Audi Q2 - Interior, design and technology

Like a lot of VW Group products, the Audi Q2 is based on the scalable MQB architecture. Not only is the chassis light and strong, giving sharp handling and refinement, its flexibility has allowed designers freedom to create distinctive styles. Yet the Q2 takes a more conventional approach, borrowing cues from models like the Q7 and TT coupe.

The Q2 is available with a number of customisation options. Not only is there a wide range of alloy wheel designs, you can also choose contrasting colours for the C-pillar inserts. It's a real stand-out feature of the Q2 that’s not unlike the side panels found on the R8 supercar, coming in differing shades of grey, silver and black depending on your chosen trim level. It’s not just for design, either – the floating blade has aerodynamic properties, too.

Alloy wheel sizes range from 17s on Sports and 18s on S line models. Black Edition models come on 19s, which are also available as options on other trims, but beware that the bigger the wheel, the bigger the bumps you’ll feel, especially in the back and on Sport rather than Comfort suspension.

The Q2’s interior quality is solid enough, especially against rival small SUVs and many other cars at the price, too. There are soft plastics where you see and touch most, although Audi will admit to saving money where you won’t notice it. The swathes of plastic on the door cards and some flimsy material in the centre console let it down a bit. 

Every Q2 gets a dash-top screen although you have to head for the options list to fill it with interesting stuff like sat-nav. And if you really want to push the boat out, you can opt for Audi’s impressive 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit – a TFT dash display that replaces conventional dials and gives you further options to personalise what you can see. 

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Audi’s MMI Navigation system is lifted straight from the manufacturer’s other models, giving the Q2’s cabin plenty of premium appeal, despite some questions over the quality of materials used. The graphics on the seven-inch screen are relatively sharp, but this was only offered on the old entry-level Technik. Sport comes as standard with the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital dash display. 

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We like the rotary wheel fitted on the transmission tunnel that controls the central screen. It’s intuitive and chunky so you rarely input incorrect commands and that rotary wheel also features as standard a touchpad within. After a few goes you get used to drawing each letter or number on the touchpad and it’s pretty clever at picking up the character you intend - even if your finger writing isn’t the tidiest.

MMI Navigation features three months of connected services, giving information on local searches, fuel prices, weather and even social media. Alongside this, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard, further improving the integration with your smartphone. The SQ2 comes with a smartphone charging pad, but it’s annoyingly located underneath the armrest.