Joining the Q

Unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March, this sporty-looking SUV is the smallest member of Audi’s Q range. grabbed a

Taking the form of a five-door utility vehicle, the Q2 is quite the looker. The car incorporates the latest multimedia gadgets from the new A4 and there are three generously equipped specification levels to choose from, with the entry level SE versions benefitting from a suite of features from standard.

To help attract a new generation of buyers, Audi has created an extensive palette of 12 extravagant colours for customers to choose from.

There’s also a huge list of customisation options inside and out, including a two-tone roof and coloured dash inserts and inlays.

These little touches have been specifically designed to counter criticism that all Audis come only in dull greys, blacks and blues.

All UK cars will also come with colour-coded bumpers. The Q2 is equipped with technology you’d expect to find further up the range, including wireless phone charger, smartphone connectivity and B&O audio system, as standard.

Along with the optional virtual cockpit and head-up display, the Q2 can also be specced with Audi’s pre-sense safety kit (which includes pedestrian recognition and Autonomous Emergency Braking), adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and active lane assist. The Q2 also fulfils the fundamental expectations of an SUV with benefits such as good visibility and a large boot, which can carry up to 1,050 litres.

Behind the wheel

Audi has managed to build a spacious and compact SUV that can nip around corners with ease. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful models in the segment. It even incorporates a low seating position, similar to what you’d find in an Audi saloon car, which gives you confidence while on jaunts along winding country roads.

The Q2 is launching with an initial choice of two four- cylinder petrol engines - the 115bhp 1.6-litre TDi and the Cylinder-on-Demand 150bhp 1.4-litre TFSi.

Value for money

As standard, the Audi Q2 offers buyers plenty of bang for their buck.

You could describe it as a compact A4; not only is it offering premium equipment and driver engagement at a lower cost than its rivals, it’s got bags of space and oozes family-friendly practicality from every corner.

Priced from £22,230, it’s also a shade more than £3,000 cheaper than the SE-trim Mercedes GLA 200.

The Q2 is available to order with the first deliveries expected in November.