Audi Q2 review (2016-2020)

Hop into the driver’s seat of the Audi Q2 and you’ll think you’re in any other Audi of that generation – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 

Driving position

The seating position itself is just as you’d expect from a small SUV. You sit nice and high up, with a wide view of the road ahead.  

There’s plenty of adjustment in the steering and seat itself, so finding the right position is a breeze. 

In fact, one of the first things you’ll notice when you step inside is the steering wheel. Audi has always been good at making great steering wheels – just look at the Audi TT or Audi A5. 

The driver can also see the dials clearly, and the gearbox is well-positioned to change gear with ease – we’ll touch more on what we think of it below. 

Tech and features

Since there's only been one proper generation of Audi Q2, not much has changed over its lifespan, aside from a facelift in 2020. 

The car we tested was a late 2018 model, which has a basic interior by today’s standards but is plenty for most people. 

You get that simple Audi dash with a decent 8.8-inch infotainment screen that runs Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and DAB radio – all the bits you want in a modern car. 

Below that, there’s a single USB-A port and a standard 12v socket, as well as actual physical air-con controls – a rare treat in modern cars. 

Unlike newer Audis, earlier Q2s didn’t get the digital gauge cluster that shows your maps and music etc. If you want this, you’ll need to opt for a post-2020 car. 

What you get instead with earlier ones is a central black and white screen that looks a bit like one of those old, square iPod Nanos. You can use it to cycle through your radio station, time and speed, and it shows mileage, temperature, and what gear you’re in.  

It’s all you really need and shows all the information you want to know while on the go. 

Engines and power

Our test car was fitted with the 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s not the best for around town but suits people who tend to drive longer distances. 

We’d recommend the 1.5-litre TFSI petrol for most people – choosing the manual or easy-to-use S Tronic auto is up to you, they’re both solid.  

Either gearbox is going to be easy to live with. The six-speed manual in our car was tactile and smooth, and even a joy in traffic thanks to its well-weighted clutch pedal. But the S Tronic is the superior gearbox for efficiency and ease. 

There’s also a top-spec SQ2 variant, which comes with the same 300hp 2.0-litre TSI found in the Cupra Ateca and VW T-Roc R. But at this point, you may be better off with an S3 hatchback for a proper sporty feel. 

Handling and ride comfort

The beauty of having a small SUV is that is often behaves in a similar way to the hatchback on which it’s based.  

In the Audi Q2’s case, this is certainly the way. It definitely fits the ‘A3 on stilts’ stereotype in its handling. There is a bit less poise and a bit more body roll, but that’s to be expected. 

Our car was front-wheel drive, but Audi also makes a four-wheel drive quattro version. The steering feel is much the same among these two cars – nice and direct, like almost all Audis. 

The main difference you’d notice is in the winter – where the quattro would excel – and when it comes to fuel economy, which is better in the front-wheel drive. 

Boot space

The Q2 has a 405-litre boot and is well-shaped to make the most of the space. Fold down the rear seats and this grows to 1,050 litres.  

It also comes with an adjustable boot floor, which unlocks a little more storage space if needed. 

However, it’s not the largest boot in its class. You may be better off with the MINI Countryman’s 450-litre boot to maximise the amount of luggage you take with you. 

Rear seats

Thanks to its relatively high roofline, you can fit taller passengers in the rear seats, and there’s even space for a third person in the middle. They may struggle on longer journeys, though. 

If it’s just two in the back, you can enjoy a large central armrest that drops down between them, complete with two cupholders. 

Storage solutions

Storage space in the Q2 is decent. Up front, you get loads of space and well-sized door bins, and it’s the same in the back.  

Other areas include two cupholders in front of the gearstick and a large glovebox to store the car’s manual, sweets, tissues – you name it. 

Safety

When the Q2 was last tested by Euro NCAP in 2016, it scored a full five stars, which is thanks in part to its array of standard onboard safety features. 

These include six airbags, three ISOFIX booster seat mounting points, automatic emergency braking (AEB), hill-hold assist, traffic sign recognition and lane-departure warning.  

Fuel economy

Since Audi is part of the VW Group, the Q2 uses Volkswagen engines, so it’s safe to say they’re tried-and-tested. 

When Audi still made the diesel Q2, this was the one to have if for the best fuel economy, returning up to 58.9mpg in the larger 2.0-litre TDI unit. Luckily, you can still pick up a used one. 

But for most people, the petrol is the pick of the bunch. It balances frugality and driving pleasure, offering a claimed 48.7mpg from the 1.0-litre and 47.9mpg from the larger 1.5-litre engine. 

There’s also the sporty SQ2, but this is by far the worst for economy, coming in at 33.2mpg as claimed by Audi. 

Reliability

Audis, on the whole, are dependable cars, but being in the premium category, they’re often a little pricier to keep going – something worth bearing in mind. 

But with regular servicing and care, you shouldn’t have any problems. Plus, all Q2s come with a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty that can be extended to a five-year/90,000-mile one. 

Insurance groups

The Audi Q2 currently sits in between insurance groups 13 and 38.  

This group massively depends on the model you choose, and everyone’s insurance premiums will be different based on a variety of factors.

Compared with competitors, it's on the higher end because Audi is a premium brand, with the Ford Puma averaging group 12 and the VW T-Roc sitting around group 17.