– Article/Photos by Rod Fuller –
In the highly competitive ‘premium’ small SUV market marques like BMW, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, Jaguar and Volvo are all vying for your hard earnt. The ‘baby’ of Audi’s SUV range, the Q2 proves itself to be a lively little performer, packing a bigger punch than it looks might predict, and worthy of consideration.
I had the pleasure of experiencing the Q2 Quattro TFSI and found it to be one of those cars that you instantly feel comfortable in and easy to live with. You simply get in and go! The Q2 becomes part of your lifestyle.
Priced in the $56K+ range, drive away, the Q2 isn’t the most price competitive, when looking at Japanese or Korean marques. But thinking European vs European you could save yourself $10K or more and still have a premium German badge parked in your driveway.
At the heart of the Q2 is a 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo petrol engine putting out 140kW and 320Nm. Power is sent through a seven speed “S Tronic” automatic transmission, with “S” mode and paddle shifters, to, as the ‘Quattro’ name suggests, drive all four wheels. Power delivery is willing and eager providing lively performance, yet still returns a very respectable 6.5 lt/100km combined.
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It drives very well, with a firm but not uncomfortable ride on 19” Audi Sport rims and 235/40R19 Bridgestone tyres (temporary spare only). The firm ride also translates into a more dynamic drive with improved responsiveness and agility, superior to other less sport oriented SUV’s.
The Q2 I drove was fitted with the optional, assistance and comfort packages improving the Q2 experience even more. Inside leather seats (heated in front and electronically adjustable lumber support for the driver) with vibrant contrasting highlights on the trim add to Q2’s quality feel. You also get heated and auto folding exterior mirrors, keyless entry/ignition and a power tailgate.
Head and leg room for rear seat passengers is compromised, but it’s a small SUV not an A8. That said, boot space is quite good and when the rear seats fold down, there is plenty of room for your latest purchases on the ride home.
At first the infotainment system seems rather complicated to operate, but that’s only because it does many things. Stereo/radio/media functions, Sat Nav, your phone and associated functions with the car, including Park Assist. To keep you phone charged there’s a USB in the front and three 12V’s as well (front, rear and boot).
Park Assist on Q2, once experienced, is one of the simplest automated parking systems I’ve used. Simply push a few buttons on the screen, brake and change gear when told and in a matters of seconds you are perfectly parked – no steering required!
The digital instrument cluster on Q2 at first seemed a little distracting, with the Sat Nav map being the dominant display over the speedo and tacho (you can change it so the speedo is the dominant display). Then as I was trying to find an address I hadn’t been to before, the Sat Nav display was in the instrument cluster, keeping my eyes on the road; rather than constantly checking the centre touchscreen display – brilliant!
Safety features on Q2 include:-
- Driver and front passenger SRS and side SRS airbags
- Curtain SRS airbags front and rear
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (City)
- Blind Spot Monitoring/Lane Departure Warning and Active Lane Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Hold assist
- High beam assist
- Tyre pressure monitoring
Audi offers a three year unlimited kilometre warranty with optional extensions available, which include 24 hour/365 day road side assistance. Service Intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever occurs first).
The Q2 is a compelling argument if looking for your considering a premium brand small SUV for your next novated lease. Experience the Q2, you may find yourself succumbing to the power of two.
Check out more Audi models in the 2020 Novated Leasing Guide produced by Fleet Auto News.
