Audi Q2 SUV - Interior & comfort

​Initial impressions are that the Audi Q2 has just the interior we’d expect but that the facelift hasn't done quite enough to elevate its infotainment setup in the face of steep competition. Like other Audis, its dashboard is simply designed with a clean, uncluttered look, while the materials used are of high quality unless your fingers stray to out-of-sight places.

The overall ambience is modern, tasteful and inviting and, as if to continue the extrovert nature of the Q2’s exterior styling into the passenger compartment, it can be ordered with dashboard trim inserts that match the car’s exterior colour. This might seem like an insignificant detail to get excited about, but given Audi’s tastefully conservative approach to interior design until now, it marks a small but significant change for the brand.

Some rivals offer a more indulgent ride, though. Although smoothness is assured at higher speeds, on slow roads occupants are likely to be shaken by the Q2’s firm suspension, which is even harder on models with the optional sports setup. Team this with the larger of the alloy wheel choices and things get rather choppy, with shocks transmitted from the low-profile tyres directly to you and your passengers. Adaptive dampers bring a more sophisticated ride - even with bigger wheels - so it's a shame they're limited to the top Vorsprung trim, which has now been discontinued. Otherwise, the overall experience is relatively calm, relaxing and impressively quiet.

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Audi Q2 dashboard

Flashes of colour aside, it’s business as usual for the Q2’s dashboard. The attractive round air vents and excellent heating controls are carried over from the last-generation A3 hatchback, as is the infotainment screen. The driver’s seat and steering wheel offer excellent adjustability, so if you fall outside the realms of ‘average’, getting comfortable will be easy.

Equipment

Technik is the entry-level grade, so you'll need to upgrade to Sport, S line or Black Edition to get Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument display. All cars now get an 8.3-inch infotainment screen, which can be controlled using a rotary dial on the centre console or 'natural language' voice control, but it's a bit disappointing it lacks touchscreen operation and doesn't have Audi's latest software.

Cruise control, LED headlights and a powered tailgate are fitted as standard but Technik only comes with the 30 TFSI 1.0-litre petrol engine and is just a bit too basic to recommend. Our favourite Sport trim adds Audi’s advanced sat nav system, sports seats and a host of useful online connectivity features, and its 17-inch wheels keep the ride comfortable. S line adds further sporty garnishes, 18-inch alloy wheels, including exclusive part-leather upholstery and a more intricate design for the headlights.

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The Black Edition trim swaps chrome brightwork for gloss black and has 19-inch alloy wheels, while the Vorsprung trim – which is no longer offered – was fitted with adaptive suspension, a rear-view camera, semi-autonomous parking and adaptive cruise control. Luxury was also bumped up with Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and a Bang & Olufsen stereo upgrade. It’s worth noting that Vorsprung is now only available on the SQ2; we expect that too few buyers specified the high-end model on the regular Q2, but much of its kit can be found on the options list.

Options

Choose the Sport trim and it's possible to add wireless smartphone charging for £200, along with illuminated trim inlays for £400. Meanwhile, a Comfort and Sound Pack costing around £1,200 brings heated front seats, all-round parking sensors, a Sonos stereo system and rear-view camera. It's also worth noting that a space-saver spare wheel, tool kit and jack is £125 extra. It’s possible to specify Nappa leather seats for S line versions for £1,500, while a carbon styling pack costs a similar amount.