Audi Q2,Small smart SUV
SUPERMINI-SIZED SUVs are nothing new. The Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Mini Countryman all offer cute looks, compact dimensions and a slightly jacked-up driving position for comfortably less than £20,000. If you want a premium badge your smallest option is currently the Audi Q3, however, and that’s neither dinky nor cheap, with even the entry-level version costing £26,150. The Audi Q2 is designed to plug that gap. It’s roughly the same size as a Captur, and will undercut the Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA by around £6000 when it goes on sale this November. Audi is still putting the finishing touches to the Q2, so we’ve driven the ‘99% finished’ article in 148bhp 1.4-litre petrol form. It’s expected to be one of the best-selling versions along with the entry-level, 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Other engines will include a 1.0-litre petrol, a 1.6 diesel and a range-topping 188bhp 2.0 diesel.The cheapest engines have front-wheel drive only, whereas four-wheel drive is optional on the 148bhp engines and standard on the range-toppers.
Solid performer The Q2 is based on the same underpinnings as Audi’s A3 hatchback, so it’s hardly surprising that both cars are fairly similar to drive There are key differences, though. All Q2 versions have Audi’s Progressive Steering, which becomes quicker the more you turn the wheel. This makes threading the small SUV through narrow back streets less of a chore. This may not be ideal for more spirited driving on faster roads, but, since our test route around the Cuban capital of Havana was in strict convoy led by a police escort, we were rarely able to get much above 40mph. However, in tight, low-speed corners, the Q2 stays remarkably upright by small SUV standards.
Ride quality isn’t so praiseworthy. Although Havana’s neglected roads make Britain’s seem fastidiously maintained, the Q2 jostles you around more than a Nissan Qashqai. Ride comfort is even worse for rear seat passengers. We tried the Q2’s optional adaptive suspension, which lets you flick between softer and firmer
modes depending on the type of driving you’re doing. In Comfort mode, you’ll notice fewer bumps than you will with the standard suspension. However, the adaptive set-up doesn’t do such a good job of dealing with nasty potholes, which send jolts through the car. The turbocharged 1.4-litre engine has plenty of pull from low revs,although you do need to pile them on to get the best out of it. It’s smooth and hushed most of the time, only sounding a little strained above about 4500rpm. We’d expect similar fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures to those of the equivalent A3 Sportback (around 60mpg and 110g/km).
Plushest of them all Inside, the Q2’s close relationship with the Audi A3 hatchback is blindingly obvious. The cars have virtually identical dashboards, with similarly high-quality materials. Look a little closer in the Q2 and you’ll notice one or two minor differences, such as more angular surfaces and, lower down, some harder plastics. The latter was partly due to our test car being a prototype, but also because Audi reckons an SUV should feel slightly more rugged. Even so, the Q2 has a seriously plush interior compared with other small SUVs. The high driving position is excellent, and the sports seats – standard on Sport and S line trims – are both comfortable and suitably figure hugging. Audi’s optional 12.3in LCD Virtual Cockpit display is worth considering because it places useful information, such as the sat-nav, closer to your line of sight. There are larger cars in this sector, but the Q2 is hardly cramped inside. There’s loads of rear head room, and boot space is marginally better than that of an A3 Sportback. Of the three trim levels on offer – SE, Sport and S line – Audi reckons more than half of buyers will plump for Sport. For a £1550 premium over SE, it offers automatic lights and wipers, sat-nav and cruise control.
More than a fashion item A pint-sized SUV with a plush badge is almost guaranteed to fly out of showrooms, and we fully expect the Q2 to do just that when it arrives in the autumn. It’s good to drive, swanky inside and even pretty practical. It also looks well priced, especially when you take into account Audi’s strong resale values. The thing that may put you off the Q2 is the firm ride. It certainly isn’t horrendously firm or crashy, but if you’re looking for a really comfortable family SUV, there are better options for you to choose from. It’s also worth remembering that, if practicality is a priority, the Qashqai has the edge. It will end up costing you less, too, especially after you’ve factored in any discounts.
*** Verdict-Ride quality niggles aside, Audi’s new baby is an impressive thing