2017 Audi Q2 2.0 TSFI quattro Sport quick review

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The Audi Q2 2.0 TSFI quattro Sport is a more powerful, performance orientated petrol version of Audi’s luxury small SUV. The Audi Q2 arrived at the beginning of 2017 with two variants, the front-wheel-drive turbo petrol 1.4 TFSI Design and turbo-diesel 2.0 TDI quattro Sport, and this new model introduces Audi’s 2.0 TFSI petrol engine to the range, which is already found in the A3 and A4 models.

As with the other two Q2 models, the 2.0 TFSI comes as a well-equipped single variant that can be enhanced with a range of option packs. Its base price is $48,500 which puts it between the 1.4 TFSI design ($41,800) and 2.0 TDI quattro Sport ($49,100).

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STRENGTHS

• The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is the most powerful you can get in Audi A3 or A4 without an S or RS performance badge. It produces140kW and 320Nm of torque, compared to the 1.4 TFSI’s 110kW/250Nm, which results in a 2.0-second quicker 0-100km dash time of 6.5 seconds. In practical terms there’s plenty zip off the line with no turbo lag, and you’re never caught short on power when overtaking.
• Despite the increase in power and capacity, the 2.0-litre engine is reasonably fuel efficient, drinking just 6.5L/100km according to official combined figures.

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• The chassis, quattro all-wheel-drive system and multi-link suspension combine to make the Q2 2.0 TFSI feel planted. It’s composed over bumps and potholes and lateral forces are also well contained resulting in remarkably little body roll for an SUV. This allows you to use a bit more of that extra power through bends.
• Exterior styling gives it a more youthful appearance than the staid looking Q3, while maintaining Audi elegance. It’s based on a ‘Polygonal Design’, which you see in the headlights, grille and even the chiselled shoulder line.

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• The cabin is spacious for a small SUV. While the middle back seat is only suitable for kids, head and knee room in the outboard positions are ample for grown-ups and the long doors making getting in and out simple.
• Standard equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, LED headlights and taillights, MMI Navigation infotainment with a bright 7-inch screen, wi-fi hot spot, smartphone interface, rear view camera, front/rear parking sensors and dual-zone air-conditioning, leather sports seats.

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WEAKNESSES

• Road noise was a little high, especially on the optional 19-inch wheels. Best stick with the 18-inch stock wheels which also provide a slightly better ride and won’t cost you an extra $2100.
• The interior looks good, but Audi’s desire to appeal to well-healed youth robs the Q2 of the wow-factor you get when stepping in more eminently styled models such as the A4.
• Features that are standard in more affordable mainstream SUVs – such as adaptive cruise control, hill-hold assist, push button start and digital radio – are optional extras that can be purchased individually or part of a package. Each pack is reasonably priced, but start ticking a few boxes and you’ll be paying well north of the $48,500 base price. The model we drove was equipped with a $900 Assistance Package (with additional active safety), $1900 Comfort package, $2500 Technik package (which includes Audi Virtual Cockpit) and some exterior bling including 19-inch alloys, which drove the price up to $59,240.

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ARE THERE ANY RIVALS I SHOULD CONSIDER?

Audi holds up the Mini Countryman SD All4 as the closest rival, but you can also include the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, BMW X1 25i, Volkswagen Tiguan 162 TSI Highline and Jaguar E-Pace 2.0T when it arrives.