The Audi Q2 only hits the Portuguese market in November, but we've already driven it. We went to Switzerland to know all the details of the new compact SUV of the ring brand.
Switzerland is the land of banks, watches, chocolates and for a few days it was also the country that hosted the international presentation of the new Audi Q2. This was, in fact, the second time that the world press had the opportunity to contact Audi's new compact SUV. The first time was in Cuba and will remain in everyone's memory: Audi was the first car brand to make a presentation in that country.
It's not every day that we have to evaluate a car that opens a segment, such as the Audi Q2. You can put aside the Nissan Juke and company, because we are in premium territory and with "price to match".
Irreverent, with a polygonal design and a blade “cutting” the C-pillar, the Q2 is appealing and endowed with the best that Audi knows how to do. The color palette has 12 choices and if the 16-inch wheels don't fit, there are also 17 and 18-inch ones.
This is how we are introduced to the new Audi Q2. The first time I get behind the wheel I have no doubts: it's premium and you'll pay for it. We are inside an Audi A3 with some unique details and a slightly higher driving position, the rest is all familiar, there are no unexpected encounters. The difference is in the interior customization and of course, the exterior.
Young audience: the target
The Audi Q2 is a car for those who like to differentiate themselves, but without getting into stylistic daydreams that time cannot forgive. In the back, the trunk has a capacity of 405 liters (45 liters more than the Audi A3) and 1,050 liters if you fold down the rear seats, meaning there's plenty of space to carry the month's groceries or for that trip with friends where there's always whoever carries extra luggage (always…).In addition to the “base” version, for more than 1,900 euros, the Sport and Design lines allow you to choose another “look” for the Audi Q2. There's also the traditional S Line sports package, whose sports suspension puts the Audi Q2 10mm closer to the ground.
Technology and driving aids
The Audi Q2 has received “all the bundles” in this field and has a head-up display with color graphics (10×5 cm), virtual cockpit (a 12.3-inch TFT screen and a resolution of 1440×540, which replaces the traditional quadrant ), MMI navigation system with MMI Touch and, among others, the new 8.3-inch fixed screen placed on top of the dashboard, in the center.
As it could not be otherwise, the Audi Q2 allows the integration of Android or iOS smartphones, wireless charging via the Audi Phone Box and for those addicted to crystal clear music a Bang & Olufsen sound system that is a treat for the ears (it depends on the music …). Of course, equipping the Audi Q2 with all these “gadgets” will throw the price well above 30,000 euros.
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In driving aids, we also find systems that we already know from other models of the brand, such as the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go function (which transforms the Audi Q2 into our private driver at rush hour), Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist, system of traffic sign recognition, high-beam assistant and parking aid systems.Of note is the fact that the Audi pre sense front system is available as standard. This system recognizes critical situations involving other vehicles or pedestrians, even when visibility is reduced. With the Audi pre sense front, the Audi Q2 can, depending on the conditions, avoid a collision or lessen the impact.
Engine 1.0 TFSI: Gold on…Audi?
Whether behind the wheel of the 1.0 TFSI with 116 hp (200 Nm), the 1.6 TDI (250 Nm) also with 116 hp or the more “fast” 2.0 TDI quattro with 190 hp (400 Nm), the behavior is irreproachable.
The new Audi Q2 is agile enough to easily tackle the Swiss Alps under the “end of the world in underwear”, that is, torrential rain and fog in July. The “blame” is the progressive steering, standard on all versions and the low weight, especially when equipped with the 1.0 TFSI engine (1205 kg without driver) that weighs just 88 kg. What I took from a few hours behind the wheel of these different engines is that the proposal with the 1.0 TFSI engine of 116 hp with 200 Nm of maximum torque makes perfect sense in this new model.
Yes, it's a 3-cylinder engine, small (999cc) and everything you might be thinking, but it doesn't look like any of that. What we have is a balanced alternative in relation to Diesel “income” and most likely below 30 thousand euros in Portugal (prices are not yet final), with consumption between 5 and 6 l/100 km and performance at the same level from the 1.6 TDI and of course much quieter. The drag coefficient of 0.30 cx also helps in the consumption accounts, a better value than the Audi A3 which features 0.31 cx.
If, on the other hand, life has not singled you out to be a soldier in the “war of accounts”, then go all-in and opt for the more powerful version equipped with the 2.0 TDI engine with 190 hp and quattro system. What remains an excellent option is the Audi virtual cockpit with navigation system plus (3,500 euros), an option that along with the 7-speed S tronic gear (2,250 euros) is practically mandatory.
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Opting for the Drive Select system also makes sense for those looking for a more personalized drive, in addition to allowing the S tronic to “go sailing” in Efficiency mode, which helps to reduce consumption. The 5 driving modes available (comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual) allow you to modify the engine's response, steering, S tronic, engine sound and suspension.Arrives in Portugal in November
The Audi Q2 should be available for less than 30,000 euros with the 1.0 TFSI engine and for around 3,000 euros it will be possible to purchase a unit with the 1.6 TDI engine, but we still have to wait for the definitive prices for the national market.
The Audi Q2 will be available with three engines (1.0 TFSI, 1.6 TDI, 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 hp, the latter with a quattro system as standard). At the transmission level, we can count on a manual gearbox and three automatics. A 6-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed automatic gearbox for the 2.0 TDI engine and a 7-speed S tronic gearbox for the other engines as an option. The 2.0 TFSI engine with 190 hp is not expected to be available in Portugal and a new 7-speed automatic S tronic (a featherweight 70 kg) will debut, replacing the 6-speed in the more powerful petrol proposals and which should also be equip the future Audi RSQ2.
