is it an SUV for off road use. It is as mentioned an urban warrior that is aimed right at the younger, technologically advanced, upwardly mobile buyers that want more than a sedan or coupe.

They want that quality and sporty nature but also the versatility and practicality of the SUV body shape. Personally I believe Audi has nailed the brief and I reckon they will sell like hotdogs at a baseball game.

Facts and Figures: 2018 Audi Q2 2.0L TDi Quattro 7 speed S Tronic.

• Engine: 2.0 litre twn turbo-diesel four-cylinder 110kW/340Nm
• Transmission: 7-speed S-Tronic Quattro
• Safety: Five stars
• Origin: Germany
• Warranty: 3 yrs/Unlimited Km
• Price: From $53,589