COMPACT PACE SETTER
Aditional turbocharged engine added to Audi’s compact SUV range offers rapid-fire performance
Head-turning design and outstanding equipment has arrived in the tiny tot SUV class.
Audi has introduced a 2.0-litre turbo engine to the Q2 line-up — matched to a seven-speed twin-clutch auto and all-wheel drive. The new addition sits alongside the 1.4 turbo and 2.0 turbo diesel introduced with the Q2 range in February.
The 2.0 TFSI starts from $48,500 plus on-road costs.
Don’t expect a rugged off-roader, the ground clearance of 147mm is designed for ease of entry and exit but being slighty higher than your normal sedan or hatch.
What you’re getting is edgy design — the chamfered panels are intended to create the appearance of shaving excess fat from the body — and a zippy engine that doesn’t quite put the Q2 into hot-hatch territory.
Audi claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds.
The 2.0’s outputs (140kW/320Nm) mean it still has more power up its sleeve to introduce an even sportier Q2 down the track. For now, the Q2 TFSI is one of the briskest cars in the class. It’s also one of the best equipped.
Standard fare includes six airbags, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection up to 65km/h, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, rear camera and blind-zone warning.
Apple Car Play/Android Auto, wi-fi hotspot capability and built-in navigation are also included.
A $990 package brings radar cruise control with stop-and-go traffic jam assistance and an emergency function that will bring the car to a halt and activate the hazard lights if you fall asleep at the wheel.
A power tailgate is standard on this tiny SUV — the hatch is high and heavy and it’s not easy for some owners to shut.
A sensor key with push-button start is part of a $1900 option pack bundled with heated front seats and power folding side mirrors.
ON THE ROAD
The Q2’s interior has an upmarket appearance when equipped with the optional digital widescreen dash and flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, part of a $2500 option pack.
The cabin layout is clean and simple and the switches and dials feel precise. Most of materials such as the dash are soft to the touch, with only the door panels are harder plastic.
Outward vision is good thanks to the relatively large windows and convex side mirrors.
The door pockets are huge but rear seat space is relatively tight and there’s a space-saver spare under the floor of the compact boot.
We tested two examples on a mix of rural and suburban roads on cars equipped with 18 and 19-inch wheels.
On the optional 19s the ride was a touch sharper over bumps due to the low-profile tyres.
The seven-speed twin-clutch auto is smooth once on the move with only a slight delay when moving from rest.
The engine has plenty of poke, but it runs on premium unleaded. It’s a brilliant little weapon for those chasing a power boost in a compact SUV, which can handle duties around town and then unleash the fun when on the highway of when the going gets twisty. Available from Audi Centre Toowoomba. Cnr Herries and Clifford St Toowoomba.