Audi Q2 2016 Review

Audi Q2
International Launch Review
Zurich, Switzerland

Audi has launched the smallest of its ‘Q’ family of SUVs this week, the Q2 bringing an all-new look and premium technology to a popular – and still-growing – segment. Offered in Europe with myriad engine and driveline choices, personalisable features and the expected levels of driver assistance equipment, the Q2 miniaturises much of the premium feel of Audi’s flagship Q7 in an urban-focussed, and youthfully styled five-seat package. Due to go on sale locally from early 2017, the Q2 is expected to be priced from just under $40,000.

Audi has once more grown its 'Q' family of SUVs with the all-new Q2. The sub-compact model made its debut at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, and has this week been sampled on the roads of Switzerland at the hands of the world's motoring media.

Outwardly, the Q2's distinctively geometric form language hints at a new direction for the four-ringed brand. Penned by Marc Lichte and his team, the edgy yet robust look begins with a high-set single-frame octagonal grille and follows a square-cut profile and raked roofline that merges through the thick C-pillar and its contrasting 'blades', similar to those seen on the first-gen R8. The rear-end's diffuser and roofline spoiler end sharply, exaggerating the compact model's stout proportions.

As its nomenclature suggests, the smaller Q2 sits beneath the Q3 in Audi's portfolio. The city-focused model measures just 4.19m long with a 2.60m wheelbase (shared with the three-door A3), 195mm and 3mm shorter respectively than its larger SUV sibling. It sits 1.51m high and is 1.79m across the gunnels; perfect for squeezing into tight inner-city parking spots.

That tiny body isn't necessarily reflective of the Q2's innards. The passenger compartment reveals taut, upright surfaces that exaggerate the feeling of inner space. Wide-opening doors allow easy entry and exit while seating is best thought of as comfortable for four adults, with slightly limited rear-seat head and legroom. The rear centre seat is best reserved for smaller children.

Clever storage cubbies are tucked here and there while up back the cargo area's low floor (740mm) offers easy loading for up to 405 litres of luggage. Cargo space can be further extended by way of split-fold rear seats to 1050 litres. A powered tailgate is available optionally. Depending on grade, the Q2 can tow up to 1800kg (braked).

Pleasingly, and in spite of its diminutive size, the Q2 loses little of the functionality, design or technology of Audi's larger SUVs. Generous levels of premium equipment are available across the range, including Audi's renowned Wi-Fi enabled MMI infotainment array. Head-up display is available on certain models, as is Audi's virtual cockpit instrument panel, which measures 12.3 inches.

In selected models, and likely available as standard in Australia, the driver-focussed infotainment array also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker / 705-watt audio system is available optionally. All models also include Audi Phone Box, an open compartment set in the console bin with an in-built near-field coupling to wirelessly connect your smartphone to the car's antenna.

Safety technologies extend to driver assistance systems also found in the new Audi Q7 and A4. These include Stop & Go radar-based cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, lane assist and departure warning, auto parking assistant and rear cross-traffic alert. All model grades include a reversing camera.

For the European market Audi will launch the Q2 with a choice of three petrol (TFSI) and three diesel (TDI) engines. The selection ranges in capacity from 1.0 to 2.0 litres offering outputs between 85 and 140kW. Locally, a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel will be offered.

For the TFSI range we find a choice of front-wheel drive 1.0-litre three-cylinder (85kW/200Nm), 1.4-litre four-cylinder (110kW/250Nm) with cylinder-on-demand technology, and 2.0-litre four-cylinder (140kW/320Nm) in conjunction with quattro (permanent all-wheel drive). Fuel economy is yet to be rated, except for the 1.4-litre TFSI which is listed at 5.2L/100km.

The all four-cylinder TDI range starts with a front-wheel drive 1.6-litre unit (85kW/250Nm) and is topped by a pair of 2.0-litre mills developing 110kW/340Nm in front-wheel drive guise and 140kW/400Nm with quattro.

Models with more than 110kW are distinguished outwardly by twin exhaust outlets. The fastest 2.0 TFSI quattro model hits 100km/h in 6.8sec. All models achieve Euro6 emission regulation compliance.

Audi offers a six-speed manual or dry clutch seven-speed S tronic (dual-clutch transmission) on all variants excluding the 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI, which are offered exclusively with a newly developed wet clutch seven-speed S tronic offering wider gear ratios and even better efficiency, Audi says. All models include idle-stop technology.

Based on Volkswagen's MQB architecture, the lightweight chassis (from 1205kg) is suspended by a strut (front) / multi-link (rear) suspension arrangement on quattro models with a trailing arm (rear) set-up on front-drive variants. All are supported by variable-speed electric steering and Audi's optional five-mode drive select system (in conjunction with adaptive damping). The braking is all disc measuring 312mm (front) and 272mm (rear) and the park brake is electromechanical.

The Q2's switchable traction and stability control system is offered with an off-road mode (and 145mm ground clearance), while separate sport suspension lowers the ride height by 10mm. Audi offers the Q2 with a choice of steel or alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches diameter. A repair kit and tyre pressure monitor is fitted as standard with a spare wheel available optionally.

Off-road and S line exterior style packages are available, as are a range of carbon-fibre trim elements, 12 body colours, interior inlays and cloth and leather seat upholstery choices. Range-topping models are also offered with a 10-colour interior LED lighting package and LED head and tail-lights. Audi has yet to finalise the specification of its local Q2 range, which is set to go on sale Down Under from early next year.

On road the Q2 has lost none of the character of its larger siblings. It feels secure, the broad footprint providing plenty of stability at highway speeds, and delivers sure-footed cornering through challenging corners. The suspension offers a decent ride, too. However, we note that the smooth Swiss roads may mask a little firmness, with rare pockmarks transmitting sharply on those models fitted with larger-diameter wheels.

The steering is a little light-on for feedback, but is otherwise crisp and responsive. Combined with the Q2's smaller size it makes for a nippy response in city traffic, again backed by a supportive chassis to encourage driver confidence. We found it difficult to upset the Q2's balance, the grip offered in both front and quattro models unflinching, even in the wet conditions encountered on launch.

Sampling those variants expected for Australian delivery, we note a slight difference in performance and refinement between the petrol (1.4 TFSI) and diesel (2.0 TDI). Where the TFSI variant is quick, cultured and smooth the TDI is a little gruff, its gearshift and step-off lag more pronounced. The diesel is also noisier under acceleration, spoiling what is otherwise an impressively quiet ride.

Audi says its newest SUV will attract a younger audience, bringing many first-time buyers to the brand. It's a vehicle we think has the potential to draw hatch and larger SUV buyers alike, the right-sized model ideal for singles, couples and young families alike. It's expected Audi will announce pricing of the Q2 range locally towards the end of this year, with sales set to commence in the first part of 2017.

2016 Audi Q2 pricing and specifications:
Price: $39,900 (expected, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.2L/100km (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 119g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA

Also consider:
>> Audi Q3 (from $42,900 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (from $42,900 plus ORCs)
>> MINI Countryman (from $34,150 plus ORCs)

Q2 trivia: The polygonal styling cues of the Q2 might seem new and exciting, but take a closer look at the hexagonal recess between the front and rear wheel arches. Running along the shoulder line of the front and rear doors, the indent is said to exaggerate the wheel arches and track of the Q2, an idea designer Marc Lichte says was inspired by his 1985 Ur-Quattro.