Audi’s broad product offering has an answer for every question, just about. But can the long-running Q2 small SUV still cut the mustard in 2022?
- Comfy and well-built cabin
- Strong power outputs from its 2.0-litre engine
- Plays well out of town in addition to its suburban prowess
- Driver interface beginning to look dated
- Tight second row with minimal amenities
- Lack of storage in the first row
Introduction
Buyers looking for a small SUV with a bit of premium flair are inundated with choice in 2022. Against the 2022 Audi Q2 this review focuses on, prestige shoppers are faced with options like the Lexus UX, BMW X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40.
This is in addition to rivals within the Volkswagen Group’s own ranks, such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Skoda Karoq, which stock enough niceties to conceivably compete against its more premium Audi stablemate. It all adds up to a nice but confounding problem for those lucky enough to be shopping in the segment.
In this review, we’ll decide whether the recently refreshed Audi Q2 is worthy of a look-in for those shoppers.
The 2022 Audi Q2 is sold as part of a three-pronged range that includes the entry-level 35 TFSI variant, the mid-line 40 TFSI Quattro S Line (reviewed here), and the performance-oriented SQ2.
The mid-grade 40 TFSI Quattro S Line begins at $50,600 plus on-road costs, though as with many premium vehicles there’s an array of options to add, should you desire. On test, our $1195 Navarra Blue car stocks the $2690 Style package (adds 19-inch Audi Sport wheels, matrix LED headlights, Virtual Cockpit, black exterior highlights), and brushed aluminium inlays in the interior ($370). This takes the as-tested price to $54,855 plus on-road costs.
As a base, buyers can expect leather-trim upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an 8.3-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry, and front and rear parking sensors. Those who select the 40 TFSI S Line will receive sporty styling, an electric tailgate, sports seats, paddle shifters, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
It also affords the more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends 140kW/320Nm to an all-wheel drivetrain. This engine comes paired exclusively to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
| Key details | 2022 Audi Q2 40 TFSI Quattro S Line |
| Price (MSRP) | $50,600 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Navarra Blue |
| Options | Metallic paint – $1195 Style package – $2690 Brushed aluminium inlays – $370 |
| Price as tested | $54,855 (plus on-road costs) |
| Rivals | Lexus UX | BMW X2 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
Inside
Audi’s interiors have long been a strong point, but after slotting in behind the wheel of the recently facelifted car, it became apparent that times have moved on, style-wise. The space is tidy and comfortable, though it does present a bit dated in areas such as the centre console and the dash layout. There are no special thrills or design highlights of note, which you might ordinarily expect from a more premium offering.
There’s annoyingly little storage to use in the front row, with just two cupholders and a tiny shelf to store loose items. I ended up having to throw things like my phone and wallet on the passenger seat.
Luckily the space itself is comfy and the sports seats support and hold you in cosily. The materials use is top-notch throughout as well. Nice soft-touch materials adorn the dash, doors and most touchpoints.
I thought the large C-pillar might impact rearward vision, though the seating position is nice and high, allowing for good vision whether it’s out the front of the car or behind.
Taller passengers might have a harder time getting acquainted with the second row, though most should fare fine. The headroom is slightly limited, while taller people will also end up straddling the front seat with their knees. Disappointingly, few amenities are offered in this back seat space.
There are no air vents, no power ports, and no map pockets, souring what should be a premium experience. The boot space is accessed through an electric-release boot and stands at 405L, which is expandable to 1050L when the rear seats are folded flat.
| 2022 Audi Q2 40 TFSI Quattro S Line | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 405L seats up |
| Length | 4208mm |
| Width | 1794mm |
| Height | 1508mm |
| Wheelbase | 2601mm |
Infotainment and Connectivity
Audi’s MMI system does service in the Q2, and while we’ve praised the software in the past, it’s probably where the system should have been relegated to. It’s intuitive and easy to use thanks to a rotary dial and shortcuts below the shifter (but no touchscreen), though the presentation of maps and various menu systems does look dated in 2022.
The 8.3-inch screen is easy to view in all lighting conditions, and its space on top of the dash allows all passengers to get a good look, though few items of interest can be displayed on the screen.
Digital radio DAB+ and wireless charging (through the centre console bin) are included as standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring tech can be used to spruce up the look and feel.
Safety and Technology
Standard safety features on the Audi Q2 include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, and six airbags.
This relatively basic set of kit isn’t quite up to scratch in 2021, when compared with what its premium rivals and even entry-level cars offer. That said, it was awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP in 2016 that stands to this day.
| 2022 Audi Q2 40 TFSI Quattro S Line | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2016) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
Value for Money
Audi was slow to join the five-year warranty club, though as of January 2022 all new Audis sold in Australia now come with a standard five year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Services occur at 15,000km or 12-month intervals, with the first five visits setting buyers back a combined $2320 as part of a five-year service plan.
Against Audi’s combined fuel consumption claim of 7.0L/100km, we recorded 9.9L/100km. This is quite high for a small SUV.
| At a glance | 2022 Audi Q2 40 TFSI Quattro S Line |
| Warranty | Five years / unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | $2320 (5 years) |
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Usage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 7.0L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 9.9L/100km |
| Fuel type | 95-octane petrol |
| Fuel tank size | 55L |
Driving
More than the minor add-ons in specification, most buyers will select the 40 TFSI Quattro S Line for its powerful 140kW/320Nm engine. It’s far sprightlier than the entry-level 1.5-litre and will see the all-wheel-drive-equipped SUV shooting from zero to 100km/h in a scant 6.5 seconds.
It’s an engaging powertrain to deploy whether you’re around town or further afield, with punchy performance making for swift freeway overtakes and a series of drive modes that can turn the car into a fun steer through the twisties. There’s plenty of grip in the rain, and the package doesn’t feel overly heavy when rounding bends. The steering, too, is a nice and hefty weight that suits the specification’s sportier intent.
Back around town, the car’s small stature is easy to manoeuvre in and out of narrow streets and park. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is swift and responds well to changing inputs – especially handy for quick suburban manoeuvres. One annoyance I found was when I put the car in park and opened the door, the vehicle turned off altogether and had to be restarted. This sounds like a minor thing, but it happened often enough to frustrate.
The ride comfort is nice and compliant over speedhumps and irons out subtle imperfections with little fuss, and the cabin ambience remains calm and quiet.
In terms of driving characteristics, it’s a great all-rounder that can bridge the duality of around-town nippiness with touring size and comfort.
| Key details | 2022 Audi Q2 40 TFSI Quattro S Line |
| Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 140kW @ 4200-6000rpm |
| Torque | 320Nm @ 1500-4200rpm |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Power to weight ratio | 96.2kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 1455kg |
Conclusion
Though it’s an accomplished drive as mentioned above, I wish Audi would have gone just a bit further to perhaps integrate its new infotainment system or to include more items as standard with 2021’s facelift.
It still presents as a compelling package at the right price, though there are a number of newer alternatives out there now vying for attention as well. The interior is still a comfortable place to spend time, if a little tired-looking.
In all, it should present as a wholly competent and comfortable premium SUV, without exuding the same new shine that it once debuted with.
The post 2022 Audi Q2 40 TFSI Quattro S Line review appeared first on Drive.
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