10 SEPTEMBER 2018

Index


© 2022 Business Travel News Ltd.

Article from BTNews 10 SEPTEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER ROAD TEST: Audi Q2

Let me start out by saying that the new Audi Q2 small SUV is a very good car and one I would seriously consider myself if in the market for that kind of vehicle writes Malcolm Ginsberg.  

If you have an Audi Q2 please comment below.  Or any other Audi.  Or just aspire to one.  BTN will publish your words although if its complaints your local dealer is the one to contact!

The Q2 is quick, handles delightfully and is very well put together.  You can get the model with a 1.0ltr engine and a six-speed manual box for £21,950 but the test car came in at £32,955, 1.4ltr automatic, petrol, and a host of extras.  0-60mph in 0-8.2sec, fine for the traffic lights GP and 50mpg should be obtainable under normal conditions.

This front wheel drive power motor suffered in that the specification was not one I would have ordered.  But if it is the car for you it is well worthwhile spending a little time choosing the options that meet your budget.  The sales brochure is quality too in an age where we are supposed to view our aspirations only on-line.  Web sites can be infuriating.  If you require Audi’s long established Quattro four-wheel drive system it is available with the 2.0-litre engines.

In this day and age a reversing camera is a must, particularly for one with a stiff neck.  This was not on the test car and while the audio warning system is very good and a display does supply the information it is not the same.  Also lacking, but available as factory build options, are a head-up display, remote control key fob, and auto folding door mirrors.  The rear tailgate door has a remote key for unlocking, but you need to order the electric closing system otherwise shorter drivers will find closing difficult.  If it is cost that is worrying you trim back.  If your budget is a problem drop the automatic climate control (£525).  From experience normal Audi heating system is very good.

The Q2 is the smallest SUV in Audi's range and represents a new niche of car – the premium compact SUV. It is not too high off the ground to climb into, unlike some, but does allow for a perch above the mundane traffic.  Its off the road ability is virtually no better than any other front wheel drive vehicle but its capability to deal with the speed bumps and poor second class roads, which is sadly the norm these days, was noticeable. The 18in wheels must have helped, 16in being standard.

The Audi Q2 forms part of the wave of small SUVs and crossovers that have proved increasingly fashionable of late.  Relatively new to the market as a class of car, they offer buyers an alternative to both the hatchback and the larger SUV. The highly successful Nissan Juke, launched in 2010, is generally considered to be the first of its type, but Audi has led when it comes to those offered by one of the traditional ‘upmarket’ car manufacturers.

The Q2 sits below the Q3 in the Audi line-up. Besides the latest version of the Nissan its competition includes the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and MINI Countryman.  It boasts a smart, luxurious interior expected of an Audi.
 
The car came with dynamic driving settings, LED headlights, front sports seats, cruise control, speed limiter, hill hold assist, and drive select, offering the ability to use the paddles on the steering wheel.

The Technology Pack (£1,395) includes a 8.3in central screen with the best mapping system yet seen.  Twirl a central control knob placed near the gear lever and the screen expands and contracts to suit.  It is pin sharp and when used in the navigation mode shows the side street names very clearly.  In front of the driver is an innovative 12.3in full colour digital instrument cluster with a flexible display of information tailored to the driver’s needs including what is termed a navigation map, speed and rev counter, gear indicator and various other items of information deemed necessary to get from A to B.  If anything there is too much to take in, certainly when the loan is just for a week. 

The various controls do seem cluttered but that is the way the dashboards are going these days. Pick out your top radio stations, destinations and even your favourite restaurants using the myAudi account.  The voice recognition works well too, even recognising me!  An Audi Phone Box allowed for wireless charging and the system creates an additional Bluetooth interface for a second device, meaning two mobile phones can be connected to the vehicle simultaneously.

The test car also came with the Comfort and Sound Pack (£995) which includes heated front seats which in combination with sport seats and leather upholstery, gave warmth to the side bolsters.  The acoustic and visual park assist system for the front and rear screen display shows graphic representation of the distance to any obstacles detected outside and within the driving path.  Once you get the hang of it the hill-hold assist keeps the car stationary once it comes to a stop on uphill and downhill gradients.

The Bang & Olufsen ‘Surround Sound’ system gives a superb surround sound reproduction via 14 high-performance speakers including centre speaker and subwoofer.  The sound is permanently adapted to compensate for driving and background noises determined by a microphone.

Boot space is also reasonable for a car of this size and shape and; at 405ltr, the Q2 comfortably outstrips the Nissan Juke. 

The Audi Q2 is ideal if you are looking for a small SUV with real personality and a quality image.  But it will take more than a week to find out all that it offers.  Make sure the handover is complete and go back to your salesman if needs be!

Please complete the form below.  Audi wants to know what readers think of the car.

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum


Ian Hamer, UK

I have had 2 Audi A4 cars over the last 6 years. It is time to change my car and I am not considering another Audi for 2 reasons. Firstly the emmissions issue and secondly little comes as standard, add on packs are needed just to get some comfort items that are standard on competitors vehicles. So, sorry, but goodbye Audi.


Minesh Patel, London

I have driven an Audi A6 for the past 7 years and am extremely pleased with the reliability and performance of A6. The customer service provided my local Audi dealership is excellent with an eagerness to ensure customer needs are being met. The staff are well trained and knowledgeable which reinforces Audi’s reputation as an outstanding brand within the luxury car market.


www.btnews.co.uk