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CAROLINE GETS MOTORING Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at
www.changinglanes.ie
AUDI Q2 The Audi Q2 is the entry into Audi's Q range of SUVs. Launched for the very first time in 2016, the Audi Q2 ticks the box for desirability among the raft of compact crossovers that have hit the market over the last few years. In 2021, the Q2 received a facelift to keep it fresh and competitive in its segment. The Q2 combines typical Audi design cues in a smart and compact package. This car still looks good, with a tough, boxy design that has only been slightly updated in terms of some of the trim elements and the bumper design front and rear. The octagonal Singleframe grille is slightly lower than before, making the front section appear wider. There are also five new colours for this model update, including Apple green, Manhattan grey, Navarra blue, Arrow grey, and Turbo blue.
mean for a premium vehicle, but that's the only part we can find fault with. Multimedia is housed in an upright screen, familiar from previous generation Audis. While it's not their latest set-up, it still fits well in the cabin of the Q2 and is compatible with smartphones and has a 7" colour display. The virtual cockpit is available as an option for a full digital display for the driver.
S Line models command a more serious list price for the Q2, priced from €39,905. There are sportier 18" alloy wheels, sports bumpers and the C-pillar blade comes in Selenite silver. Inside there are front sports seats, sports steering wheel, leather/fabric seat trim, LED interior lighting, and aluminium interior elements plus a black headliner for a sportier ambience. S Line models also add Audi Drive Select and a sports suspension.
The Audi Q2 is a compact vehicle. There is seating for five but two will be most comfortable in the rear. The luggage compartment holds 405 litres, so it’s a good size for this class of vehicle.
Audi offers a choice of petrol and diesel models for the Q2, ranging in capacity and power. But it's the 1.0-litre '30 TFSI' petrol Q2 with a 6-speed manual gearbox that is the subject of this review. It forms a
Priced from €34,740, there are two trim levels available for the 2022 Audi Q2 SE and S Line. Even SE line models look smart with 17" alloys and a C-pillar blade finished in metallic Manhattan grey, contrasting with the body work. LED headlights come as standard, as does a rear spoiler. Inside is a reminder why Audi is one of the best in the business for car interiors. Though the Q2 is now one of the 'older' models in the Audi range, it is still a cabin you will want to stay in. They layout is clear and logical, with a superb driving position and beautiful finish to the controls and switches. The hard plastics in the door panels seem a bit
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Audi Q2
