Review
Audi Q2
Audi added a brand new member to the Q model family, the Audi Q2. It has become a compact SUV that is suitable for daily and recreational use and is characterized by numerous driver assistance systems, connectivity and infotainment. We were introduced to this urban model through a test drive with the Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic.
Motorizations
The Audi Q2 is available with various TFSI and TDI engines with a power ranging from 116 hp to 190 hp. In addition to a manual gearbox, you can also optionally choose a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission. The top models are also available with Quattro all-wheel drive. For a 1.0 TFSI with 116 hp and a manual gearbox you should count on a budget of 23,250 euros. For an Audi Q2 2.0 TDI with 190 hp, Quattro and S tronic automatic transmission, you have to pay at least 33,550 euros.
We did a test drive with the Q2 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic. This compact SUV has a petrol engine with a capacity of 1,395 cc with four cylinders in-line. The power is 150 hp and the car has a max. torque of 250 Nm. Personally, we were quite impressed with the performance of this 1.4. The car has sufficient power and feels like a fish in water in the city and on the highway. Only when you drive up a very steep slope do you feel that this is not a 2.0-liter. This Q2 is driven on the front wheels and our test car was equipped with the optional S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission with 7 gears. The automatic transmission performs well and shifts smoothly and quickly. This engine is also equipped with Cylinder On Demand deactivation (COD). This system ensures that in certain circumstances the 2nd and 3rd cylinders are deactivated, thus saving fuel. For example, if you want to accelerate quickly on the highway, the deactivated cylinders are reactivated, giving you the full power of the engine. In this way, the average consumption of the Q2 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic is 5.2 liters per 100 km. The base price of this model is 27,800 euros.
Driver assistance systems
The Audi Q2 can be equipped with a whole arsenal of driver assistance systems that make the driver’s life easier. The Q2 is equipped with Audi pre sense front as standard. The system has a radar and, in the event of danger, first warns the driver visually and then acoustically. If the driver has not yet responded, the brakes are applied automatically. Depending on the circumstances, this system can completely avoid accidents or reduce their consequences by ensuring that the impact speed is as low as possible. If an accident does occur, the standard multicollision brake assist system will ensure that the car does not continue to roll uncontrollably. In this way, a possible second accident can be avoided.
Optionally, you can also equip the Q2 with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This keeps the Q2 driving at a fixed distance from the vehicle in front. In combination with the S tronic, this system works for speeds between 0 and 200 km/h. The Stop&Go function can bring the car to a complete stop and start it again within 3 seconds. That is certainly useful during traffic jams.
If you change lanes, Audi Side Assist ensures that you are warned when a car is in the blind spot or when a vehicle behind you is approaching at high speed.
The Audi Active Lane Assist will help the driver with steering corrections to stay in the correct lane. If the driver leaves the lane, this system will slightly counter-steer. The system also counter-steers slightly when the driver wants to change lanes while a vehicle behind is approaching.
If you don’t like to park yourself, you can use the park assist to have the Q2 park itself automatically. When you drive at low speed, the system automatically searches for a suitable parking space. Once a suitable place has been found, the system can park automatically. The driver then controls the accelerator and brakes and the Q2 controls the steering movements. What we also find useful is cross traffic assist rear. When you leave a parking space, the system will monitor cross-traffic. If a collision is likely to occur, the system will warn the driver.
Conclusion
The new Audi Q2 has become a compact SUV that feels just as high-quality as its bigger brothers. This car certainly appealed to us, especially in terms of technology. The list of possible driver assistance systems is very extensive and if you have the necessary budget, you can equip this Q2 very lavishly. The 1.4 in our test car was surprisingly spicy and was very popular with us.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
