Motoring

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. 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 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.

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. 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.

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

nice competitive entry into the range, though more powerful petrol models with 150 hp and an automatic gearbox are available (the '35 TFSI'). There's also the 30 TDI diesel with 116 hp. The Audi Q2 has been designed as a sporty compact SUV. Progressive steering comes as standard, which becomes more and more direct the further the driver turns the steering wheel. The Q2 is simply glorious to drive, even in 1.0-litre, 6speed manual versions. The 110 hp engine provides zippy petrol performance and matches the car's character very well. Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 6.0 litres per 100 km, which is on point for this type of vehicle. The steering is well weighted and the car is agile and fun to drive. It's also very refined and comfortable on the standard SE suspension, whether on long motorway journeys or in town. In a market where nearly every new car has some 'electrified' element, the updated Q2 seems almost old fashioned now with its 1.0-litre petrol engine and 6speed manual gearbox! But it was a sheer delight to drive, a reminder how at least in small cars and SUVs, this is a combination that still works. The Q2 is highly desirable for its design and badge among crossovers. It's also polished behind the wheel. It does not have a latest generation Audi interior but there was hardly much wrong with the last. The quality and functionality still make it an excellent buy.

The SE model may be 'entry level' but don't let that put you off. It's well equipped, looks smart, and is comfortable on the road. The 1.0-litre petrol engine also works well here, providing adequate performance and economy. Model tested: Audi Q2 SE 30 TFSI Price: €34,740 Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol Power: 110 hp Torque: 200 Nm 0-100km/h: 11.2 seconds Top speed: 225 km/h CO2 emissions: 131 - 146 g/km Motor tax: €210 per year n

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The carnage on our roads...

Key Statistics from the Garda Road Safety Christmas Campaign from 26th November 2021 until 4th January 2022.

• 914 Driving While Intoxicated arrests • 13,950 Speeding detections • 15,759 Breath Tests carried out • 5,681 Checkpoints performed • 1,269 FCN’s issued for use of Mobile Phones • 310 FCN’s issued for non-wearing of seatbelts • 525 FCN’s issued for Learner Drivers Driving Unaccompanied • A total of 35 Drink and Drug Driving arrests occurred on

New Year’s Day – 12 of these occurred between 6am and 1pm.

There were sadly, 19 fatalities on our roads during the period between 26th November 2021 and 4th January 2022. This compares with 10 for the same dates in 2020.

In 2021 there were a total of 134 fatalities on Irish roads. This compares with 146 in 2020. n

Richard Ryder of the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI).

Link to RTE TV News story on the DDAI SpaceFinder launch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X VcWwLLtPEU

Call for Wexford County Council to introduce new parking app

Finding a vacant accessible parking space would only be a click away for disabled drivers and passengers in Co. Wexford if Wexford County Council introduced the DDAI Spacefinder app service, says Richard Ryder of the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI). Richard says, “Driving means independence and equal opportunity for our members but finding a vacant accessible parking space is often time-consuming and stressful. In some cases, they could be forced to return home and try again later but with no guarantee of finding one even then.“ Developed by Limerick company ParkMagic and supported by the Disabled Drivers Association, the DDAI SpaceFinder app gives real-time information on whether an accessible parking space is occupied or not, using sensors installed by the participating local authority. Limerick City & County Council was the first local authority to begin using the DDAI Spacefinder App service. The Council’s traffic department installed small sensors at accessible parking bays in its city centre business district, delivering real-time updates to users of the app on Apple and Android. In addition, navigation to the nearest available accessible space is now on Apple CarPlay with Android Auto following shortly. n