Car groups such as the Volkswagen Group can reap economies of scale when they use the same platform and drivetrain in several models. Then development costs can be kept down. Audi Q2 shares technology with Seat Arona, Skoda Kamiq and Volkswagen T-Cross. Not unexpectedly, the Q2 is the most expensive of them all.
What creates the Audi feeling
We have driven the Audi Q2 Sport 30 TFSI – soberly equipped crossover with Volkswagen's 1,0 TFSI with 116 horses. What separates Audi from its competitors is that it is possible to choose larger engines and get Haldex 5 included in the purchase - and a Quattro badge in the grill. Unfortunately, the price will then end up at the same as cars in the class above, for example Seat Ateca 4WD and the Volkswagen Tiguan 4-Motion. Should you still insist on choosing the Q2 in the price range above half a million, I can promise a good Audi feeling. However, the drivetrain in "our" Q2 contributes very little to something like that.
Tough in the face
In the parking lot, the Audi Q2 looks damn good! The square "Tonka Style" bodywork with off-road effects in plastic is tough. The front looks aggressive. On the motorway, many people politely pull over to the right when they spot the Audi car. Inside, you get the feeling of sitting in a solid vehicle with solid door sides, towering hoods and good material quality in everything you touch.
On the road
The Q2 is closer to the A1 than the A3 in terms of handling. The steering feels direct, - and has quite heavy steering resistance for a small car. The brakes chop until you just come across the pedal. The sound from the 3-cylinder engine is barely audible in the cabin. The S tronic gearbox keeps the engine revs low. The torque is already good from 1500 revolutions. The TFSI engine runs surprisingly well in normal traffic, but lags behind in a turbo lag when you press the gas a little hard from a standstill. "My" Q2 only had 1250 km on the odometer, and the "lag" may therefore be reinforced by the fact that the engine was brand new. Getting used to it is required - otherwise it is easy to arrive too late at junctions and roundabouts. Put the gear lever in Sport, the gearbox changes faster, and you get up to speed faster. The downside of Sport mode is that the gearbox often does not shift up, but stays in a lower gear.
Missing four-wheel drive
There was still ice on Høybråten after the night's frost. So much so that it was possible to get a wheel slip in several places. It feels unusual to steer an SUV-like vehicle without the rear wheels engaging when needed. Nevertheless, Q2 does not become unsafe on the smooth. But I can't stop thinking about how embarrassing it would be to be stuck and spinning on one wheel in a new Audi SUV.
On a trip with the wife
The Audi Q2 is an ideal wife's car. Good overview, suitably large and beautiful. My wife is seriously considering buying the Q2. She was the one who suggested I get a Q2 for the weekend. That's why we took a trip around the villages where we live. It was Saturday night and Christmas lights were on in the houses we passed. The route was dry, but wintry up high. We drove calmly while the engine speed consistently stayed between 1500 and 2000 rpm. The standard seats in the durable "Index" fabric look good. It is only possible to adjust the seat angle - no height at the front - and no lumbar support either. The wife expressed that the seating comfort was nevertheless good. "Much better than the Hyundais we drove last year." I realize that it is actually quite alright to be on the road in a Q2. The conclusion from the passenger seat was that the car is great, only it has four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission - and a little more equipment. I think, then it should be well done to get below 600.
Fewer cars with S Tronic in 2020
In the Norwegian model program for the 2020 model, automatic transmission is now only available in the 40 TFSI Quattro (2,0, 190 HP). It costs a whopping 510 + equipment, but then you also get Quattro with the purchase. The cheapest engine option in "our" Q500, by comparison, costs 2 + equipment. "Our" car is a 337 model. It has S Tronic. But from the 100 model, the Audi factory in Ingolstadt has removed the S Tronic from "our" engine choice. It is a pity. The majority of those who chose the same engine also chose the S Tronic (source: Finn.no). It is not unlikely that Audi has chosen to remove the S Tronic from the smallest engine option due to the problems of handling the turbo lag in the engine. Nevertheless, it is unwise to remove the automatic option, because today's car buyers - especially the young - want an automatic transmission.
Place
Tall cars such as the Q2 provide more space in the cabin than normal cars because you can sit upright. I am 1,88 and can sit behind myself with my knees in contact with the back of the seat in front. It can be a bit uncomfortable if the driver drives with straight arms. The angle of the seat cushion in the back seat is well adapted to adults and contributes to being able to sit comfortably on a limited seat length. There is room for 4 adults - 5 in case of emergency. The luggage compartment is divided into two parts and holds 405 litres. With the dividing plate in place, it is easy to use. In comparison, the trunk in the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf is 380 litres. The luggage space in the Q2 probably does not cover the need families, but is quite good compared to cars in the B and C segments.
Security
Passive security
According to tests carried out by Euro NCAP, safety in the Q2 is very good for both adults and children. Top score against whiplash injuries and particularly good protection for the front passenger. The Q2 was tested in 2016. Subsequently, Audi has updated all its models with automatic emergency stop at low speeds. It would have given a higher payoff for safety equipment, if the Q2 were retested today.
Read Euro NCAP's test of the Audi Q2 here
Active security
On the way to return the car, there was fresh snow and opportunities to test winter driving. When you provoke a wheel slip, the Q2 behaves perfectly smoothly. It does not provide as good a sense of security as in cars with a more 50/50 weight distribution – which is typical for electric and hybrid cars. I like the brakes on the Q2. Together with good Hakkapelitta tyres, they provide a short braking distance. The ESP kicks in as it should.
consumption
According to the EU measurement method NEDC, the consumption figures for the Audi Q2 are as follows:
0,67-0,64 liters/mile (city),
0,47-0,45 litres/mile (highway)
0,54-0,52 litres/mile (combined)
My own measurement:
0,58 (8 miles in densely built-up area with one cold start)
Conclusion
The prices mean that Q2 is unlikely to experience particular popularity in Norway. It's a shame, because the car is trendy, just the right size and ideal as a winter car. Mon mustn't don't have four-wheel drive on crossovers like this, but it helps give the right Audi feel. On Finn.no There are currently 37 cars for sale. Of these, only 2 have four-wheel drive - respectively. a 2017 model with 2,0 TDI 150 HP and a 2017 model with 190 HP - both with low mileage - and more affordable than what a new Q2 in basic equipment will cost. Here, someone has already taken the loss in value. That's why I recommend "well equipped used" rather than "sober new".
The Audi Q2 looks amazing. It's a car you'll be happy to own se and certainly also to hey. Behind the wheel, on the other hand, the 30 TFSI drivetrain will not provide any particular driving pleasure, although the engine performs about as much as a 2-liter engine did 10 years ago. It becomes a means of propulsion - devoid of active driving pleasure. Even with the small 1-litre engine, two-wheel drive and sober equipment, the car is disproportionately expensive, around 380 + winter tyres. Four-wheel drive for this model is so expensive that you might as well buy it Seat Ateca with the same drivetrain. It is a class bigger.
But there is no Audi…
Facts about the Audi Q2 30 TFSI
Weights and Measures
Length, width, height: 419 / 179 / 150 cm
Wheelbase: 260 cm
Net weight: 1225 kg (without driver)
Max trailer weight with brakes: 1300 kg
– without brakes: 660 kg
Luggage compartment: 405 litres
Petrol tank: 50 litres
Cw: 0,31
Drivetrain
Displacement: 999 ccm
Power: 116 at 5000-5500 revs
Torque: Max 200 Nm between 2000-3500 revs (175 Nm from 1500 revs).
Gearbox: S Tronic. 7-speed double clutch.
Performances
Top speed: 197 km/h
0-100: 10,1 seconds
Tires
Dimension: 215/60R16
Type: Studless winter tires
Brand: Nokian Hakkapelitta R3
Price and equipment
Base price Q2 Sport 30 TFSI: NOK 337
Lacquer supplement (Ibish white): 0
LED light: NOK 13 (recommended)
Business package: NOK 13 (recommended)
Climate package: NOK 9 (recommended)
Aluminum decor inside: NOK 1
Black roof covering: NOK 3 (for Audi feel)
Darker squares: NOK 4
Price - other models
Audi Q2 35 TFSI (1,5 – 150 HP): NOK 371
Audi Q2 40 TFSI QUATTRO S TRONIC (2,0 -190 HP): NOK 510
Seat Ateca FR 2,0 TDI 150 HP 4WD 7-speed DSG: NOK 513
VW Tiguan 2,0 TDI 150 HP 4MOTION 7-speed DSG (Promotion) NOK 511
VW T-Roc Sport 2,0 TSI 190 HP 7-speed DSG 4MOTION: NOK 441
VW T-Cross Style 1,0 TSI 115 HP 7-speed DSG: NOK 325
About the car
Owner: Møllerbil
Rented via the app Hyre.no
Model: 2019
Mileage: 1
Km driven: 85
Source: Audi.no
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