2017 Audi Q2 2.0 TDI new car review

The target market for the new Audi Q2 seems obvious. The marketing campaign slogan '#untaggable' makes it clear the four-ringed brand is chasing a younger, hipper audience who value style as much as anything else.

While that may sound cynical to some, in a modern automotive world that revolves around common underpinnings and engines, style is becoming the increasingly dominant point of difference between makes and models.

The Q2 joins Audi's growing SUV range that now includes the Q3, Q5 and Q7 with both the Q4 and Q8 set to join in the coming years along with the electric e-tron. As the name implies, the Q2 sits below the Q3, but only just with the two cars similar in size and price; only $600 separates the Q2 2.0 TDI and Q3 2.0 TDI.

The new Q2 blurs the line between SUV and hatchback more than the Q3 though, both in its size but also the way it is packaged and positioned.

Its style takes Audi's current styling trends but stretches them further than anything else, from its large grille and front air intakes to the C-pillar 'blade'. It is a bold look that Audi is hoping attracts youthful, trendier buyers.

What do you get?

Audi Australia is offering two variants of the Q2 initially, a petrol-powered, front-wheel drive 1.4-litre TFSI and the all-wheel drive turbo diesel 2.0-litre TDI tested here.

The 2.0 TDI is priced from $47,900 and comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, the rear C-pillar blade in grey, dual-zone air-conditioning, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, power tailgate, leather-appointed seats, navigation, eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, navigation and a wifi hotspot.

For the money there are some convenience items missing that you'd like (and find on a similar priced car from a non-premium brand), such as keyless entry and ignition, DAB+ digital radio, heated seats and hill hold assist. But that is a common problem among luxury car brands, not something exclusive to Audi.

Instead, and befitting a luxury car aimed at style conscious buyers, there is an extensive list of optional extras to personalise the Q2 to your own tastes behind the typical wheels (of which there are no fewer than 10 options) and colours (11 to choose from, but only black and white are no cost options). Audi has grouped them into packs for convenience such as the Technik Package that costs $2500 and adds Virtual cockpit, premium navigation and a flat-bottomed, leather-trimmed sports steering wheel.

Not surprisingly the price can add up and the car we tested totalled $58,190 plus on-road costs thanks to all of its optional extras.

Safety incorporates airbag protection for all occupants and Audi's pre-sense city system that includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection. If you want more you can pay $990 for the optional Assistance package that brings active cruise control with stop & go function, active lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, high beam assist, hill hold assist and parking assistance.

Audi will sell you a pre-paid three-year servicing package for $1590.

What's inside?

While the exterior is a bolder interpretation of Audi's exterior styling language the cabin is more typical of the brand's current generation small cars.

It looks very similar to the new A3 in terms of layout and design - down to the same air-con vents and switchgear.

However, our test car was fitted with one of the new elements developed for the Q2 and right on trend for the stylish crowd - illuminated inlays. Costing an extra $700 these new styling treatments feature a pattern within the trim that is backlit by LED lights that can change through 10 different colours. Not only is it a cool looking effect for the Q2 it's interesting to see something so new and different available in any car; hopefully Audi will make it more widely available across its range in the future.

The $1400 optional sports seats in our test car were comfortable and space in the front was good while rear room is adequate for such a compact car, with enough headroom for an adult but it is unsurprisingly tight on knee room.

Luggage room is 355-litres which is respectable for a compact SUV like the Q2. Disappointingly, getting a more practical 40/20/40 split/fold rear seat is a $450 option.

Under the bonnet

It's all fairly familiar underneath the stylish exterior of the Q2 with Volkswagen Group's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and sending power to the road via all-four wheels.

The engine produces 110kW of power and 340Nm of torque, with peak pulling power coming from 1750rpm which makes the Q2 feel strong out on the open road .

At start-up it can be a little noisy and if you have the window down the familiar diesel 'chug' is quite prominent, but once warmed up the sealed cabin it is quieter and feels more refined.

The gearbox has the typical low speed hesitation found in dual-clutch units but it can also get caught at times on the move, clunking through some changes.

But fuel economy is rated at just 5.0-litres per 100km which is a solid return for a compact SUV so the diesel and dual-clutch win points back for that.

On the road

As mentioned earlier the Q2 seems to straddle a line between SUV and hatch. It is only 22mm higher off the ground than an A3 Sportback so from the driver's seat the Q2 feels quite low when other SUVs are around you.

The way it rides and handles feels more akin to a hatch rather than a tall SUV too. The ride offers a good balance between comfort and responsiveness. Very occasionally a sharp bump can unsettle the suspension but overall the Q2 rides with composure.

There's no significant lean in the corners too. And as the steering and chassis and nice and responsive too it all adds to that feeling of hatch rather than SUV.

Verdict

The Q2 certainly has the right tools to appeal to the type of buyer Audi is chasing. It's fresh style and extensive range of options, particularly the style focused elements like the inlays and alloy rims, put it in a unique space within Audi's range.

But those stylish hipsters have to be well paid to afford it. For the size and standard equipment there's no question that you are paying a premium for the badge.

By the time you put our test car in the traffic you wouldn't get any change from $60k which is a lot of money for such a compact SUV - no matter what badge is on the grille.

For those willing to pay for it though you are rewarded with a polished, stylish and utterly modern luxury SUV.

2017 Audi Q2 2.0 TDI quattro pricing and specifications

Price: From $47,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 110kW at 3500-4000rpm

Torque: 340Nm at 1750-3000rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 5.0L/100km

The Competitors

Mini Countryman D

Price: From $43,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 110kW

Torque: 330Nm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, FWD

Fuel use: 4.8L/100km

Our score: 6.5/10

Audi Q3 2.0 TDI

Price: From $48,500 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 110kW at 3500-4000rpm

Torque: 340Nm at 1750-2800rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 5.2L/100km

Our score: 6/10

Mercedes-Benz GLA220d

Price: From $50,400 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 130kW

Torque: 350Nm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, FWD

Fuel use: 4.5L/100km

Our score: 6/10

• For more information, visit our Audi showroom.