Auto-biographies
by Tim Barnes-Clay Motoring Writer at
www.carwriteups.co.uk
All-New Audi Q2
First impressions when approaching the new Audi Q2 are good. Like all Audis, it manages to stand out, even if it doesn’t try anything spectacular design- wise. In the more daring ‘Vegas Yellow’, it makes quite a visual impact though, and is unmistakeably Audi in appearance. The large grill and muscular body are complimented by a sloping roof line and contrast C-pillar which – in S-Line trim at least – is nicely off set in metallic silver. Sadly, on the smallest alloy wheels it looks puny, so bigger is better there.
The interior is more of the same, being almost identical to that which you’d fi nd in the A3 hatchback. That’s no bad thing though, as Audi makes some of the most pleasant interior spaces on the market today, and feels decidedly upmarket if it’s kitted out with a range of technology options, such as the virtual cockpit.
We tested the Audi Q2 in 150PS 1.4-litre petrol guise. It provides plenty enough power for all types of road, being capable of overtaking on motorways and A-roads, yet remaining suitably quiet when pottering through towns and villages. If your annual mileage is quite low, this is a fi ne engine to go for, as you’re unlikely to need anything more than this. While the engine is quiet, the S-Tronic automatic gearbox is a little jumpy at low speeds, and tends to put too much torque through the wheels when trying to move off . This results in some minor wheel- spin. The S-Tronic unit has never quite been up to the high level of BMW’s eight-speed unit, but it is far from a bad gearbox, and, when up to speed, works quickly and seamlessly.
Our petrol test car was the S-Line, fi tted with sports suspension and larger alloy wheels, and we found it to be slightly too fi rm for our liking. Being a ‘Q’, you get into it expecting a smooth ride, but you get something more like a fi rm hatchback than a compact SUV. We suspect Audi’s excellent seating helps off set this a little. If the trade-off was entertaining cornering and impressive dynamics, we’d be content, but it isn’t exactly fun to drive either. The steering is rather numb and it doesn’t feel particularly settled going quicker around corners, though it doesn’t feel out of its comfort zone either.
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Audi was keen to point out that it doesn’t skimp on technology with the new Q2; it uses the same tech in the fresh compact SUV as it does in its higher- end products, like the TT sports car or Q7 SUV. The stunning virtual cockpit is an option once again, and you can also get such goodies, such as adaptive cruise control, heated seats, a power operated boot, and Audi’s parking assistance system. The problem is, almost these luxuries cost extra. Audi has made a big deal about the new Q2 starting at under £20,000, yet it also points out that it expects only 10 per cent of people to buy the lowest ‘SE’ trim level. The petrol model we tested came in at £5 over £34,000, and, even for a test car, that’s an astonishing amount of money.
Look to spend between £25,000 and £30,000 and you’re probably on the right track with the new Audi Q2. It’s a high-quality product and looks great, but it doesn’t inspire us to spend more on it than a normal Audi A3, and the Q3 SUV isn’t far off price-wise. It doesn’t matter one bit what we think, because wealthy people love something a little bit diff erent with a respected badge on its nose. It might not be perfect, but it will sell, and sell well. The new Q2 is going to be another Audi success.
Pros ‘n’ Cons • Stylish √ • Upmarket √ • Quiet √ • Tech √ • Pricey X
Fast Facts (S line 1.4 TFSI CoD tronic) • Max speed: 132 mph • 0-62 mph: 8.5 secs • Combined mpg: 52.3 • Engine layout: 1395cc 4-cylinder turbo petrol • Max. power (PS): 150 • CO2: 123 g/km • Price: £27,730
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