2021 Audi Q2 review: Updated compact SUV is easy to recommend

The latest model out of Germany is stylish, fun and surprisingly affordable and is ideal for those wanting their first luxury car.

David McCowen

2 min read

May 22, 2021 - 6:00AM

2021 Audi Q2 35 TFSI.

Design is the key drawcard for Audi Q2 customers. So says a brand that, more than most, trades on the look and feel of its vehicles. First introduced in 2017 as the entry point to Audi’s high-riding luxury SUV range, the Q2 carved out a niche for customers looking for a compact machine with interesting details.

The small Audi Q2 has style and flair.

It arrived before rival machines such as the BMW X2 and Lexus UX, giving prestige buyers a compact option blurring the lines between hatchbacks and SUVs.

Subtle tweaks for this year’s model include new lights and bumpers, along with fresh alloys and a mildly updated cabin.

You also get a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine in the cheapest variant.

Offered overseas in the Volkswagen Golf, but not locally, the compact unit uses cylinder deactivation tech to combine 110kW/250Nm power with 5.2L/100km efficiency. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission drives the front wheels as standard.

The cheapest vriant gets a punchy new 1.5-litre turbo engine.

Priced from $42,900 plus on-road costs (about $49,000 drive-away) in entry-level Q2 35 TFSI trim, the baby SUV costs more than the A1 or A3 hatchbacks, but about $4000 less than the slightly larger Q3 crossover.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, leather seats, ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control.

Safety is accounted for by six airbags, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring and a reversing camera.

Unfortunately the brand’s excellent digital cockpit isn’t standard.

The stylish cabin includes a remote-controlled infotainment display with smartphone mirroring, wireless phone charging, sat nav and digital radio connectivity. But customers looking for Audi’s brilliant ‘virtual cockpit’ dashboard need to spend an extra $3050 on a premium package that also includes adaptive cruise control and active lane assistance – features included on cheaper alternatives for free.

Alternatively, a $3490 style pack brings 19-inch alloys, matrix LED headlamps and the digital dash.

Audi expects most buyers to tick one of the option boxes.

Audi expects most customers to add one of the packs to their car.

The other option is to consider the mid-range Q2 40 TFSI quattro priced from $49,900 plus on-road costs (about $56,000 drive-away).

Powered by the Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbo motor in 140kW/320Nm trim, the 40 TFSI delivers more power, along with all-wheel-drive, an S-Line body kit, variable driving modes, sports seats and shift paddles for the steering wheel.

A new halo model in the first Audi SQ2 has 221kW and 400Nm punch delivering the 0-100km/h dash in 4.9 seconds – well less than the 8.6 seconds of the standard car.

There is a high-performance version that can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Priced from $64,400 plus on-roads (about $72,500 drive-away), the Audi SQ2 delivers the thrust of a VW Golf R in a more interesting package, one loaded with kit such as matrix LED headlights, sports suspension and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.

It delivers a much sportier driving experience than the entry-level model, though there’s not a whole lot wrong with the way the basic Q2 drives.

Light on its feet, with a willing engine and nicely balanced suspension, the Q2 35 TFSI remains an ideal entry point to Audi SUV ownership.