Item: Audi Q2
Rating: 3.5

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Since it went on sale in 2016, the Audi Q2 has been not just the entry point to its SUV line-up but, for many owners, a gateway into the upmarket brand.

That's a relatively long life by modern standards, which is good news for second-hand buyers, as it has given prices of older examples plenty of time to fall.

Q2’s design style is ‘polygonal’, which means ‘inspired by Kryten from Red Dwarf’s head’, we think
Matt Saunders
Road test editor

Despite some regular freshening-up, the Q2 is now feeling its age compared with the Ford Puma, Lexus LBX and Mini Countryman to highlight but a few of the alternatives.

Enticingly, though, it remains excellent to drive, both in town and on the motorway, and it comes with a wide array of equipment.

A selection of capable engines further bolsters its appeal, although its breadth is now restricted to 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrols, with 114bhp and 148bhp respectively.

While the smaller motor can be paired only with a six-speed manual gearbox, the larger has the option of an S Tronic seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Diesels disappeared years ago, and if you have a penchant for a punchier petrol, together with Quattro four-wheel drive, your only choice from new is the flagship  Audi SQ2, which we've reviewed separately.

Since the Q2’s 2021 makeover, the trim level selection has also been pared back to a core of Sport, S Line and Black Edition, the latter being the easiest to differentiate thanks to the external décor largely being, erm, black.

If you'd prefer the smaller-wheeled modesty of an SE version or the gussied-up glory of a Q2 Vorsprung, you will need to scour the classifieds.

Verdict

Model tested:

Rating: 7

Audi Q2

Cannily sized, credible to drive and pleasant to sit in, the Audi Q2 is still a great pick - but it's showing its age

Good

Dependable handling

First-rate packaging

Lower Q-range price point

Bad

Anodyne identity

Slightly breathless petrol engine

Higher trim level expense

DESIGN & STYLING

Pros

Compact dimensions ensure it's conveniently urban-friendly 

Styling was a break from tradition when new, seems restrained now

Variable-rate steering improves directness

Cons

Starting to look aged compared with rivals and other Audis 

Feels rather close in size and purpose to the pricier Q3

Sophisticated multi-link rear suspension no longer available

Given that the Q2 isn’t that much smaller than the Audi Q3, you’d be forgiven for wondering if the product planners didn’t miss a trick in making it even more compact.

Fact is, that gap in the range was left for the Audi Q1, a tiny crossover that never came to fruition. But it’s worth remembering that its Volkswagen Group MQB A1 platform determines its size.

Similar hardware is also found beneath the Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen T-Roc, while the Q3 has the girthier MQB A2 underpinnings, shared with the Seat Tarraco, previous-generation Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace seven-seaters.

The car’s distinguishing styling features are many and – back in 2016, at least – were a surprise from a firm so used to playing it safe with evolutionary updates. Within today’s Audi range, the Q2 is looking older, yet it’s also one of the least fussily styled models presently wearing the four-ringed logo.

When new, the Q2’s 'single-frame' radiator grille looked especially dominant compared with Audi’s other smaller models, being octagonal rather than hexagonal in form.

Its flanks are slightly concave, decorated by a chamfered shoulderline, the rearmost haunches emphasised on those with the contrasting C-pillar blade. The roofline is more hatchback than estate-like, complemented by the rear screen’s rake, oversized tail-lights and plenty of surface interplay on the tailgate.

You can decide for yourself if what results is a good-looking car, but it’s clearly trying to be one.

Quattro Q2s featured a sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension arrangement, but the front-drivers are fitted with a torsion-beam back axle.

All Q2s benefit from a progressive-rate electromechanical power steering system whose directness increases with steering angle, while adaptive dampers are optionally available, allowing the driver to soften or firm up the ride as desired.

INTERIOR

Pros

Familiar Audi levels of interior solidity

Contrasting and body-colour elements add vibrancy

Infotainment system remains a paragon of functionality

Cons

Plastics are as solid as the build quality, lacking squidginess

As with the exterior, the dash design is dating

Rear seat space is cosy, even with only four adults aboard

Audi’s impressive run of compelling and high-quality interiors took something of a stumble when the Q2 debuted.

Derived for the most part from the previous iteration of Audi A3, side-by-side fingertip analysis suggested that the bean counters had taken the opportunity to make some bottom-line savings compared with the material choices made elsewhere in the range.

Nevertheless, it was still several steps up in terms of fit and finish from many of its rivals, including the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA and Nissan Juke, and it's still aesthetically pleasing.

Packaging isn’t the Q2’s strongest suit: despite its stunted length, you could reasonably expect a bit more space than it provides. Leg room in the rear is equal to that of a well-packaged modern supermini, meaning you’ll get an average-sized adult behind an average-sized adult.

That’d be fine if the Q2 were Audi A1-sized, but it’s not. At least the elevated bodywork and more upright seating position generate more head room than the supermini norm.

Seating a third occupant on the rear would have to be a temporary arrangement. The slightly broader Q3 fares a little better in this regard.

Given the sizing of the cabin, it’s to Audi’s credit that there's no sacrifice of boot practicality. Indeed, the manufacturer suggests there’s only a 15-litre capacity difference between the Q2 and the old Q3 – although at 405 litres, it’s 125 litres shy of the current Q3’s carrying capacity.

A double floor contributes to that, though, increasing volume in its lower position but leaving you with a mighty lip to negotiate when hauling items in and out.

The upper setting eliminates that, providing a totally flat load space when you lower the rear seats – and is probably the position most owners will opt for, even with the outright capacity forfeit.

Audi’s MMI infotainment system had evolved into an admirable bit of kit when the Q2 was new, but this is another area where its falling off the pace. It’s a doddle to operate and has all the smartphone connectivity options buyers demand these days, just all wrapped in a mid-2010s environment.

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE

Pros

Current petrol engines are punchy performers

Accurate, pleasant shift action on the manual

Smallest, cheapest powertrain is the pick of the Q2s

Cons

Diesel engine options are no longer available

S Tronic automatic manages to be both busy and hesitant

Awkwardly shaped gearlevers regardless of transmission

Over the years that the Q2 has been on sale, Audi has operated three different powertrain naming conventions, although it’s not yet clear whether the most recent will affect the tailgate badging here.

Back in 2016, entirely conventional engine size labels were used – 1.0, 1.4 and 2.0 – suffixed by TFSI for petrol engines and TDI for the diesels.

By 2018’s close, Audi had switched to the still-baffling banding system. It’s those still in use with the Q2, with the 114bhp 1.0-litre being the 30 TFSI and the 148bhp 1.5-litre known as the 35 TFSI. When 2.0-litre engines were still available in non-SQ2 models, they were in the 40 band.

New models launched since 2024 now only reference the powertrain type plus the power output.

Of today’s Q2 line-up, the 30 TFSI is the real highlight, its turbo triple being the pick of the crop, thanks to its smooth and punchy delivery.

On paper, the numbers look a little anaemic (witness the 10.5sec 0-62mph claim), but with a healthy 148lb ft of torque from as low as 2000rpm, it pulls harder than you expect, with enough roll-on acceleration to execute most overtaking moves without raising a sweat.

Its thrummy backbeat adds to the appeal, as does the distant sighing, whistling and fluttering from the turbocharger. And, squidgy clutch action and awkwardly shaped gearlever aside, the six-speed manual gearbox is precise and accurate.

With four turbocharged cylinders, the 35 TFSI feels usefully quicker and more responsive under acceleration than the 30 TFSI. At 8.6sec, it’s almost 2sec quicker in the 0-62mph sprint, courtesy of 184lb ft of torque, and it’s noticeably smoother under load.

Unfortunate, then, that the automatic transmission is so sluggish, shuffling cogs even under a light foot at consistent speed and taking its time to react when you press on. It’s symptomatic of many Volkswagen Group  DSG-equipped models, detracting from what should be an enjoyable driving experience. 

The redesigned gearlever is less awkward here simply because it’s used less often, but we’d still take the manual’s accuracy in preference to the hesitant S Tronic auto.

RIDE & HANDLING

Pros

Acceptably comfortable, erring on sporty

Impressive levels of front-wheel traction promotes agility

Body roll is tautly controlled

Cons

Progressive-rate steering feel still needs fine tuning

All current Q2s have a torsion-beam rear axle

It's competent but not exactly thrilling

There has been little change in how the Q2 feels to drive since its 2016 launch. It remains capable and composed but not one to get your blood running hot.

Those craving the gentler lope of a larger SUV will be disappointed, too: on passive suspension, the Q2 is firm, formally mannered and typically direct.

The Q2 moderates body roll and understeer well and manages to keep its stability control intrusions subtle.
Matt Saunders
Road test editor

As with the Q3, the physically longer suspension travel is kept on a short leash. Larger undulations reveal slightly more liberal body movement than is usually typical of Audi’s hatchbacks, but the sensation tends to be held rigorously in check.

The progressive-rate variable steering remains as reticent as ever, but the well-calibrated set-up lends the Q2 a real sense of agility, smoothly ramping-up its rate of response as you wind on the lock.

It allows you to fully exploit the surprisingly generous front-end grip, helping you carry speed into a corner without it being overzealously scrubbed off by torque-vectoring brake nibble.

Taut body control helps, too, and this pint-sized SUV can be hustled harder than you would think, even if there aren’t huge tactile rewards for doing so.

The trade-off for this control in the corners is an occasionally lumpy ride. Even on our car’s relatively modest 17in wheels (the smallest size of the present line-up), the Q2 followed rather than swallowed imperfections at low speeds. Picking up the pace helps smooth things out, but it always remains just on the comfortable side of firm.

A pity then, that today’s Q2s all have the relatively simple torsion-beam back axle, while the now-departed Quattro versions employed a more sophisticated and tuneable multi-link arrangement at the rear, although in practice these also erred on the firmer, sportier end of the comfort spectrum.

MPG & RUNNING COSTS

Pros

No Q2 derivative is especially thirsty

Prices aren’t excessive, before options, at least

Sport trim has most unpainted external protection

Cons

No clear economy champion in the range

Tyre prices will be steep on Black Edition versions

High spec equals lots of painted body extremities

The Q2 is an SUV, yes, but only in Sport trim does it have any exterior finishes that look like they can cope with the rough and tumble of daily life, with unpainted plastic wheel-arch surrounds and lower bumper corners. Plump for a plusher S Line or Black Edition and pretty much every external surface is painted.

Then again, even though this is Audi’s entry-level SUV, its clientele aren’t seeking utilitarianism, so this is of little consequence, as is the 17in wheel diameter being the smallest alloy size on offer (S Line cars wear 18s, while Black Edition wheels are an inch greater still). Not cheap when it comes to replacement rubber.

Not that the Q2 is inexpensive to buy in the first place, with the 30 TFSI costing a smidge over £28,000 in Sport trim, around £30,500 as an S Line and a little north of £35,000 for a Black Edition.

The Black Edition with the 35 TFSI engine and S Tronic gearbox weighs in at £35,500, but bear in mind that that’s before options. Tick a few of those boxes and you’ll soon be over £40,000 and deep into premium-level VED tax territory.

Smaller wheels equal the lowest emissions and the best fuel efficiency of the current range, so stick with Sport versions if that’s a critical purchasing factor.

With WLTP CO2 output at 131g/km and a combined cycle figure of 48.7mpg, the 30 TFSI is the most frugal Q2. However, the 35 TFSI S Tronic in Black Edition guise has figures of 144g/km and 44.8mpg, so isn’t that far behind, despite being the least efficient.

VERDICT

Verdict

Model tested:

Rating: 7

Audi Q2

Cannily sized, credible to drive and pleasant to sit in, the Audi Q2 is still a great pick - but it's showing its age

Good

Dependable handling

First-rate packaging

Lower Q-range price point

Bad

Anodyne identity

Slightly breathless petrol engine

Higher trim level expense

Cannily sized, credible to drive and pleasant to sit in, the Q2 has won plenty of admirers over the years, but its age is starting to count against it.

Most will flock to it for its looks – and it's convenient to grade the car on that basis. If you appreciate  Audi’s time and effort with the modelling clay, we have no significant reason to dissuade you as a would-be buyer.

The Q2 is sufficiently practical, comfortable and economical for it to persuasively fill the driveway of anyone already convinced by the desirability of a premium-branded compact SUV.

Conversely, if, for all its implied heftiness, the Q2 appears no more interesting than a hitched-up hatchback, there’s little here to otherwise convince you of its worthiness.

It drives competently but no more convincingly than the better prospects among its rivals and, like most Audis, it doesn’t necessarily translate firm and forthright into greater involvement.

It isn't unreasonably expensive, yet there are bigger, better-equipped and better-value rivals for the price.

That ought to make it a niche product, but given the number one sees on the road, it’s evidently proved to be an enticing combination.

In terms of wow factor and modernity alone, the Q2 struggle to keep its candle aflame against the latest – and larger – Mini Countryman, while relatively mainstream alternatives such as the Ford Puma and Renault Captur offer greater appeal in more modestly priced packages.

Secure a handsome discount and the Q2 makes more sense, but if not, its talents are unlikely to have enough lustre to tempt you any more.

Keith WR Jones

Title: Contributor

Following a diverse career that included PR-ing Q branch-aping covert surveillance kit and secondary school teaching, Keith followed his automotive passions by launching an award-winning blog in 2011, switching to full-time car journalism with Bauer Media two years later, writing for Parkers as well as CAR Magazine’s print and online guises.

Rapidly rising through the ranks to become the first managing editor of Bauer’s New Car Automotive Hub, he eventually sought a fresh challenge by moving into the automotive data industry, but the lure of a return to journalism eventually proved too strong to resist and he ventured into the world of freelancing in early 2024.

In addition to his contributions to Autocar, Keith’s also written for BuyaCar, Carwow, Classic Car Weekly, the Daily Mail, Diesel&EcoCar, HeyCar, Honest John, MSN Cars, Practical Classics and The Telegraph.

He’s also the go-to guy for many automotive PRs when it comes to researching their brand’s historic model ranges, using his ever-expanding personal archive of car sales ephemera and magazines to determine technical specifications, pricing data and detailed timelines.

Keith graduated first from the University of Lincoln with a BA in Management Studies in 1998, then in 2002 from Sheffield Hallam University with a PGCE in Secondary Education.

Matt Saunders

Title: Road test editor

As Autocar’s chief car tester and reviewer, it’s Matt’s job to ensure the quality, objectivity, relevance and rigour of the entirety of Autocar’s reviews output, as well contributing a great many detailed road tests, group tests and drive reviews himself.

Matt has been an Autocar staffer since the autumn of 2003, and has been lucky enough to work alongside some of the magazine’s best-known writers and contributors over that time. He served as staff writer, features editor, assistant editor and digital editor, before joining the road test desk in 2011.

Since then he’s driven, measured, lap-timed, figured, and reported on cars as varied as the Bugatti Veyron, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Tesla Roadster, Ariel Hipercar, Tata Nano, McLaren Senna, Renault Twizy and Toyota Mirai. Among his wider personal highlights of the job have been covering Sebastien Loeb’s record-breaking run at Pikes Peak in 2013; doing 190mph on derestricted German autobahn in a Brabus Rocket; and driving McLaren’s legendary ‘XP5’ F1 prototype. His own car is a trusty Mazda CX-5.