2017 Audi Q2 new car review

Audi has a habit of jump-starting its design department. The TT brought a breath of fresh air to the range in the late 1990s, the R8 led the way in the late 2000s, and now the Q2 small SUV is aiming to the the design highlight of Audi's SUV range.

Smaller than the existing Q3, but only just, the Q2 is designed to be fresh, interesting and appeal to a new younger buyer that might not otherwise consider a traditionally staid Audi.

Audi is keeping the Q2 lineup pretty simple, offering just two variants in the initial line-up, the 1.4 TFSI Design with a petrol engine and front wheel drive from $41,100 (plus on-road costs), or the 2.0 TDI quattro Sport, with a diesel engine and all wheel drive from $47.900 (plus on-road costs).

Early adopters also have a chance at the 1.4 TFSI Launch Edition, which is the same mechanical specification as the Design, but with extra options added and a few specific styling touches like black trim panels for the C-pillars and 19-inch alloy wheels.

In typical Audi fashion there's a range of option packages including driver assist technologies, added interior comfort, LED head and tail lights with 18-inch wheels, S-Line exterior and S-Line sport (both interior and exterior), and technology upgrades that can be mixed and matched to an owner's needs.

Despite straddling the already narrow gap in price between the A3 hatch and slightly larger Q3, Audi is confident this brash newcomer will stand out like a beacon to a new breed of Audi fans.

On the inside, the Q2 sticks closely to the interior design of the A3 range, retaining its circular air vents, familiar climate controls, and high quality plastics with the usual soft-feel finish. Not everything is quite as premium as Audi's more expensive models, but the Q2 hardly feels like you're roughing it on the inside.

A tablet-like 7.0-inch screen stands to attention on the middle of the dash and if you add the Technik package it brings the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display as found in other Audi models as well as a larger 8.3 inch centre screen.

Options aplenty mean the standard leather trim can be dressed up with contrasting colour highlights if desired, LED-illuminated trim panels on the dash and centre console are available, along with heated front seats, wireless phone charging, 40:20:40 folding rear seats, a head up display, and audio system upgrades.

With a higher hip point than a regular hatch, getting in and out of the Q2 is nice and easy, and with a high roofline front headroom feels vast. In the rear there's a small premium on legroom, and the sloped roof results in less headroom, though passengers of all heights won't have a problem fitting in.

The boot defies the Q2's compact dimensions with 405 litres of storage, or 1050 litres with the standard 60:40 rear seat folded - that's 25 litres more than an A3 Sportback, but 55 litres under the Q3's cargo capacity.

The engine offerings are the same as you'll find peppered throughout Audi's small car range, and that's no bad thing. Both the 1.4 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel are smooth, torquey, and fit well with the Q2's on-road abilities.

Both engines generate 110kW of power, but differ in torque with the 1.4 TFSI managing 250Nm while the 2.0 TDI ups that to 340Nm. The petrol engine also includes Cylinder On Demand technology, capable of shutting down two cylinders under low-load conditions to further improve fuel efficiency.

Both engines are matched to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (Audi calls it S-tronic), matched to front wheel drive with the 1.4 TFSI or quattro all wheel drive for the 2.0 TDI.

From behind the wheel, the 1.4 TFSI feels zippy and is right at home in city traffic. Out of town the more revable nature of the petrol motor delivers punchy overtaking with low levels of noise and vibration.

Opt for the 2.0 TDI and acceleration times are claimed to be slightly faster (0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds for the 1.4 TFSI versus 8.1 seconds for the 2.0 TDI), though the relaxed and low-revving nature of the diesel car doesn't really make it feel any more urgent.

That also applies on the open road, where the strong swell of torque from the diesel does the heavy lifting, making for a quiet, effortless cruiser that still runs hard when called for, but without the same fizz as the 1.4 TFSI.

With a range of 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch wheels available ride quality and road noise can vary slightly. Opt for the biggest rims and the Q2 can feel a little stiff jointed over little bumps, but does feels more controlled through the bends.

At freeways speeds both engine and wind noise are nice and low, but tyre noise can become intrusive - depending on both the road surface and the type of tyre fitted, which changes depending on wheel size.

While the Q2 is classed as an SUV it's really more of a crossover, or high-riding hatch. Yes, all-wheel drive is available but there's no off-road modes or hill descent control, although the raised ride height means it can at least venture a little way off tarmac without worrying about snagging a bumper.

Although not yet part of the range, Audi also promised a sporty 2.0-litre petrol engine option with all-wheel drive will arrive in showrooms in the second half of 2017, for buyers that might be looking for a more punchy engine option.

Until then, the fresh-faced Q2 is sure to command plenty of attention thanks to its chunky styling, funky features like contrasting body cladding and C-pillar panels, and on-trend range of bright colours.

Both Design and Sport models sit close together on specification, so the decision of which one to choose might come down to a preference for petrol or diesel power. Neither is a poor choice, but if there's no need for all-wheel drive the 1.4 TFSI petrol's probably the right choice.

2017 Audi Q2 Price and Specifications

On-sale: Now

Price: from $41,100 (plus on-road costs) 1.4 TFSI Design / $47,900 (plus on-road costs) 2.0TDI  Sport

Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol / 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 110kW at 5500rpm / 110kW at 5000rpm

Torque: 250Nm at 1600rpm / 340Nm at 1750rpm

Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic, FWD / AWD

Fuel use: 5.3L/100km / 5.0L/100km

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