We compare the Audi Q2 to the Volkswagen T-Roc and Volvo XC40 to see which one offers the best package at a particular price point.
The Audi Q2 is the smallest crossover SUV that the Ingolstadt firm produces, and it’s positioned in their lineup as a ’boutique SUV’; a small, compact offering that retains the customisation and luxury that consumers have come to expect from the brand. This is no budget offering, but rather a stylish, well-equipped daily driver that can slot into your busy, city lifestyle without too much.
The Q2 was launched in South Africa in late 2017 and was fairly well-received. At the time, many lamented the fact that it was rather expensive for a vehicle of its size and spec level. We’ve seen several competitors launched in the interim and many have matched or surpassed the price tag associated with the Q2. Of those challengers, one comes from Audi’s sister brand, Volkswagen and the other from across the Baltic Sea in Sweden, the Volvo XC40.
Price
It’s important to start with the price in this comparison as the ranges in each model vary significantly, and the substantial overlap allows you to get a better understanding of what level of trim you will receive.
The Audi Q2 starts from R608 500, and it tops out at R633 500. These are base prices before options, and both the Audi and Volkswagen have rather extensive options lists. You get 3 different models to choose from in the Q2 range. All are powered by the same 1.4-litre turbo engine.
Pricing on the Volkswagen T-Roc ranges from R596 200 to R698 400 with only 3 models on offer. You have the choice of two engine configurations, a 1.4TSI or a 2.0TSI.
The Volvo XC40 is by far the most expensive option here with prices starting at R699 000 and running to R1 298 000. Volvo gives you two different output options from a single choice of displacement. The 2.0-litre inline-4 cylinder produces either 110 kW or 145 kW. The Volvo XC40 is also the only one of the three to offer electric options. The XC40 Recharge Single Motor and XC40 Recharge Twin Motor models are full electric and produce 175 and 300 kW respectively.
For this comparison, we’re selecting the Audi Q2 35TFSI S line with a base price of R633 500, the Volkswagen T-Roc 1.4TSI 110kW Design at R596 200, and the Volvo XC40 B3 Essential. All three are in standard trim levels without options.
Engines
It’s the Volkswagen that offers the best bang-for-buck in this department at this price. It’s fitted with a 110 kW 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 250 Nm torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed gearbox and this combination makes it good for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 8.4-seconds, making it the fastest of the three. Average fuel consumption is touted to be 6.3 l/100 km.
The Audi Q2 is fitted with a similar engine to the T-Roc, a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit that produces the same numbers: 110 kW and 250 Nm torque. This engine sends power to the front wheels through a 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox (dual-clutch) for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 8.8-seconds. Audi claims that this engine will return a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.1 l/100 km.
In order to keep the comparison fair, we selected the Volvo XC40 in B3 Essential trim. This model uses a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 48-vlt ild-hybrid assistance to produce 110 kW and 265 Nm torque. This is combined with an 8-speed automatic gearbox to send the power to the front wheels only. This makes the Volvo good for a sprint time of 10.1-seconds from standstill to 100 km/h. Thus, the Volvo is the slowest of the three. It is said to return a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.1 l/100 km.
Safety
All three models here have a comprehensive array of safety features, and all three are fitted with a minimum of 6 airbags. The Volvo comes with Lane Keep Assist as standard, and this is an option on the T-Roc and Q2, incurring additional costs. All three benefit from stability and traction control, and ABS with EBD is standard fare.
Audi Pre-Sense, their proprietary safety package, is also an optional extra, and this will include many of the Level 1 autonomy features, such as adaptive cruise control. In the Volkswagen, Lane Keep Assist forms part of the IQ Drive package that includes adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic monitoring.
All models are fitted with ISOFIX mountings for child seats.
Dimensions
All three vehicles are similarly sized with the Volvo being the longest of the three, coming in at 4 425 mm long. The Q2 is 4 191 mm long, and the T-Roc is 4 234 mm long. The Volvo stands a touch higher at 1 652 mm high, while the Audi and VW are 1 508 and 1 573 mm, respectively. The Volvo has the most ground clearance at 211 mm. On the width front, The Audi is the narrowest at 1 794 mm while the VW measures in at 1 819 mm and the Volvo at 1 863 mm.
The Volvo has the largest boot as a result with 452-litres of space that is expandable to 1 328-litres when the seats are folded down. By comparison, the Audi offers 405- and 1050-litres while the VW presents 445- and 1 290-litres boot space.
Verdict
If sporty driving is your thing, then there is no doubt that the Volkswagen T-Roc is the one for you. It lacks a little in the trim department, but it makes up for it with style and space. The Volvo may not be the fastest off the line, but the included safety systems make up for the lack in performance. We’re also particularly fond of the finish in the XC40 and can comfortably justify the additional cost when considering safety as a priority.
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
Keyword: Audi Q2 vs Volkswagen T-Roc vs Volvo XC40: here's our winner.