The Audi Q2 is without doubt one of the most polarizing cars at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. According to the online polls, it was more eagerly anticipated than the supercars, yet comment sections all over the internet are filled with insults. Everybody believes that it's been hit with the ugly stick too many times, but we suspect Audi will sell lots and lots.
Despite being tiny, the Q2 is still based on the same MQB platform that gave us the Passat and Tiguan. And it's not like the 2014 Polo, which claimed to be an MQB car because it borrowed components from the Golf yet kept its old platform. No, this has nice suspensions and big engines available... well, big for its size.
The precise dimensions are 4.19 meters long, 1.79 meters wide and 1.51 meters tall. The overall length is almost identical to an Audi TT, but the wheelbase is nearly 10cm longer, pushing the rear overhang to almost nothing.
As for the engines, the smallest is an 116 PS 1.0 TFSI turbo with only three cylinders. But you can have it with 190 PS versions of the 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI. Four-link rear suspension is reserved for the two powerful engines when they are matched by the optional quattro all-wheel drive.
We think it's pointless getting the Q2 without quattro and a 2-liter engine. But most buyers will opt for the 1.6-liter TDI diesel due to its low fuel consumption.
The interior is pulled straight from the A3 hatchback and splashed with colored trim. We're pleased to see this crossover being equipped with a head-up display and the digital Virtual Cockpit cluster. Both features differentiate it from non-premium rivals.
Speaking of which, we won't have a price for the Q2 until it goes on sale this summer. However, we expect at least €22,000 for the basic model with FWD and a manual. That's the only legitimate reason to have the smallest Q model ever. BMW does not and will never have a direct rival, nor should Mercedes. However, Audi's claim that this is the first small luxury crossover is contradicted by the Countryman, MINI's most popular car.
What we like:
This is the only Audi that doesn't look like all the other ones
A 2-liter turbo is always going to be fun
The front end can be noticed from a mile away, and it looks good in every color
What we don't like:
The trunk looks small when quattro is optioned, but it's the same on the Mazda CX-3
The interior is high-quality, but generic and dull compared to MINI
MINIs have sexier symmetric exhaust systems and better customization
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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