FAST FACTS: Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI

And, like all Audi products, the cabin refinement was top-notch. The build quality, the fit and finish of all the switchgear, and the way materials all blend together are second to none.

Space? Although the Q2 looks like an SUV, don’t expect SUV levels of room inside. The boot might be slightly bigger than the one doing duty in the A3 Sportback but with the rear seats folded flat there’s actually less cargo-carrying capacity on tap — 1 050 litres versus 1 220 litres. Hmm, deceptive, isn’t it?

What also proved misleading is the perceived sense of luxury — particularly in the amenities department. My test car was fitted with all manner of gadgets and gizmos that made it especially nice to spend time in: satellite navigation, LED headlights, Audi Drive Select, artificial leather seats, adaptive cruise control, a beefy sound system and virtual cockpit instrument cluster. But all the stuff I liked and wanted, and would no doubt put into the Q2 I would theoretically purchase, was an optional extra. And when you add all these things to the steep base price (R511 000), you’re suddenly staring down a R120 900 premium: a premium that rockets the Q2 into a ridiculous pricing bracket. I mean, mine was nearly R650k!

Perhaps there was a mistake? Perhaps I was missing something here? Alas. The more I scrutinised the price list and the more I added tempting variables into the final mix — even on the entry-level 1.0TFSI model — the more I struggled to justify Q2 ownership.

Don’t get me wrong: this is a fine car and architecturally it certainly makes a bold statement, particularly about Audi’s design direction going forward. But through my eyes it’s simply not worth it. An A3 Sportback will do everything it can for less, while the more practical Q3 will out-trump it for not much extra. Q2. Pretty. Pointless. LS

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