Buy either of these small SUVs at three years old and you'll save good money off new, but which one should you go for? We have the answer...
- The Contenders
- Audi Q2 2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic
- Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0 TDI 4Motion SEL DSG
- Performance, ride, handling, refinement
The Contenders
Audi Q2 2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic
List price when new £31,590Price today £24,000*
Available from 2017-present
A combination of sharp looks and a high-quality interior make this one classy SUV
Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0 TDI 4Motion SEL DSG
List price when new £28,850Price today £23,000*
Available from 2018-present
It may not have the premium badge of the Q2, but the T-Roc is slightly cheaper and well equipped
*Price today is based on a 2019 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
Sadly, the Volkswagen T-Roc isn’t named after a certain WWE wrestler turned movie star. In the manufacturer’s words, the name was born because this small SUV “really rocks the segment”, and there’s some truth to that. Its well-rounded ability allowed it to stir the class pot upon the model’s 2018 arrival, and it still does today.
But does the Audi Q2 steal its thunder when both cars are used? The Q2 has a premium badge and, at three years old, is only slightly more expensive. What’s more, the pair are closely related under the surface. The cars featured here even have the exact same engine and gearbox.
More specifically, we’ve chosen high-spec versions of each, with both featuring four-wheel drive and diesel power. Go for either contender and you’ll experience savings of around £7000 off new, making them compelling deals. Which compact high-rider proves superior, though? Let’s find out.
Driving
Performance, ride, handling, refinement
Neither of these two leaves you in any doubt as to which fuel they run on; both have a distinctive diesel grumble, although it’s the T-Roc that proves marginally more refined. At a steady cruise, the T-Roc is again the quieter, generating less wind and tyre noise than the Q2.
In terms of acceleration, there’s virtually nothing to separate the Q2 and T-Roc; both are pleasingly brisk and you’re never likely to think that they’re short on puff.
The only gearbox option with these punchy 2.0-litre diesel engines is an automatic. It’s a seven-speed dual-clutch unit, both of which are smooth in normal use.
The fact that they have four-wheel drive means that both have excellent traction in slippery conditions, although neither is a gifted off-roader. A grassy car park shouldn’t be too troublesome, but their suspension is too firm and they lack the ground clearance to deal with major obstacles.
Neither of these SUVs has a particularly cushy ride, although both take the edge off bumps at higher speeds. The Q2 could do with being more supple. The T-Roc deals with town imperfections more adroitly.
Both the Q2 and T-Roc are agile, gripping hard and turning in eagerly. This is especially true of the Q2, although the T-Roc has slightly more natural-feeling steering. The Q2’s quicker steering makes it easier to manoeuvre around town, though.
Keyword: Used test: Audi Q2 vs Volkswagen T-Roc