Audi Q2
The fact it sounds like the start of an always unwelcome exam may have something to do with why we’ll possibly never see the Audi Q1 materialise. Until it does the entry-point into Audi’s incredibly popular SUV Q range is this; the Audi Q2. Utilising the VW group’s MQB A1 underpinnings means under the surface the Q2 shares a platform with the (perhaps importantly), newer VW T-Roc, Skoda Karoq and Seat Ateca, so it’s got some stiff competition from its own cousins there.
MQB A1 platform
Out of the four that sit on the MQB A1 platform, the Q2 is actually the smallest and that’s probably the case in order to avoid stepping on the toes of big brother; Q3. Take the four rings away and the Q2 is still unmistakably an Audi. That almost rectangular grille sitting atop a bow-tie whilst being flanked by some pretty serious looking headlights are almost a trademark of the brand.
It’s only really the taller grille, squared off arches and slightly raised ride-height that distinguishes the Q2 as a Q and not an A, though. This is about as SUV-lite as it gets and even its basic silhouette is more hatchback than 4×4. The wide C-pillar in its contrasting finish is a Q2 feature that helps it stand out from the likes of the A3.
Is the Q2 a Quattro?
All Q2s are front-wheel-drive only which is the way it should be to be honest. The Q2 is never going to be a Defender or a Wrangler so its pointless pretending it is. If you want the added grip Audi’s legendary Quattro system provides you have to go for the hot version, the SQ2. All Q2s are petrol, too, diesel was unsurprisingly removed from the options list a while ago. There’s a choice of two petrol engines; a 1.0l 3-cylinder and a 1.5l 4-cylinder and they’re badged 30 & 35 respectively, at least until Audi get around to implementing their new system for designating power outputs.
What engines are available?
The 3-cylinder produces 115bhp, getting it from 0-62mph in 10.5s and the larger engine is 149bhp so it does the 0-62mph dash in a more respectable 8.6s. Both engines are available with a 6-speed manual ‘box and the 1.5l also has the option of a 7-speed S tronic transmission. There are three specs; Sport, S line and Black Edition and all three engine/transmission options are available across the range.
Dated interior
Inside is where Audi has a strong reputation of excelling in terms of design and quality. You couldn’t say the Q2 is an unpleasant place to be, with its typical Audi highlights such as turbine air vents but it all just feels a bit last-gen. And that’s because it mainly is. This layout has been utilised in a few Audis that sit on this platform and it’s definitely in need of a makeover. Our mid-range S line model came equipped with air-con but no auto climate control and it was a bit of a blast from the past when I had to actually put a key into an ignition barrel.
A tad dated it may be but there’s still a lot to like about the Q2’s interior. There’s plenty of space for four adults comfortably, five at a push and at 405 litres the boot is larger than you might warrant at first glance. Another plus point for the Q2 is the excellent infotainment system. Despite being part of the VAG setup, Audi just know what should go in there and what should be left to actual buttons, dials and switches.
Where the Q2 excels
It’s out on the road where the Q2 impresses most. On paper it should drive well thanks to its regular car chassis, barely raised suspension to keep the centre of gravity low, all being pulled along by a little petrol engine driving the predictable front wheels. And the combination does work well, very well in fact. Trundle along in your Q2 and it smooths out road imperfections well, as you’d expect in an Audi, even on this S line’s 18” alloys (Sport gets 17″ wheels, Black Edition gets 19″).
SUVs do usually offer a comfortable ride, though, it’s when you push them through bends they tend to come unstuck. Not the Q2. Even with its simple torsion-beam rear suspension and FWD, push the Q2 and you could genuinely be in an A3. The Q2 may not be up for much green-laning but on a windy road there’s not much better out there.
Should I buy a Q2?
The Q2 certainly isn’t a new model anymore, this is proven with its rather dated interior. That doesn’t mean it can’t still impress, though, and when ownership starts at a tad over £30k, it’s a very tempting proposition.
By Ben Harrington
2025 Audi Q2 35 TFSI S line S tronic Specifications:
Engine – 1.5l petrol, Transmission – 7-speed auto, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 149bhp,Torque – 250Nm, Emissions – 146g/km CO2, Economy – 44.1mpg, Maximum Speed – 135mph, Acceleration – 8.6s – 0-62mph, Price – £35,880 OTR
The 2025 Audi Q2 is available now, priced from £30,070. For full details go to:www.audi.co.uk
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