Audi Q2 1.6 TDi Sport

What is it?

The Q2 is Audi’s most important new launch this year and their smallest SUV yet, and we’ve had a drive in what is expected to be the model with the most popular engine, the Audi Q2 1.6 TDi Sport.

Audi claim Q2’s the only premium model when compared to rivals such as the current MINI Countryman and Nissan Juke.

What’s hot

• The 1.6 litre TDi diesel, which has just 113bhp, but plenty of low-down pull to make driving around town less of a chore.

• The Q2 as expected is good to drive. We like the sharp, responsive steering, the slick shifting six-speed manual transmission and despite this baby Audi SUV’s taller stance, there’s plenty of grip from the standard 17-inch alloys, plus body roll is kept well under control too.
• When we first saw the Q2 at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, we weren’t sure but in the metal it’s a different story. Gone are the sharp creases that typify Audi’s models, instead the Q2 is something new and we reckon perfectly suited to a more youthful market. Square polygon shapes are abound on the SUV shape. At the front, there’s a wide version of the family grille and more rugged lower grille both with polygon shapes, plus neat headlights with distinctive driving lights.
• The Q2’s side design is more interesting; the edge has been taken off of the sharp flanks, with the quirky, hollowed out area that starts just before the wing mirror and ends before the rear door handles giving it a distinctive look. On top of this, there’s also the contrasting rear C-pillars that can be changed and the typically large, styled arches expected of an SUV. The rear of the Q2 is also interesting, almost looking like a lower, more squat A3. The rear lights remind us of the current Volkswagen Polo, but we’re fans of the Q2’s 3D design.

• The same youthful feel carries on to the inside, with brighter colours and special light displays, but it still feels like an Audi. So expect the same high quality feel as the rest of the range. Our test car had the clever Audi Virtual Cockpit now available as an option – which works well when you get used to it. Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity is now included.
• The Q2 is a practical five-door hatch, with enough room (just!) for two tall passengers. The 405-litre boot is practically-shaped too and bigger than in Quattro four-wheel drive models.
• This Q2 is safer than ever, with clever technology such as Traffic Jam Assist, which can look after accelerating, braking and even steering in traffic, both available as an option.

What’s not

• The 1.6 TDi engine might feel quick around town, but you’ll need to work the thankfully sharp six-speed manual transmission hard out of town – which is a shame.

• We’re going to reserve judgement on the Q2’s ride until we get to drive it in the UK, but it did feel a bit unsettled on Zurich’s unmade roads.
• The Driver Select system that’s standard on Q2 sport models, but we found it hard to tell the difference between some of the different driving modes.
• Priced at £24,030, the Q2 Sport 1.6 TDi is not a cheap option. Then again it does feel a higher quality alternative to rivals already on sale

Verdict on the Audi Q2 1.6 TDi Sport

Good to drive, interesting to look at and as well-made as any other Audi. With the current growth in the SUV market we can’t believe it will be anything other than a massive success.

However, business buyers might also want to consider the 1.0-litre version that’s going to be available later this year and in our opinion was the best Q2 we drove. We’ve already tried this engine in the recently face-lifted A3 – see our review on the A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI.

Audi Q2 1.6 TDi Sport

The Lowdown:

…..and what it costs