The trade-off for this is that the Q2 drives much like a normal hatchback. That means there’s little body lean when cornering and the steering responds quickly and accurately to your inputs, albeit with precious little feel or feedback. If you want to tinker with the way the Q2 drives, Audi’s optional Drive Select system allows you to change how sensitive the steering, and gearbox are, as well as how firm the suspension is, depending on whether you feel like a sporty or comfortable driving experience. The Q2 feels generally sharper than its Volkswagen T-Roc rival from behind the wheel, and is more enjoyable to drive then either the Peugeot 2008 or Renault Captur. But this sporty nature comes at the expense of a slightly firmer, less comfortable ride. It’s easy to manoeuvre around town, yet – despite its diminutive size – can more than hold its own in motorway traffic.
The six-speed manual gearbox is decent enough, but the excellent S tronic automatic suits the Q2 well, changing gear with little fuss. Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive system, meanwhile, is available with the 2.0-litre diesel and petrol engines. Four-wheel drive is worth considering if you think you’ll need extra grip but it makes the Q2 more expensive, and the extra weight and mechanical complexity it brings causes a slight drop in economy.
S line models are the sportiest in the Q2 range. They come as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, remodelled bumpers and side skirts and matt grey exterior trim. Inside, you’ll find the same seven-inch infotainment screen with sat nav as Sport models, part-leather sports seats with embossed S logos, brushed aluminium trim, stainless steel pedals and a new, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Audi Q2 Specifications:
▪ Length/width/height/wheelbase – 4,208/1,794/1,537/2,601 mm
▪ Kerb weight – 1,280-1,570 kg
▪ Cargo volume – 355-405 litre
35 TFSI
▪ Engine – 1.5-litre (1,498 cc), 4-cylinder in-line, turbo petrol
▪ Max output – 150 PS (110 kW) at 5,000-6,000 rpm
▪ Max torque – 250 Nm at 1,500-3,500 rpm
▪ Transmission – 6-speed manual/7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic); FWD
▪ 0-100 km/h – 8.6 seconds
▪ Top speed – 218 km/h
▪ Fuel consumption (S tronic) – 5.1-5.4 (5.1-5.3) l/100km combined
35 TDI quattro
▪ Engine – 2.0-litre (1,968 cc), 4-cylinder in-line, turbo diesel
▪ Max output – 150 PS (110 kW) at 3,000-4,200 rpm
▪ Max torque – 360 Nm at 1,600-2,750 rpm
▪ Transmission – 7-speed dual-clutch, AWD
▪ 0-100 km/h – 8.2 seconds
▪ Top speed – 211 km/h
▪ Fuel consumption – 4.6-4.8 l/100km combined
30 TFSI
▪ Engine – 1.0-litre (999 cc), 3-cylinder in-line, turbo petrol
▪ Max output – 116 PS (85 kW) at 5,000 rpm
▪ Max torque – 200 Nm at 2,000 rpm
▪ Transmission – 6-speed manual/7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic); FWD
▪ 0-100 km/h (S tronic) – 10.1 (10.3) seconds
▪ Top speed – 197 km/h
▪ Fuel consumption – 5.3 l/100km combined
▪ Exterior colour – Arrow Gray
▪ Footage location – Frankfurt, Germany
