Audi’s smallest crossover, which isalso aslightly older cousin of the Volkswagen T-Roc,is the latest model in the Ingolstadt-based brand’s lineup to be refreshed. We drove the updated Q2 in and around Cape Town ahead of the newcomer's official retail launch on June 1 2021.

What’s new on the Audi Q2?

It’s rare to see a car's dimensions changewhen it undergoesa facelift, but the Q2 has, in fact, become 17-mm longer(although its width and height remain unchanged). With the Q2 favouring design over outright practicality, much of the facelifted version’s upgradespertain toaesthetic details. The Matrix LED headlights' front lighting signature incorporate a new slanted "3-block"design and the lower sides of the bumper are much larger, whichmakes the Q2 appear more aggressive. The gaps within the grille have also expanded, which endows the front end with more width (it’s a small, but clever, change).

Meanwhile, new exterior colours have been made available, including the Apple Green you see here in the images. In the flesh, it’s more olive green or commando green but maybe that’s the colour apples are in Ingolstadt!Other new colouroptions include Manhattan Grey, Navarra Blue, Arrow Grey and Turbo Blue.

Read:Audi Q2 (2021) Specs & Price

The jet booster-style air vents in the cabin now feature silver surrounds that make them stand out from their black and grey surroundings. To brighten up the interior, there is now an option to add lighting inserts adjacent to the transmission tunnel and along the dashboard on the front passenger's side. Ten different lighting colours can be selected, so there's bound to be one that would match yourmood.

The final notable change is the substitution ofthe 7-speed S-tronic ‘box withan 8-speed automatic transmission. This appears to be a global change in markets that utiliseVAG's1.4-litre turbopetrol motors.

One engine for the Q2

The facelifted Q2 changes from a dual-clutch 'box to a torque converter auto.

As was the case with the Q3(whichwas launched in 2019), the Q2 is offered exclusively in35 TFSI guise. The 1.4-litre turbopetrol produces 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque, but is, to reiterate, paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission in this case. The new ‘box introduces a smart-looking new transmission lever and does a perfectly acceptable job of ensuring that the Q2 makesthe best use of its torque.

Acceleration from standstill isdecent, but not exciting. The Q2’s not meant to be a city racer so its powertrain delivers power smoothly and prefers to stay away from the redline, where it feels a bit strained.

Mid-range overtaking ability is a strong point of the powerplant;it positively gallops from 80 to120 kph, which allowsyou to zip past traffic safe in the knowledge that the Q2 will have enough shove on tap to executeswift overtaking manoeuvreson single-lane back roads.

Fuel consumption appears to be another boon ofthe facelifted Q2. After a day of driving in the rain over different types of terrain, we saw an indicated consumption figure of 6.4 L/100 km, which appears to be very similar to what we were able to achieve with the pre-facelift Audi Q2, which we tested for a few weeks a while ago.

What’s it like inside the Q2?

The lighting inserts can be adjusted to any of 10 different colours.

Aside from the changes to the air vents, the new transmission lever and the optional mood-lighting system, the interior is identical to that of the pre-facelift model. The wireless charging padis in the armrest centre console, while two fast-charging USB-C ports are available for rear passengers.

Connectivity options are included inthe optionpacks:the Tech Package will get you smartphone connectivity (incl. Apple Carplay and Android Auto), as well as Navigation Plus and the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Our test unit came with the standard analogue instrument dials, whichI hadn’t seen in an Audi for a long time, so the Tech Package would be the very first optionI would specify.

Overall, the Q2 interior is quite upmarket:the standard seats may not be particularly fancy-looking,but they are comfortable and supportive and, if you'd like, you can always upgrade to the S-Line seats. As with all modern Audis, the cabin exudes a sense of luxury and excellent build quality – you get the impressionthe interior materials are just a slight step up from those in its (also German) rivals.

If you’re consideringthe Q2 as a family car, there are better options in Audi's lineup. Rear legroom is tight, especially behind taller front passengers, but at least the load bay is reasonably sized (405 litres).

What’s the Audi Q2 like to drive?

The Q2 remains a comfortable and stable drive with amicable road manners.

As standard, the Q2 comes with progressive (electric power) steering, which essentially quickens the 'wheel's ratio the more lock you add. I imagine the system would be ideally suited to Alpine routes with lots and lots of hairpins or when nipping through traffic round town, but you don’t really feel its effect on wide sweeping roads.

The ride quality ofthe Q2 was quite good, albeit on theroad surfaces chosen for the test route. Throughout its extended lifespan, the MQB platform hasprovided excellent comfort and good damping over mixed terrain. The unit we drove rode on 17-inch wheels (includedin the Advanced Line) shod with tyres that had chunky sidewalls: it was a good combination of appealing looks and a comfortable ride!

Quietness within the cabin when driving at freeway speeds, meanwhile,is excellent, we discerned no wind noise on engine groan to speak of…

Summary

The price of the facelifted Q2 hasn't changed drastically from the outgoing model.

The Q2 is to Audi SUVs what the A1 is to its hatchback line-up– an entry point to the brand. It’s stylish and well-made with enough performance to keep buyers happy. It’s aimed at those seeking standout style over the outright family-car practicality. The design tweaks and fresh colour palette have improvedthe appeal of the Q2, which arguably wasn’t quite bold enough when it was launched 4 years ago.

The pricing of the new Q2 range starts off at almost exactly the same point as where the old model left off, which means that the new features have not compelled Audi to hike up the line-up's asking prices. This seems to be a bit of a trend of late;Audi is more aggressive with its base prices, which appears to be having some effect – the brand claims that its new vehicle sales increased duringthe 1st quarter.

Audi Q2 pricing in SA

The Audi 5-year/100 000 km Freeway (maintenance) plan is included in the price.

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