Making a style statement is like a God-given remit to Audi. The Q2 features a three-quarter rear panel (or ‘blade’ in Audi-speak) that, finished in Ice Silver, which designates it as a Sport variant, on an Tango Red example, grabs the observer by the jacket lapels and yells “I’m here!”. It is also available in grey, or white. However, only by engaging with Audi’s extra-cost personalisation programme would you be able to request it in body colour.
The firm’s R8 supercar was sold originally with alloy-finished blades that made a statement connection between lower and upper bodywork behind the cockpit doors but, around the time of the mid-life refresher exercise, they had disappeared into body colour. Controversial, at the time, I think I miss them.
While not exactly in Q8 class, the Q2 is a wee stormer. Powered by the VW Group’s, 147bhp, 1.4-litre TFSi engine, complete with two-cylinder cut-off (a practical economy measure), which I have praised roundly in other VW Group models, it pulls like a steam train, when you want it to, cruises willingly and frugally much of the time, and sounds pretty sweet all of the time. It kicks out a useful 184lbs ft of torque across a broad rev-range, which warrants relaxed cruising.
Stop-start technology saves a few petrol droplets at traffic signals but the two-cylinder cut-off technology helps the Q2 to an Official Combined fuel consumption of 52.3mpg, if running on the standard 17-inch alloy wheels. It is an impressive figure that is within the reach of most drivers. On a 50-miles test route, I attained a better 54.6mpg on a brim-to-brim check and, even punting it hard, it was difficult to drop below 39mpg. Its CO2 emissions are pegged from 124g/km, again dependent on wheel diameter (18 and 19-inch alternatives hike it upwards).
Q2’s performance credentials give it a maximum speed of 131mph, while the 0-60mph sprint can be covered in a spirited 8.2 seconds. Tipping the scales at a kerbweight of 1.26 tonnes pays dividends.
In typical Audi form, the interior is both welcoming and of exceptionally high quality. The red crosshatched strip running transversely below the dashboard of the Q2 is in aluminium alloy and it both looks and feels splendid. By the same token, the circular air vents feature positive ‘click’ closures, the column stalks operate fluently and the instrument dials are a paragon of clarity. Bling subtlety and tactility are typical Audi style elements.
Display-tech is seldom far from Audi’s core intentions and the top-centre of the dashboard is dominated by a screen that both looks and feels like an iPad. It is accessed by a lovely engine-turned, alloy dial placed adroitly, within the centre console, for operation by the driver’s left hand, although the little menu access buttons require initial familiarity. Once gained, the driver’s focus needs never to be removed from the road ahead. An electric parking brake switch is located just ahead of the centre armrest.
Audi’s hide-covered seats, complete with contrasting red trim, are exceptionally comfortable and operate through a wide range of adjustment, across several planes. The red is carried onto the centre console trim strips and the deliciously tactile door pulls. Space in the rear can be a little compromised behind taller front seat occupants and the driver’s over-the-shoulder view can be slightly claustrophobic, although it only poses an issue, when glancing over the left shoulder. The boot offers a moderately spacious 405-litres, before folding the 60:40-split rear seats.
Having already highlighted the engineering integrity behind this version of the Q2, it is worth stating how delightfully it handles on-road. The mechanical steering responses are precise and fluent, the car turning-in to bends crisply and tidily, effort being balanced by variable electric assistance, although there is modest feedback and no confusion for an actively involved driver. The ride quality is firm and can be made even firmer by selecting the appropriate drive mode. Personally, I preferred the ‘Comfort’ setting, as both body roll and pitch are exceptionally well-controlled. Bump absorption is more of a ‘heard’ than ‘felt’ exercise.
Grip levels are superb, the handling balance is neutral and the springing of the driver’s seat is matched to perfection with the suspension movement, a sometimes overlooked rarity but one that is welcomed. The rest of the controls, a crisply mechanical six-speed manual gearbox, clutch, brake and throttle pedals, are also perfectly matched and weighted. Audi can deliver some spectacularly well-sorted cars and the Q2 slots into that classification with consummate ease.
While the ‘blades’ on the rear quarters of the car may be open to question, I found very little to criticise in the new Q2. It drives so satisfyingly well and performs so competently that you might query the point of upgrading to the significantly costlier Q3, whether you were in the market for a new SUV, or not. Priced from £21,655 in 1.0-litre SE trim, up to £32,455 in Edition form (not including FCD discount), if you want painted blades, factor in £550 more, while the test car’s supportive front seats can add another £1,300 to the package.
Although I am not a fan of LED headlamps (+£975), as I prefer the Xenon-types that provide a better quality of glare-free nocturnal illumination, the option price does include active rear indicators and LED tail-lamps. The comfort and driver assistance packs add a further £1,625. With a couple of other items (auto-dimming rearview mirror and colour Driver Info System) the test example’s invoice bottom-line was £29,125 (not including FCD discount). As ever, when ticking the options boxes on the Audi order form, you are advised to be judicious.
