What is it?

Audi’s most important launch of 2016, their smallest SUV, the Q2. We’ve finally had the chance to drive what is expected to be one of the most popular members of the UK range – the 150PS Audi Q2 1.4 TFSi petrol in Sport trim.

Audi claim this is the only premium baby model in its class but what’s it like on UK roads?

What’s hot

•  The clever 1.4-litre TFSI turbo petrol, that also features COD or Cylinder on Demand, that does as it says and shuts down two of the four-cylinders to save fuel when needed. Never short of power with 150PS and 250Nm, it doesn’t feel like a 1.4-litre. Acceleration to 62mph takes 8.5 seconds and the top speed is a licence-losing 131mph.
• Considering the performance, with the COD Cylinder Demand Technology, this Q2 has a diesel-like fuel figure of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 124g/km. However, the 1.6TDi at 114g/km we have already driven might be the better business option.
•  Even with the steering wheel now on the right, the Q2 remains a good drive. The steering has plenty of feel, the six-speed manual has a light, positive change and this Audi handles confidently and tidily, despite the taller SUV stance. One question from the International launch was how the Q2 would ride on the UK’s rougher roads. We’re pleased to say that despite the Sport’s stiff ride and 17-inch wheels, this Q3 was still comfortable over the rough country roads of the test route.
• Outside that Audi family grille remains, but that’s where the similarities between the Q2 and any other Audi model in the range ends. At the side, sharp creases have given way to a neat polygon cutout. In fact the polygon design language can be seen on the grille, lower front air dam, rear lights and boot. It is a different, more youthful look that we think will appeal to current owners and younger conquest buyers to the brand.

•  The inside of the Q2 might have brighter coloured finishes and a youthful feel, but the quality design and feel is definitely Audi. So the quality is a match for the rest of the range.
•  The Q2 is Audi’s smallest SUV, but there’s just enough room in the back for two adult passengers. The boot is deep too, with 405 litres of space.
• This Audi Q2 1.4TFSI Sport’s 124g/km CO2 emissions and 21% charge, are competitive when compared to SUV rivals.
• Audi’s clever pre sense safety kit is standard. This includes Autonomous Emergency Braking and will also brake for you, if it spots a pedestrian stepping out in front of the car.

What’s not 

• The 1.4TFSi might have 150PS, but sometimes it can feel a bit slow off the mark and needs to be revved to perform.
• The standard Drive Select system might have three modes, but apart from a change in throttle response in Sport, we could notice no discernible difference between modes.
• There are plenty of nice feature from bigger Audi models, such as the Virtual Cockpit but sadly they’re costly options rather than being standard.
• No Audi is ever a cheap option, but we’d be careful when looking at the options, as they soon add up! Our car featured costly items such as LED headlights (£975), Comfort Pack £900 and the Driver Assistance Pack (£725) among others, taking a £23,000 car closer to the £30,000 mark.

Verdict on Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI Sport

The Q2 is great to drive, interesting to look at and offers the level of quality and premium feel that you expect from an Audi model.

Our only issue is that the price can be easily hiked up by adding just a few options, making the Q2 costly next to rivals.

The lowdown on Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI Sport

…..and what it costs