The Audi Q2

Just days ago, we focussed our metaphorical magnifying glass on Audi’s monstrous SQ7 – its largest and most powerful SUV to date. Now, we’re sliding to the other end of the scale to pour over Audi’s daintiest SUV – the Q2 crossover SUV – which is set to ignite Audi’s order books for the foreseeable future.

Audi is one of the most desirable badges around. It is premium enough for people to aspire to but still affordable for a lot of people to actually attain a model from its line-up.

By slapping the four-ring badge on a compact SUV – a variant which is very much in vogue right now, thanks to the phenomenally popular Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Mokka – the Vorsprung durch Technik brand has effectively given itself a licence to print money.

Engines have been pilfered from across the Volkswagen Group, with the Q2’s launch range comprising one petrol and one diesel unit.

The 1.4-litre 148bhp TFSI petrol (lifted from VW’s Tiguan) can race up to 62mph from a standstill in just 8.5 seconds with a 131mph top speed, whilst returning 54.3mpg when driven more kindly with CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

The 1.6-litre 113bhp TDI diesel (previously seen in Seat’s Leon) isn’t as nippy, hitting 62mph in 10.3 seconds with a 112mph top speed, but it’s cheaper to run, boasting a 64.2mpg combined cycle and a 114g/km carbon output.

We doubt those numbers set anyone’s pulse racing, but planting the Q2 with an all-wheel drive two-litre 148bhp turbodiesel (available to order from September) should spice things up a tad ahead of the inevitable horsepower-laden SQ2, which has already been spotted testing at the Nürburgring.

The Q2 will initially be available with three trim levels – SE, Sport, S line – but a range-topping Edition #1, priced from £31,170, will lend the Q2 even more desirability and exclusivity.

This fully-loaded model aims to make a visual impact with its 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, unique Quantum grey finish and contrasting Manhattan grey lower body sections.

The interior keeps the ball rolling with sports seats up front – lined with Fine Nappa leather and amaretto brown contrast stripes – and illuminated inlays, which can be lit in ten colours running across the dashboard and knee insert trim. The interior looks slightly different dpening which shade you choose though!

All this comes in addition to the equipment thrown as standard, including cruise control, light and rain sensors, bluetooth stereo with smartphone interface, and LED headlights (halogen on SE and Sport models).

You can configure and order your Q2 right now on Audi’s website with prices starting from £22,380, but you won’t get the keys until November at the earliest.

Like What You’ve Read?

For more articles like this, receive our weekly e-newsletter, including partner deals and all things motoring, register your email below.

Please note: You cannot subscribe to Smart-Motoring unless you put a tick in the checkbox below to indicate have read and agreed to our privacy policy.