Should I buy an Audi Q2?

If you value a high-quality interior that’s far more user-friendly than most of its newer rivals, the Audi Q2 certainly has plenty of appeal. It misses out on the latest tech but possesses lots of tactile switchgear, squishy plastics and solid build that make it a pleasant place to be. Good driving manners and peppy petrol engines add to its appeal.

On rational grounds, the technically similar Skoda Kamiq offers a similar package for less money, while a Ford Puma continues to offer a far larger boot. If you want a plush interior with a more modern feel not to mention a devilishly efficient hybrid powertrain, there’s always the Lexus LBX to consider, too.

What is it?

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The Audi Q2 might now be one of the oldest small SUVs you can buy, yet remains important as it’s one of only a handful of cars in this class that sit at the more premium end of the scale.

The smallest SUVs from rivals BMW and Mercedes are both considerably larger and more expensive than Audi’s Q2, which sits between its A1 and A3 in terms of size, and works neatly around the city. It’s proven popular as a result – and remains so for good reason.

Based on Audi’s previous-generation A3 hatchback, the Q2 was first introduced in 2016, and it has only had one noteworthy update back in 2020 when it received a tweaked interior design, additional technology and more standard equipment. Audi is set to discontinue its Q2 in 2026, alongside the A1 supermini, with no immediate successor planned for either. That is a shame because it still has some superb attributes, including strong residual values and a decent driving experience.

The Q2 has many rivals in this ever-competitive market segment, but instead of more mainstream opposition like the Ford Puma and Nissan Juke, it aims higher. Its closest natural rival used to be the previous-generation Mini Countryman, but the latest car has grown significantly in size to the point it can’t really be considered a competitor. And neither can the Mercedes GLA or BMW X1, they’re too big as well.

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Instead, posh small SUV rivals consist of the hybrid Lexus LBX or the quirky DS 3. We also recommend looking at the Volkswagen T-Roc. If you’re happy to consider something electric, the Volvo EX30 is a plush choice and costs similar money to the Q2.

With a selection of punchy if conventional engines, a well-made interior and plenty of options to make the exterior and interior of your car as individual as you like, the Q2 is still a very attractive car to buyers who want to stand out without having to sacrifice practicality or usability.

We’ve driven the Audi Q2 and SQ2 extensively, and you can find out more about how we test on Parkers via our dedicated explainer page. Here’s what we found when we tested all versions of the car on some of the country’s most demanding roads.

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What’s it like inside?

The cabin of the Q2 is probably its strongest asset with the quality of materials used impressing, even compared to newer rivals. Almost unchanged since 2016, the car has one of Audi’s oldest interior designs. While newer models eschew almost all physical buttons in favour of a pair of screens, the Q2 retains a high-set infotainment display and a centre console covered in switches.

That’s actually favourable for us. We’re not the biggest fans of Audi’s newer interiors, and the Q2’s physical climate controls and ergonomic layout makes it easy to use. Audi stopped putting the useful rotary selector for the touchscreen in its cars in 2022, however, which feels like a step backward.

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All models since late 2020 have come with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, replacing analogue dials with digital ones that can show a wealth of information. You can have a conventional layout with traditional dials and an information panel in the middle, a full screen sat nav map or displays that show music, phone or trip computer information more prominently. It’s well worth having.

All trims get an 8.3-inch infotainment system. Originally this was controlled purely by a dial near the gearstick, before moving purely to a touchscreen layout in its later years. By modern standards, the screen is quite small, though, and not the easiest to use on the move because of its small icons. Despite that, it’s well placed at the top of the dashboard without needing to look down from the road to see it.

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While the material quality lower down the interior of the car isn’t quite as good as some pricier Audis, it’s still one of the most solid and plush-feeling interiors in the class, so you won’t feel too short-changed. If you prefer a more modern take on luxury, try the Lexus LBX.

Our New Cars Editor Alan Taylor-Jones ran a Q2 over an extended period, and concluded about the ageing interior: ‘I’d argue 2016 was about the high point of Audi interior design and quality. You’ll find far more soft touch plastics, sturdy controls and easy-to-use physical switches and dials than more recent offerings, while I find the infotainment system far less distracting to use on the move.’

The basic architecture of the dashboard is inherently logical and the four, swivelling round air vents lend a classy touch.

Comfort

Even base Sport trim gets height and lumbar adjustment for both front seats, not always a given in this class or even amongst premium manufacturers. The chairs themselves are firm but comfortable, with good back support and enough bolstering to hold you in place during heavy cornering.

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There are a few items that are surprisingly optional considering this is a premium SUV costing more than £30,000, though. All but the SQ2 comes as standard with manual air conditioning, with dual-zone climate control an optional extra. That goes for heated front seats and a reversing camera, too.

Audi Q2 boot space and practicality 

The Audi Q2 is a compact SUV and, at less than 4.2m in length, it’s considerably shorter than an Audi A3 Sportback or Q3. Don’t expect the laws of physics to have been stretched too much by Audi’s engineers — it’s roomy enough in the front, but there are compromises in the rear.

If you only occasionally carry rear-seat passengers, then it’s likely to fit your needs. We found that two adults can fit back there, but there is less room for legs and heads than you’ll find in a Skoda Kamiq. All but the most long-legged children should be fine, however, but it could prove too small as a family grows up.

While the Q2’s compact dimensions mean it’s not the most spacious SUV out there, it does mean it’s very easy to drive around town and to wiggle into tight parking spaces. Plenty of glass, a square shape and good visibility make it very easy to manoeuvre.

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The Q2’s boot measures 405 litres in capacity – 355-litres in the four-wheel drive models – with the rear seats up, placing it behind the larger loadbays you’ll find in the Ford Puma, Renault Captur and Skoda Kamiq. But it’s a useful space with a height-adjustable floor, offering similar room to the newer Lexus LBX. A folded pram fits in the boot, but there’s not much extra room.

Fold the rear seats forward and you’ll boost load space to a more useful 1,050 litres or 1,000 with four-wheel drive. This is done with a conventional 60/40 split in most trims, though the seats don’t do anything clever like recline or slide back and forth. Opt for the Vorsprung spec – now SQ2 only – and you do at least get 40/20/40 split folding rear seats. All versions get an electric tailgate.

All models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (now wireless on new cars), a DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity as standard.

Safety

Although the Audi Q2 received the full five stars and good category scores from Euro NCAP back in 2016, this rating has now expired. It should still be safe in a crash – the platform is shared with the Volkswagen Golf after all – but the range of standard and optional safety kit looks decidedly last decade.

Automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and a lane departure warning are all standard, but you won’t find any advanced driver assist features. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert comes with Vorsprung trim, but that’s SQ2 only now.

Audi Q2 engines

Engines for the regular Q2 range are limited to the 1.0-litre three-cylinder 30 TFSI and 35 TFSI, with the diesel and 40 TFSI now dropped from the range. The smaller of the two is nippy around town but can feel a little sluggish on the open road (0-62mph takes 11.2 seconds).

We’d recommend the 1.5-litre 35 TFSI as it’s the best balance between performance, running costs and price, whilst proving one of the most refined engines in the range. If you’re interested, 0-62mph takes a perfectly respectable 8.6 seconds and performance is more than adequate on the road.

At the top of the tree is the 2.0-litre turbocharged SQ2 which is good for 0-62mph in a rapid 4.8 seconds. It fires off the line thanks to four-wheel drive traction and feels hot hatch fast.

What’s it like to drive?

The Audi Q2 is based on the oily bits that underpin a host of VW Group small cars, including the VW Golf and Audi A3. Unsurprisingly, it drives rather like a compact, slightly taller family hatchback and certainly not like a lumbering SUV. It isn’t at all daunting to pilot around town and the car is easy to place on the road.

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All Q2s come with progressive steering, which increases the speed the more you turn the wheel. That means it feels reassuringly stable on the motorway but doesn’t need much arm twirling when negotiating a multi-storey car park, for instance. Some of our testers like the system and some loathed it. Alan said: ‘The standard progressive steering has only two turns lock-to-lock and is designed to get quicker the more you turn the wheel. That’s great when you’re manoeuvring, but the system did feel a little nervous and unnatural, even at the end of our loan.’

Up the pace and it takes corners well, with its extra height over a similarly sized A3 hatchback being unnoticeable. The steering is weighty but satisfyingly precise, giving the driver a good sense of control. Meanwhile, the engine itself offers a glut of power from low engine speeds while proving more than quick enough for most drivers if you work it harder.

The vast majority of Q2s come with front-wheel drive and this will suit most owners down to the ground. Yes, you can chirrup the front wheels if you nip out of a damp T-junction, but traction for the most part is excellent even with the punchy turbocharged engines. Previously, you could get Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive system on the 35 TDI and 40 TFSI, but since 2022 the only way of getting a new model with 4WD is with the sportier SQ2. If you live in a remote area and want the security blanket of improved traction, it’s worth considering.

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The Audi Q2 is an easy car to drive and can be pretty comfy, with a mature quality to the suspension that absorbs the worst road bumps to leave the cabin remarkably serene. This is best achieved on the smaller wheels, however – 17-inch rims are standard on the entry-level Sport trim and give the most cushioned ride. Every size up will damage the ride quality a little, even just jumping to S Line with 18s makes a difference.

Sports suspension is standard on S Line and Black Edition models which, especially when combined with big 19-inch wheels, gives the harshest ride of all. Top spec Vorsprung used to also get 19-inch wheels but in conjunction with adaptive suspension that allows you to stiffen or soften the ride.

Hot SQ2 models get even lower and stiffer suspension with adaptive suspension again standard on Vorsprung models. They are on the firm side but not uncomfortably so, especially with the switchable suspension.

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Like many other all-wheel drive cars in the VW Group, the SQ2 provides safe and assured handling without much drama. Traction and grip levels are impressive in the bends – you really have to push the SQ2 hard for it to begin to lose grip – and the steering is quick to respond.

However, it doesn’t feel as involving as a Volkswagen T-Roc R, as its steering doesn’t feed back an awful lot to the driver. There’s little to complain about in terms of how quickly you can cover ground, though – the SQ2 is a very well-sorted car that gets around corners without drama.

Noise is well suppressed, although you should note the 1.0 TFSI is a buzzier, louder engine than its four-cylinder compatriots. The 1.5 TFSI is especially refined – we struggled to tell when its Cylinder On Demand system was operating in two- or four-cylinder mode.

Audi Q2 running costs

No Q2 is particularly cheap by small SUV standards, although it does undercut the cheapest high-rise offerings from BMW and Mercedes. With no hybrid models in the range, CO2 emissions are nothing to write home about.

Fuel economy is competitive. Alan said, ‘I’ve seen 45mpg and above regularly from my 35 TFSI S Tronic. In fact, a particularly gentle run saw an impressive 48mpg average. However, accelerate with a modicum of enthusiasm a few times on your trip and that figure quickly drops to below 40mpg.’ Expect the SQ2 to manage mid 30s driven gently, with 20s possible if you’re using all of the performance.

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However, the Q2 holds onto its value very well which helps make PCP costs surprisingly affordable.

Safety

The Audi Q2 received five stars from Euro NCAP when it was tested in November 2016, scoring particularly well for adult occupant protection as well as child occupant protection. It’s worth pointing out that these tests have got significantly tougher, so its impossible to directly compare with newer small SUVs.

All models get mandatory features for new cars, including autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist. But if you want more than this, you’ll have to head to the options list. A reversing camera is included as part of the £1,295 Technology Pack, but adaptive cruise control is no longer available on new cars.

What models and trims are available?

There are three trim levels to choose from. The entry-level Sport model kicks things off, with standard features including 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric boot, digital instrument cluster and LED headlights. The S line trim adds sharper looks with its sportier bodykit and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, while also getting LED interior lighting and part leather seats.

The top-spec Black Edition gets large 19-inch alloy wheels and a host of gloss black styling elements to complement the look. SQ2 is a separate model that comes with niceties such as dual-zone climate control and a rear camera, while pricey Vorsprung piles on the luxuries.

Read on for our Audi Q2 verdict and what it’s like to live with one.