Audi’s cheapest SUV tested

We find out what it is all about.VALUEThis is Audi’s entry point to luxury SUV ownership. The brand has thrown its weight behind high-riding crossovers. There are six sizes, even more body styles and a broad range of petrol, diesel and electric options.It all starts with the compact Q2 priced from about $49,000 drive-away.The mid-grade Audi Q2 40 TFSI quattro tested here costs $50,600 plus on-roads (about $57,000 drive-away), adding a more powerful engine with all-wheel-drive to the mix.Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a powered tailgate, wireless phone charging and a remote-controlled infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Most customers will dip into the options list, choosing extras such as metallic paint ($1195) and a $2950 premium package adding a digital dash, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, heated seats, 10-speaker stereo and more.While five-year warranties are the new standard for cars, Audi persists with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. A five-year service plan costs $2320.COMFORTOur test car had supportive heated sports seats and a sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles that contributed to impressive ergonomics. There’s a decent amount of room in the front, but back-seat space is tight and the boot is average for cars this size.Audi’s decision to shun touchscreen functionality in favour of a spinning rotary controller frustrates at first, but soon becomes second nature. The customisable (but again, optional) “virtual cockpit” is a winner, allowing drivers to see exactly what they want on the digital dash, and dual-zone climate control helps passengers keep their cool.SAFETYThe Q2 comes with Audi’s auto emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.You have to pay extra for lane keeping assistance and active cruise control (part of the $2950 premium pack), which is disappointing as you’ll find them as standard kit on far less posh models ranging from the Toyota Corolla to Isuzu D-Max.DRIVINGHere’s where the Q2 shines. While the standard model has a 1.5-litre, 110kW/250Nm engine, this sportier model is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo motor found in the VW Golf GTI, Audi TT sports car and Porsche Macan. Paired with a snappy seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, it’s a great engine with punchy responses and decent fuel economy.Tuned to make 140kW and 320Nm, it dashes to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds thanks in part to quattro all-wheel-drive. It combines effortless power with impressive traction and a quick-witted gearbox. Quick steering and taut suspension makes it fun to hustle around town, though the ride can feel a little bumpy at times.VERDICT 3.5/5The Q2 is a good thing, but it’s a bit dear for our tastes, particularly when you need to pay more for modern essentials.ALTERNATIVESVolvo XC40, from about $53,000 drive-awayThe smallest Swede is a cracker, from its too-cute styling to clever use of sustainable materials. There’s even an electric option with huge power.BMW X2, from about $55,000 drive-awayIntended for folks who think traditional BMWs are a bit stuffy, the youth-focused X2 prioritises presentation over the brand’s usual poise.VW T-Roc 140TSI, from about $47,000 drive-awayWhat is the Audi badge worth to you? The similar-sized, mechanically identical and better-equipped VW is $10,000 cheaper.AUDI Q2 40 TFSI QUATTRO VITALSPrice: About $57,000 drive-awayEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 140kW/320NmWarranty/servicing: 3-yr/u’ltd km, $2320 for 5 yrsSafety: 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, forward collision alert, blind-spot warningThirst: 7.0L/100kmCargo: 405 litresSpare: Repair kit

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December 04, 2021 at 11:30PM
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We find out what it is all about.VALUEThis is Audi’s entry point to luxury SUV ownership. The brand has thrown its weight behind high-riding crossovers. There are six sizes, even more body styles and a broad range of petrol, diesel and electric options.It all starts with the compact Q2 priced from about $49,000 drive-away.The mid-grade Audi Q2 40 TFSI quattro tested here costs $50,600 plus on-roads (about $57,000 drive-away), adding a more powerful engine with all-wheel-drive to the mix.Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a powered tailgate, wireless phone charging and a remote-controlled infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Most customers will dip into the options list, choosing extras such as metallic paint ($1195) and a $2950 premium package adding a digital dash, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, heated seats, 10-speaker stereo and more.While five-year warranties are the new standard for cars, Audi persists with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. A five-year service plan costs $2320.COMFORTOur test car had supportive heated sports seats and a sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles that contributed to impressive ergonomics. There’s a decent amount of room in the front, but back-seat space is tight and the boot is average for cars this size.Audi’s decision to shun touchscreen functionality in favour of a spinning rotary controller frustrates at first, but soon becomes second nature. The customisable (but again, optional) “virtual cockpit” is a winner, allowing drivers to see exactly what they want on the digital dash, and dual-zone climate control helps passengers keep their cool.SAFETYThe Q2 comes with Audi’s auto emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.You have to pay extra for lane keeping assistance and active cruise control (part of the $2950 premium pack), which is disappointing as you’ll find them as standard kit on far less posh models ranging from the Toyota Corolla to Isuzu D-Max.DRIVINGHere’s where the Q2 shines. While the standard model has a 1.5-litre, 110kW/250Nm engine, this sportier model is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo motor found in the VW Golf GTI, Audi TT sports car and Porsche Macan. Paired with a snappy seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, it’s a great engine with punchy responses and decent fuel economy.Tuned to make 140kW and 320Nm, it dashes to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds thanks in part to quattro all-wheel-drive. It combines effortless power with impressive traction and a quick-witted gearbox. Quick steering and taut suspension makes it fun to hustle around town, though the ride can feel a little bumpy at times.VERDICT 3.5/5The Q2 is a good thing, but it’s a bit dear for our tastes, particularly when you need to pay more for modern essentials.ALTERNATIVESVolvo XC40, from about $53,000 drive-awayThe smallest Swede is a cracker, from its too-cute styling to clever use of sustainable materials. There’s even an electric option with huge power.BMW X2, from about $55,000 drive-awayIntended for folks who think traditional BMWs are a bit stuffy, the youth-focused X2 prioritises presentation over the brand’s usual poise.VW T-Roc 140TSI, from about $47,000 drive-awayWhat is the Audi badge worth to you? The similar-sized, mechanically identical and better-equipped VW is $10,000 cheaper.AUDI Q2 40 TFSI QUATTRO VITALSPrice: About $57,000 drive-awayEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 140kW/320NmWarranty/servicing: 3-yr/u’ltd km, $2320 for 5 yrsSafety: 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, forward collision alert, blind-spot warningThirst: 7.0L/100kmCargo: 405 litresSpare: Repair kit