The world of premium SUVs starts with the Q2, at least in the case of Audi. This model hides a lot of great things inside its small body. It is more practical than you would probably expect, while the high-quality interior and long list of tech features justify the four-ring badge on the grille.
With this model, the Ingolstadt carmaker aims at traditional A3 buyers, who want to feel all the benefits that usually come with crossovers, such as higher driving position, but don’t want to sacrifice the handling and overall ride quality of a traditional hatchback.
The First Generation of Audi Q2
The first generation of Audi Q2 has been on sale since November 2016. Of course, it was offered in Europe first, and soon after, it came to the Australian market for the 2017 model year. Besides Europe and Australia, it is also sold in China, with an all-electric powertrain.
Design
This is the smallest SUV in Audi's lineup with just 2,601mm in wheelbase and 4,191mm in total length. It shares most of its parts with A1 and A3 hatchbacks and sits below the Q3 model. Compared to bigger SUVs from Audi's lineup, this one doesn't ride on a familiar MLB platform. Instead, it rides on the MQB architecture, primarily used for mainstream models in the VW Group, for models like VW Golf, Skoda Kodiaq, and SEAT Leon.
Although classified as a small SUV, this model isn’t particularly capable off the road, as the ground clearance is just 147 millimetres.
This platform means a little bit different layout compared to its bigger siblings. The first thing that comes to mind is a transversally-mounted engine instead of a more premium longitudinal placement. Furthermore, the transmission choice is a little bit different, and so is the AWD system.
Although also badged as “Quattro”, this model doesn’t feature Audi’s genuine all-wheel-drive system. Instead of a Torsen differential, it comes packed with Haldex, a differential designed for cars with the transversally mounted engine, which can be found in the VW mentioned above models and numerous Volvo cars.
To make Audi Q2 price more approachable to drivers who usually look at mainstream brands like Mazda or Toyota, the Ingolstadt-based company decided to cut production costs. One of the easiest ways to do that is to install a more basic suspension setup. That's why you will find a torsion beam on the rear axle with coil springs.
On the other hand, it's good to know that a more advanced, McPherson independent suspension is at the front. Such a setup doesn't compromise the ride quality that much. This car also offers a good balance between comfort and engaging handling in a typical Audi fashion.
Audi Q2 Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2601mm
- Height: 1493mm
- Length: 4191mm
- Width: 1794mm
- Ground clearance: 147mm
- Rear track: 1553mm
- Front track: 1547mm
Engines
The initial model came with three powertrain options in the offer. Base versions came with 1.4-litre turbo petrol, while larger 2.0-litre turbo petrol was offered too. Also, the company provided a version with a well-known 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel, but that engine was discontinued after the 2018 model year.
All engines come coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A bigger 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and turbodiesel are available in Quattro versions, too, but as we've just mentioned, Audi uses the Haldex system in this case instead of the legendary Torsen differential.
In Europe, this crossover is also available with a small 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a smaller 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine.
The Chinese version is particularly interesting, as it features an all-electric powertrain. This model comes with a single electric motor, with a max output of 100kW and 290Nm. Also, there is a 38-kWh battery pack, which ensures 265 kilometres of the max range. This version is also slightly bigger and features a slightly longer wheelbase.
Audi Q2 1.4 Tfsi Specs (2016-2020)
- Engine Displacement: 1.395cc
- Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Max Power: 110kW
- Max Torque: 250Nm
- Fuel Consumption (claimed): 5.3l/100km
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 8.6s
- Top Speed: 218km/h
Audi Q2 2.0 Tfsi Specs (2016-present)
- Engine Displacement: 1.984cc
- Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Max Power: 140kW
- Max Torque: 320Nm
- Fuel Consumption (claimed): 6.5l/100km
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.5s
- Top Speed: 228km/h
Audi Q2 2.0 TDI Specs (2016-2018)
- Engine Displacement: 1.968cc
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Max Power: 110W
- Max Torque: 340Nm
- Fuel Consumption (claimed): 5.3l/100km
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 8.5s
- Top Speed: 208km/h
Facelift (2021-present)
After four years of production, it was time for a mid-cycle refresh, so the 2021 model came with loads of novelties. The new version arrived in Australia in May 2021. The starting price for Audi Q2 is around $42,900.
This refresh has brought a lot of changes, and the most notable are those regarding styling. The front end is completely new and includes a bigger and more prominent grille and new headlights. Naturally, the front bumper has been revised too and now features a more aggressive shape, with sharper lines and bigger air intakes. Audi also introduced new wheels designs. The base models come standard with 18-inch alloys.
This refresh has also brought significant changes under the hood. An older-generation 1.4-litre petrol engine has been replaced, and base models now feature a new 1.5-litre turbo-four. Interestingly, the new engine features the same power and torque (110kw/250Nm), but the company claims better fuel economy.
The main advantage of the new engine is that it features cylinder deactivation. The company calls this system Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD), and it deactivates two of the four cylinders at low engine speeds, providing better fuel economy.
Audi Q2 1.5 Tfsi Specs (2021-present)
- Engine Displacement: 1.498cc
- Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Max Power: 110W
- Max Torque: 250Nm
- Fuel Consumption (claimed): 5.2l/100km
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 8.5s
- Top Speed: 218km/h
Is Audi Q2 a luxury car?
It may lack some premium features regarding mechanics (suspension, drivetrain), but Audi Q2 feels luxurious in many ways. This mainly refers to the excellent cabin quality, which you will hardly get in this segment, even from other models with a premium badge. The cabin design comes in typical Audi’s fashion - solid as a rock and wrapped with high-quality materials.
Also, there is a full load of luxury features, starting from high-tech goodies such as available Virtual Cockpit (12.3-inch digital instrument screen), intuitive infotainment screen and premium audio system. The Q2 offers a long list of safety features, such as reverse camera, parking sensors, pedestrian detection, side assist, cruise control and parking assistance, to name a few.
Is Audi Q2 worth buying?
Yes. This small crossover offers much more than a premium badge. If we look at Audi Q2 reviews, this SUV is often praised for its excellent interior quality and a surprisingly spacious cabin. Both rows can accommodate adult passengers, while you may also count on a decent 405-litre boot. Also, most reviewers are impressed by Q2’s handling, which they describe as more like a hatchback than an SUV, which isn't surprising since it only has 147 millimetres of ground clearance.
An excellent resale potential is another strong point of this small crossover.
Speaking of the resale potential – if you feel it’s the right moment, you can advertise your used Audi Q2 for sale on our website. We will help you get more potential buyers.