Audi Q2 - TopCarNews

Audi Q2 (2016 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Audi Q2 is a small SUV/crossover – the smallest in Audi’s ever-growing line of SUV models. It was launched in 2016 and shares a lot of its underpinnings with similar models from the wider Volkswagen family, such as the SEAT Arona, Skoda Kamiq and Volkswagen T-Roc.

The Q2 range is available with both petrol and diesel engines. The top-spec version is the Audi SQ2, which joined the line-up in 2019 and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 300hp.

The Audi Q2 range has received generally good reviews from the UK motoring media. The top-spec SQ2 tends to score slightly better than the rest of the range, while cars powered by the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol have scored more poorly. Overall, the Q2 range has an Expert Rating of 66% (as of January 2022), which is some way behind the class-leading Ford Puma as well as other models from the Volkswagen family that are built on the same platform.

The Q2 has been praised for its overall quality and availablity of advanced technology options, while the performance of the SQ2 model is particularly praised. However, it has been criticised for being relatively expensive compared to many rivals and with limited practicality, especially in the rear seats, compared to many rivals.

The Audi Q2 range received a mid-life facelift in late 2020. This wasn’t a major overhaul and was largely cosmetic in nature.

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £24,435 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2016Last updated: Autumn 2020
Next update due: TBA

Image gallery

Audi Q2 (2021)

Audi Q2 (2016)

Audi SQ2 (2019)

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2“Those looking for a performance car would be better suited to the almost-identical Audi S3, or one of the other VW Group hot hatches. The Audi SQ2’s higher centre of gravity makes it feel a little less confidence-inspiring in corners, though there’s no denying its ability to cover ground quickly.”
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Score: 8.4 / 10“An exciting new car that will attract many new Audi customers, affordable for the brand until one starts browsing the options list.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Audi Q2 has always offered plenty of appeal in the compact SUV market, and potential buyers are sure to love the increased standard spec on this new model, especially when it’s made all the more tempting by a small price drop compared with the previous version.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q2 crossover brings style, class and big-car features to the small crossover class, but at a cost.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2Score: 7 / 10“The Audi SQ2 can’t match the performance of an equivalent hot hatchback, but on the other hand it offers an image that a hot hatch can’t compete with – and one that modern buyers are craving.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic S lineScore: 6 / 10“The 1.4-litre petrol engine is a good choice for the Audi Q2, but it’s pricey in S-line trim with added options.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manualScore: 8 / 10“This entry-level 1.0 TFSI is arguably the pick of the Audi Q2 range. It’s quick enough, remarkably quiet and will be cheap to run, and comes wrapped in a stylish crossover body.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“It’s pretty much a given that the stylish, configurable interior, fuel-efficient engines and tech-friendly equipment will be a hit with image-conscious company car drivers and Yummy Mummies alike.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2Score: 7 / 10“The Audi SQ2 is a little more expensive to buy than the Cupra Ateca (which doesn’t have quite the same prestige image, but is much bigger and more practical), yet a good slice less than similarly sized premium rivals such as the BMW X2 M35i and the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Q2 35 TFSI Sport 2020Score: 7 / 10“Styling revisions sharpen up Audi’s smallest SUV, the Q2, but sluggish automatic transmission dampens driver appeal.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual TechnikScore: 7 / 10“Subtle facelift changes do little to alter the Audi Q2’s place in the class pecking order. There are still more appealing driver’s cars in this category, while many offer greater space and more kit for less cash, but overall the Audi is a likeable package.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“It drives competently but no more convincingly than the better prospects among its rivals and, like most Audis, it doesn’t necessarily translate firm and forthright into greater involvement. It is not unreasonably expensive, yet there are bigger, better-equipped and better-value rivals for the price.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2Score: 8 / 10“The Audi SQ2 Quattro has proved itself a credible, fairly rounded performance car during our test processes, delivering a healthy quantity of driver appeal.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual SportScore: 8 / 10“While it may be a reasonable steer in the compact crossover segment, that still places it midtable in the realm of the benign and uninteresting. Ultimately, Audi’s efforts to tack the Q2 down results in the usual driver ambivalence: you feel closer to the road, but no more involved in it.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SEScore: 8 / 10“The 1.0 TFSI is remarkably capable, but if possible, we’d stretch to the more powerful 148bhp 1.4 TFSI petrol. It has the extra muscle to exploit the Q2’s capable handling but, with cylinder-on-demand tech, should also keep your fuel bills reasonably low.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 2021 updateScore: 7 / 10“The Audi Q2 is definitely a more premium product than the Ford Puma, and of course there’s the driveway appeal of the Audi badge, but those factors need a lot of weight attached to them to justify the extra outlay.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Facelift rangeScore: 6 / 10“The facelifted Audi Q2 doesn’t innovate, it just refines a formula that’s already proven very successful for the brand. There’s certainly nothing offensive about the way the Q2 drives, and with a comfortable ride and great interior, it’s really quite a pleasant place to spend time.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2Score: 8 / 10“Love it or loathe it, we don’t particularly care. Some may lament the SQ2’s SUV-ishness but it opens up the Group’s performance end of the scale to a more lucrative market. If you’re desperate for the crossover look, the Audi SQ2 is a potent, entertaining and genuinely fast machine.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manualScore: 8 / 10“This is a polished, smart, very in-vogue kind of product – albeit a slightly unimaginative one – and one we think is well judged for its target demographic.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automaticScore: 6 / 10“The new Audi Q2 has the presence, the badge power and enough fundamental ability to do well.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2021 updateScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q2 has always proven how high-quality and refined a compact car can be, and that remains true with this updated model. While it’s only a light refresh, a more striking look and additional technology certainly aids this crossover’s appeal.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“While it might be on the pricey side, few cars can offer the luxury and cliched ‘premium feel’ that the Audi Q2 offers in this class thanks to its well-built interior. It’s also great to see an Audi standing out from the crowd, which is a trait we would like to see continue.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q2 takes the small SUV class upmarket, boasting a luxurious interior along with style and practicality.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2Score: 7.4 / 10“The Audi SQ2 is a discreet, desirable but expensive high-performance crossover that surprises in several ways.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2Score: 7 / 10“If you want performance, but also the raised driving position and butch looks of an SUV, then the Audi SQ2 will be for you. It’s pricey, though and not the most practical choice inside.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Audi Q2 is a small SUV with a smart interior, plenty of optional high-tech touches and a raised driving position, but its back seats aren’t particularly comfy and high-spec models are quite pricey.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2“While it’s clearly very rapid, it doesn’t feel like the out-and-out performance SUV you’d expect, given the power and performance figures. It’s only a 2.0-litre petrol engine, so the fuel economy figures will leave drivers well out of pocket on HMRC’s 14p-per-mile reclaim rate.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manualScore: 8 / 10“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Audi’s new SUV. Except that it’s only Quite Interesting.” (Chris Evans)
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic“The Audi Q2 is a very practical proposition that looks classy on the drive.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2“While I’d still rather have a hot hatch, the Audi SQ2 is not far off delivering the same sense of fun by crossover standards.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7 / 10“Audi’s most compact SUV is as impressive as it probably needed to be, but no more.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic S lineScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q2 is certainly a desirable small SUV. It provides a feel-good factor for the driver thanks to its interior ambience, and the exterior is more visually interesting than its bigger Audi SUV stablemates.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Audi Q2 is a premium alternative to small SUVs like the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008. It costs a little more than its mainstream competitors, but offers a stylish exterior design, classy and functional interior, and a broad range of engines and drivetrain options. It’s not the most practical or affordable though.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“If you don’t mind spending a pretty penny then the Audi Q2 is a more upmarket and desirable alternative to smaller crossover options like the Nissan Juke or Peugeot 2008.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual“There are surprisingly few alternatives of this size that can compete with the pull of the Audi brand – apart from perhaps the Mini Countryman.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Apply an image-friendly badge to a popular body style and what do you get? The Audi Q2. Leaving aside the A1 Citycarver, this is Audi’s smallest SUV.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Unsurprisingly, given the popularity of both the Audi badge and the small crossover sector, the Q2 has been a huge hit from the outset, with some models requiring quite a long order lead time due to demand.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.4 / 10“Smallest Audi crossover delivers chunky styling and a fine drive.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2“It’s quite clear the engine is the star of the show here. It’s the same 2.0-litre turbo we all know and love from the Golf R and Audi S3 – both sublimely good hot hatches.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual“Cool, small and affordable. Audi’s future king?”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2“I cannot think of a single soul who would be interested in such a car.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic SportScore: 8 / 10“The petrol-powered 1.4 would be our pick of the range. If you buy the petrol-powered model, ‘quality product’ just about sums up the Audi Q2. It might be aimed at the selfie-generation but there’s nothing shallow about Audi’s smallest Q car.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2Score: 8 / 10“Smart, slick and charming, this compact performance crossover inherits the mantle of rapid hatches of yesteryear”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 190hp S LineScore: 8 / 10“It is a mark of just how accomplished Audi’s small SUV is that despite not being the best Q2, when all things are considered, this 2.0 TFSI is still a highly desirable car.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2Score: 6 / 10“Audi serves up a confident, capable hot crossover. Just forgets to add spice.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Audi Q2 is pleasingly bold on the surface, but plays with a very safe bat beneath it.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2Score: 8 / 10“The Audi SQ2 is plusher inside than the Cupra Ateca but isn’t quite as practical or as sharp to drive. For some, though, the added appeal of the four-ring emblem on the nose will be enough to justify the extra expense over its Spanish rival.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q2 is a desirable and fine-driving small SUV with a stunning interior. Most similarly sized rivals are cheaper, though.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“With an upmarket badge, a high-quality cabin and smooth engine and transmission options, the Audi Q2 is a desirable compact SUV. It’s also safe, but mediocre practicality, a lack of dynamism and restricted all-round visibility rob it of Best Buy status.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2016

93%

ADULT OCCUPANT

86%

CHILD OCCUPANT

70%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

60%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Audi Q2 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If the Q2 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi Q2 has received

2022

What Car? Awards – Best Small SUV Interior

2021

What Car? Awards – Best Small SUV Interior

2020

What Car? Awards – Best Small SUV over £25K

2018

What Car? Awards – Best Small SUV over £20K

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