Given the equipment consistency, the $13K separating cheapest from exxiest is telling
Also originating from the former federal republic is this quartet’s oldest and smallest SUV, the Audi Q2. Sharing the Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 platform with the big new Polo and next-gen A1 (due next year), the range surfaced early last year in 1.4 TFSI front-drive petrol ($41,800) and 2.0 TDI quattro diesel ($49,100) flavours. However, we’re drawn to the fresher 2.0 TFSI quattro Sport petrol (from $48,500), particularly as it junks the 1.4’s torsion-beam rear for the TDI’S multi-link arrangement (matching the other SUVS here).
Invariably, our Q2 heaved with extras, such as a $990 Assistance package (adaptive cruise, active lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beam and park assist), $1900 Comfort pack (including keyless entry, folding mirrors, heated/electric front seats, extra compartments), and $2500 Technik pack (larger 8.0-inch screen, Virtual Cockpit instrumentation and flat-bottomed wheel), as well as $500 audio and $550 DAB+ radio upgrades. In conjunction with $900 ‘Exclusive’ styling and $500 Contrasting packs, the Audi’s personality lifts from drab to fab. Total? $59,240. That’s without a sunroof, while adaptive dampers cost a further $1500. Ouch.
Still, give or take a few items, seldom has a comparison thrown up such equipment consistency, so the $13K separating cheapest from exxiest is telling. Furthermore, while the Deutsch duo are Gla-style crossover hatches as opposed to the others more upright SUV traditionalists, there’s more – or, in some cases, less – to their packaging than meets the eye.
Take the Q2. In the showroom, its tighter proportions, missing rear air vents and annoyingly absent (but available with a $450 three-way bench option) centrerear armrest would appear to sink its appeal. But further inspection reveals there’s actually more than sufficient headroom (in our sunroof-less car), as well as comparatively ample space for shoulders, legs, knees and feet. Seat comfort rates highly in both rows, with the rear bench offering strong lower-back and thigh support, okay vision and fairly good noise suppression.
Additionally, the dashboard’s layout feels the richest as presented, with high-quality materials and finish, while the Q2’s basics for comfort, ergonomics and refinement are typically solid. It may be the smallest, but on the move and over time, the Audi’s depth of cabin craftsmanship shines through.
It isn’t quite the same in the Volvo. With the group’s longest wheelbase, highest ceiling and deepest windows, it literally stands out as the likeliest to be packing space, yet it dodges styling dorkiness thanks to deft detailing such as the R-design’s delectable colour blocking.
Factor in the lure of sumptuously supportive front seats, Volvo’s signature central tablet screen, gorgeous instruments, classy Art Deco vents and – in this Launch Edition – stitched leather ambience, a vast sunroof and no-cost-option orange carpet and door inserts, and the XC40’S cabin is all but a flirty deed done dirt cheap.
But more isn’t more room-wise (headroom aside), with less rear space than the XC40’S boxy proportions promise. Infuriatingly, each gear lever movement demands two taps; that multimedia screen’s functionality isn’t so intuitive; smallish rear cushions lack sufficient thigh support for adults; there are no proper door grabs or overhead handles to hang on to; and wind noise is a constant companion. And what happened to Volvo’s famed built-in child booster seats? They’re an especially disappointing omission seeing as