Audi Q2 Review 2024

When the Audi Q2 first arrived way back in 2016 many people questioned why it was needed. After all, Audi already had the small SUV sector all sewn up with the Q3. But several years on from launch, as we revisit it in this review, it makes more sense than ever given the vast number of similarly-sized, raised-up models proving immensely popular with buyers. 

The Q2 has everything we've come to expect from an Audi. It's comfortable, quiet, extremely well-made and available with a decent amount of technology. But its pricing looks steep next to non-premium small SUVs such as the Ford Puma and Volkswagen T-Roc - so you’ll have to really want that Audi badge to justify one.

The Q2 is an older design now, being loosely based on the previous-generation A3. That means it's smaller than you might expect, being substantially shorter than the current A3 and more similar in size to supermini-based SUVs. There was a facelift in 2020, but it's very light, mainly focused on raising the standard kit level. 

Inside, the Q2 is typical Audi, albeit from around five years ago. The dashboard is very classily and clearly arranged, with intuitive controls and a high quality feel, plus there are some stylish touches like illuminated inlays and posh-feeling air vents. Rear legroom is tight so taller adults might struggle get comfortable, though children will be fine.

There are no complaints when it comes to the boot, though. At 405 litres it’s bigger than you might expect, so there’s plenty of space for shopping, holidays or pushchairs, and more than you'll find in many A3-sized hatchbacks. 

On the road the Q2 drives in typical Audi style – with no drama and lots of competence. The handling is neat and manageable through bends, while the suspension treads the line between sporty firmness and comfort well, albeit with the occasional thump over a pothole if you go for higher spec models with larger wheels. 

The engine range includes a 1.0 TFSI petrol that is ideal in town, but the 1.4 TFSI feels more in keeping with the upmarket approach, especially if you're going to be using your Q2 with a full complement of passengers on board. There is also a 1.6 TDI and a 2.0 TDI but all are cheap to run, with competitive emissions and fuel economy.

Standard equipment includes some useful features, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and LED headlights. Earlier versions didn't come with cruise control as standard, but opt for a 2020-on models and there's a more comprehensive kit tally. 

There are larger crossovers like the SEAT Ateca or Nissan Qashqai on offer for a similar amount of money as the Audi Q2 - and they will represent better value for many buyers. But if you don’t mind spending a pretty penny then the Audi Q2 is a more upmarket and desirable alternative to compact SUV options like the Nissan Juke or Peugeot 2008.

We lived with a Q2 for six months - find out how we got on with it in our long-term test of the Audi Q2. Why not get a second opinion with heycar's Audi Q2 review.

The Audi Q2 isn't particularly tall for an SUV - even a small one - and that lower centre of gravity shows up as soon as you take it for a drive. 

It's got slightly firmer suspension than cars such as the Volkswagen T-Roc, which results in a car that feels keener to change direction and more agile. Body roll is limited, grip is plentiful even on front-wheel drive models, and the steering is pretty precise.

All Q2s come with progressive steering which makes the steering quick and light in town driving and more stable out of it. Overall, a Ford Puma is a more fun-to-drive proposition, but the Q2 beats most of its similarly priced rivals for driver appeal, including the Countryman.

There is a trade-off, though - the ride is a bit less settled than in some rivals. It's not uncomfortable or jarring, but at lower speeds you do find it thumps about a bit over rough roads. Avoid the largest wheel options to improve the ride in this respect. It's a shame, too, that adaptive suspension is not standard on most models and top-spec trims automatically come with firmer sports suspension. 

As of 2022 the only engines available to order on the Audi Q2 are petrols. Things kick off with the 30 TFSI, which is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit putting out 110PS.

That sounds pretty meek, but because it's turbocharged there's a useful spread of torque to help it feel pretty punchy. It'll be perfectly adequate for most needs in performance terms and is also pretty refined, but load it up with people and luggage and it'll start to struggle. 

That's where the 35 TFSI comes in. And no, we still don't understand Audi's engine naming strategy, because this engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo with 150PS. It's much more flexible and easier at dealing with heavy loads, while refinement is excellent. There's not really any fuel economy deficit, either. 

Used Audi Q2s can be had with a 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine. You won't be fooled into thinking it's a petrol when you start it up, but look past the noise and it's a strong engine with excellent fuel economy. There was also a more powerful 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit available for a while. 

Euro NCAP gave the Audi Q2 the maximum five star safety rating when it was crash tested. It's important to note that this test was done back in 2016, and it's unlikely the Q2 would get the same score today due to its relatively modest active safety kit list. 

Automatic emergency braking is standard, as are three Isofix points and six airbags. But you need to pay extra for blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert on most trims, and lane keeping assistance isn't standard either. 

The braked towing capacity for the Audi Q2 ranges from 1500kg for the 1.0-litre petrol to 1800kg for the now defunct diesel. The Q2's kerbweight is pretty low whatever the engine, so it's not an especially good tow car. We'd only recommend towing small caravans or trailers with it. 

The Audi Q2 is the brand's smallest SUV, and that's pretty evident when you step inside. 

Sure, there won't be any complaints from those in the front: there's enough room for even taller passengers or drivers, and plenty of adjustment in the position. There's also plenty of storage including large door bins, a couple of cupholders and a decent-sized glovebox. 

What there isn't is a lot of space in the back. Headroom is okay, but six footers don't have overly generous legroom. It's roughly on a par with something like a Peugeot 2008 size-wise, but rivals like the Mini Countryman offer much more generous rear space. At least the windows are fairly tall to reduce any feeling of claustrophobia. 

By contrast the boot is actually a very good size. At 405-litres, there's plenty of room for family detritus, and it's actually larger in capacity terms than the Audi A3 despite being smaller in size. It's worth noting that only front-wheel drive cars have a height adjustable boot floor - four-wheel drive models have a slightly smaller boot as a result. 

In terms of exterior dimensions the Audi Q2 is pretty compact, being smaller than the majority of family hatchbacks. It's 4205mm long, 1794mm wide and 1508mm tall.

Audi has a long-standing reputation for high quality interiors, and despite the Q2 being an older model it's a very slick and upmarket cabin. 

In fact, some may argue that later Audis have taken a bit of a backward step in terms of material quality and finish since then, with the latest cabins seeming to feature harder plastics and a rather inelegant design. By contrast, the Q2's minimalist dashboard, classy air vents and general solidity still seem impressive to this day. 

A particular highlight is the rotary climate control switches and air vents, which have a satisfying click with their movement. Top-spec models also get more ambient lighting touches to boost the posh ambience further.

Every Audi Q2 comes with an 8.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you'll need Sport trim and above for sat-nav, a WiFi hotspot and live traffic data and map updates (free for five years). 

It gives away the Q2's older design because it isn't a touchscreen, and can only be controlled by a rotary controller down by the gearlever. Sometimes the old ways are the best, though, as the the controller along with physical shortcut buttons makes it a doddle to operate on the move. It's a brilliant system, and is actually easier to use than the touchscreens in newer Audis - although it doesn't have the slickest graphics. 

It's a shame, though, that you only get wireless smartphone charging on the top-end trim. 

As of 2022 the Audi Q2 starts at £25,655 for the entry level 30 TFSI Technik manual model. That's over £3,000 more than a VW T-Roc, and a good chunk more than the more practical Mini Countryman. 

It's not cheap, then, and you can spend over £34,000 if you plump for the biggest engine and highest spec. But good residual values mean leasing deals should be pretty competitive, while we'd expect some sort of discount given the Q2 is now a six year-old design and isn't likely to be around for too much longer (Audi has confirmed it won't be replacing it, either). 

There's only two engine options left in the Q2 range as of 2022, and both are available with either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or (for an additional £1,500 or so) a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. 

If you want the ultimate fuel economy champion, you'll need to look to the used market for one of the diesels as they are no longer available to order new. 

Having said that, the entry-level three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI petrol officially returns almost 50mpg. Expect mid-fourties in real-world driving, although the four-cylinder 1.5 is most as efficient on paper thanks to cylinder deactivation tech, which shuts down two of the cylinders under very light throttle loads. Officially it'll do up to 47.9mpg combined. 

It's a good job the Audi Q2 will prove cheap to run, given it isn't exactly cheap to buy. Granted, insurance isn't quite as cheap as something like a Nissan Juke, but it was never going to be, and starting in group 14 isn't too bad.

What's more, you'd have to be very committed with ticking the options boxes to push a Q2 above the £40,000 list price threshold, which would incur a chunky premium in road tax. 

The entry-level Audi Q2 Technik comes with kit such as 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air-con, LED headlights, auto dimming mirrors all-round, an electric tailgate, cruise control and electric lumbar support in the front seats. It also gets an 8.3-inch multimedia screen with smartphone connectivity and the ability to retrofit sat-nav. 

Step up to the Audi Q2 Sport and you'll get kit such as 17-inch alloys, the MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system with Audi Connect remote services and a WiFi hotspot, Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital dials, a drive select function and sports seats in the front. 

The Audi Q2 S-Line introduces a further number of styling enhancements including 18-inch alloy wheels, exterior styling packs, a unique S-Line sports steering wheel, black headlining, stainless steel pedals, part leather trim, the LED interior lighting pack and aluminium cabin inlays.

Topping the range is the Audi Q2 Black Edition, which introduces black exterior detailing, diamond cut gloss black 19-inch alloys and privacy glass.