Audi Q2 2021 Review

The mid-life update of the Audi Q2 premium small SUV is now entering showrooms.

Audi’s number-five seller in Australia in 2020, the Q2 first launched here in 2017 in two turbo-petrol and one turbo-diesel variant priced from $41,100 to $48,500 plus on-road costs.

The diesel was ditched in 2019 and for this update the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine in the entry-level front-wheel drive ‘35’ has been replaced by a 1.5.

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol all-wheel drive ‘40’ model continues with specification rather than technical updates.

Pricing for the 2021 Audi Q2 35 TFSI is now set at $42,900 plus ORCs, and $49,900 for the Audi Q2 40 TFSI quattro S line. This compares to $41,950 for the pre-facelift 35 and $49,400 for the previous 40.

This pricing sits Q2 underneath its most obvious rivals, the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. But down in this part of the market there’s some terrific mainstream alternatives like the Mazda CX-30. And Toyota C-HR. Check this comparo out where we explored the mainstream versus premium debate.

So what’s new for Q2? Apart from the engine, which we’ll examine later, the 35 moves from 17- to 18-inch alloys, a new smart key, heated exterior mirrors, ambient interior lighting and a higher-grade navigation system with a larger 8.3-inch screen and touch-control MMI rotary dial.

The 40 exclusively adds S line exterior touches, 18-inch alloys, the ability to change drivetrain tune via Audi drive select, and aluminium door sills with illuminated S emblem.

Both Q2s get a larger grille as the primary design makeover with different faces. Inside, there’s a new gear lever.

A style package that includes 19-inch alloys, Matrix LED headlights and Audi’s configurable virtual cockpit (among other things) adds $3490 to the 35 and $2690 to the 40.

A Premium package adds some key safety features (see below) as well as Audi virtual cockpit, heated front seats and a 10-speaker sound system (among other things) for $3050 for the 35 and $2940 for the 40.

Carryover equipment shared by both Q2 models includes a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, LED headlights, cruise control, ‘leather-appointed’ upholstery, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight-speaker audio, Bluetooth and a digital radio.

Only the 40 gets a power tailgate, sports front seats, an auto-dimming interior mirror and steering wheel paddle shifters.

There is no power assistance for the front seats and no spare tyre in either car; instead they come with a tyre pressure indicator and goop. Metallic and pearl paints are an $1195 option.

The Q2s are covered by a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, although two more years and up to 150,000km can be added at extra cost. A five-year service plan is offered for $2280.

Both models in the 2021 Audi Q2 range come with six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and a five-star ANCAP crash rating, albeit based on a now-outdated 2016 standard.

The AEB system has pedestrian and cyclist detection. Other driver assist systems include cruise control with a speed limiter, lane change warning (new for the 35), front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and light and rain sensors.

If you want adaptive cruise, active lane assist, park assist and hold assist, then sadly that’s all rolled into the Premium package.

The Audi Q2 is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture, like almost all other small to moderately sized front- and all-wheel drive Audi, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen models.

The 35’s new 1.5-litre direct-injection 16-valve DOHC EA211 engine makes 110kW at 5000-6000rpm and 250Nm at 1500-3500rpm.

Audi claims it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.6sec using 95 RON fuel and has a combined fuel consumption claim of 5.2L/100km with the assistance of cylinder-on-demand tech that can deactivate two cylinders to save fuel.

Just for comparison purposes, the old 1.4, also from the EA211 family, also puts out 110kW and 250Nm, was claimed to reach 100km/h in 8.5sec and averaged 5.3L/100km.

The 2.0 in the 40 is unchanged in terms of output, producing 140kW at 4200-6000rpm and 320Nm from 1500-4100rpm. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.7sec, 0.2sec slower than previously and averages 7.0L/100km, 0.5L/100km worse than before (although this is most likely a theoretical loss related to tougher fuel consumption standards).

While the 35’s rear wheels just trundle along, the 40 drives them on-demand via an electronic multi-plate clutch mounted in the centre diff.

Steering is via electromechanical rack and pinion with speed-dependent assistance. Both Q2s have MacPherson strut front suspension, but the 35 makes do with a torsion beam rear-end while the 40 gets a four-link independent rear-end.

Styled in a pleasingly geometric way, both Q2 models measure up at 4208mm long, 1794mm wide and 1537mm high. The 35 weighs in at only 1305kg, compared to the AWD 40 at 1460kg.

Because of its price expectations, it’s easy to be a bit dubious about a $43,000 (plus on-road costs) front-wheel drive small crossover. But the 2021 Audi Q2 35 TFSI quickly wins you over.

It’s a relatively light-weight, perkily-engined cohesive handler that is simply enjoyable to drive. There’s nothing especially sophisticated about this proposition, it just works.

A test drive on a smooth wending run down a mountain pass showed up the 35’s fun factor to best effect.

It pulled up for corners smoothly, rolled in accurately, changed direction without fuss or excess body movement and then accelerated smartly along the next straight, snapping through the gearbox with enthusiasm, especially when manipulated manually.

However, head back up that hill and the engine isn’t so bubbly, tackle some rougher roads and ride lacks some progression and a few bumps and thumps are audible.

Get on to coarse surfaces and tyre roar (we were rolling on optional 19s) adds to some wind noise to make the cabin a bit too loud.

Sit in the back seat and you’ll quickly wish you hadn’t, because it’s just too tight for adults in terms of legroom back there. There’s also no rear air vents, no seat pockets and no arm rest. Bleargh.

Transfer to the 2021 Audi Q2 40 TFSI and you overcome the limitations of the 35’s smaller powerplant while losing some of that easy sense of simplicity. It’s just that bit heavier, that bit more overt.

Yes, it has more equipment and better front seats but it also costs that bit more, has the same limited rear seat space and the same 405-litre boot (expanding to 1050L with the rear seat split-folded).

Bottom line on first taste is both seem to have the flexibility to cope with city, country and myriad driving challenges in between.

The 2021 Audi Q2 is a decent, friendly, willing small SUV that will appeal to people who perhaps previously shopped for small cars.

In reality, that is what the Q2 is. It just sits a bit higher and looks a tad tougher.

But let’s pose the question again: Is the Audi badge worth the extra $10,000-$15,000 purchase price over an entirely competent small SUV from Mazda or Toyota?

If you say yes, then buy it for the look, sit up the front, preferably in the driver’s seat, enjoy the drive and be happy.

How much does the 2021 Audi Q2 35 TFSI cost?
Price: $42,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 5.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 119g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2016)

How much does the 2021 Audi Q2 40 TFSI quattro S line cost?
Price: $49,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 140kW/320Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 158g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2016)