The narrow winding ribbon of asphalt through the slopes of the Högl never fails to awaken something inside me. It’s not just a place, it’s a proving ground. A place where you can let a car breathe through its mechanical lungs, where your right foot becomes the truth detector, and your hands interpret steering input like a second language. That’s exactly where I took the Audi Q2, both the 35 TDI and the 35 TFSI, for a full, scale road test. What I discovered was a compact Audi that’s clever, sometimes punchy, occasionally frustrating, and above all, uniquely positioned in the lineup, because there might not be a next time.
Before we dive into the highland curves and long straights of this Bavarian playground, let’s be clear: the Audi Q2 might be living on borrowed time. Audi has confirmed there’s no successor planned. So what you see is what we’ll forever get. It’s an interesting farewell for what could’ve evolved into a serious compact, SUV contender. With that context in mind, let me take you inside my experience behind the wheel.
Under the Hood: Diesel That Talks and Petrol That Listens
You know a car is properly balanced when it handles the altitude changes of the Högl without losing breath. The Q2 35 TDI did just that, well, almost. With a 2.0, liter, four, cylinder turbodiesel pushing 150 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque (yes, Audi updated it slightly from 340 Nm), I felt that familiar diesel grunt every time I climbed a hill or throttled out of a tight bend. The power delivery was broad and usable, especially between 1,600 and 3,000 rpm where that torque just hangs on. Overtakes felt like the engine had memorized the moves. No hesitation. Just push and go.
But there’s something else, sound. The diesel’s acoustic profile is ever, present. Not offensive, but certainly not shy. It reminded me of earlier generations of TDI, efficient but audibly mechanical. If you’re a fan of refinement, you might feel let down. I wasn’t. To me, the honesty of that engine suited the rugged backdrop of the Högl. It just didn’t try to fake anything.
The 35 TFSI, on the other hand, was a different conversation. The 1.5, liter petrol turbo mill, also making 150 horsepower but with a lower torque figure of 250 Nm, came across smoother, lighter on its feet, and more eager at higher RPMs. While the diesel is a dig, deep torque animal, the petrol unit felt like a well, trained sprinter. Quick to rev, quick to respond, and when paired with the 7, speed S tronic, it shifted with elegance, though I did catch it sleeping on downshifts occasionally when I demanded sudden acceleration.
On the Road: Quattro Grip and Urban Poise
Taking the Q2 up and down the Högl reminded me why compact SUVs became a thing in the first place. You don’t need bulk to feel planted, and you don’t need flash to feel fast. The quattro system in the diesel version brought confidence, especially during some damp morning climbs where the asphalt was still wet with alpine mist. Traction was flawless. You point the nose, and it follows.
The FWD, only TFSI was less sharp when pushing hard uphill, but in real, world conditions, city commutes, occasional Autobahn blasts, it’s more than adequate. The steering is sharp for a small SUV, not overly light, not artificially heavy. It communicates. The body roll is minimal, and even on tight switchbacks, the chassis composure is Audi, typical. It’s only when you push past 8/10ths that the front tires protest a bit, and the ESP intervenes early.
Braking? Absolutely solid. No fade, no softness, just progressive confidence. Even on steep descents, modulation was easy and predictable. On this front, Audi still delivers the premium goods.
Cabin Life: Premium, ish but Showing Its Age
Stepping inside the Q2 is both familiar and a bit underwhelming. Audi knows how to make a cockpit, everything is where it should be, screens are crisp, MMI is intuitive, but there’s a level of tactile luxury missing. The upper dash is padded, sure, but the lower half feels cheap. Touch anything below elbow level and you’ll be reminded that this isn’t an A4. And some trim pieces around the door cards felt like they came from a cost, cutting bin. That’s not the Audi I grew up loving.
But don’t write it off yet. Ergonomics are still fantastic. The virtual cockpit is still class, leading, and the optional Sonos 14, speaker system? Unreal for a car this size. I spent hours climbing and descending listening to ambient techno and the sound staging was brilliant. Bluetooth connection was seamless. Apple CarPlay worked without a hiccup. There are dual USB ports, wireless charging, and even a working Wi, Fi hotspot if you spec it correctly.
Space: Just Enough, No More
If you’re planning on turning the Q2 into your family hauler, take a pause. Rear seat legroom is just passable for adults under 1.80m, and cargo space is pretty average. In the TDI quattro, boot space starts at 355 liters and expands to 1000 liters. The FWD petrol gives you a bit more, 405 to 1050 liters, but the loading lip is high, and space is shallow compared to other compact SUVs.
Still, I managed to get my mountain bike in with the seats down and some maneuvering. It’s usable. Just don’t expect estate car practicality. You compromise, but you’re rewarded with agility and a smaller footprint in return.
Real World Efficiency and Performance
This is where the Q2 kind of shines quietly. On my full day of mixed testing, curves, climbs, Autobahn, and town, the diesel returned a solid 5.8 L/100 km, real, world. That’s with aggressive driving in some portions. On flatter, steady, state cruising, it dropped closer to 5.2. That’s SUV efficiency with sedan power.
The petrol? Slightly thirstier. I averaged 6.7 L/100 km in similar conditions. Not bad at all, and its CO₂ output was just under 120 g/km in my test cycle. The engine shuts down cylinders under light loads too, which helped on longer, low, speed stretches through the valley.
What’s important is that both engines earned four stars in the ADAC Ecotest, which says a lot about how clean and refined these powertrains have become, even in traditional combustion form.
Technical Specifications
For up-to-date and accurate specs, we rely on Audi’s official web data.
| Specification | Audi Q2 35 TDI quattro S tronic | Audi Q2 35 TFSI S tronic |
| Engine | 2.0L 4, cylinder turbodiesel | 1.5L 4, cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 150 hp @ 3,500, 4,000 rpm | 150 hp @ 5,000, 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1,600, 2,750 rpm | 250 Nm @ 1,500, 3,500 rpm |
| 0, 100 km/h | 8.2 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 218 km/h |
| Transmission | 7, speed S tronic (DCT) | 7, speed S tronic (DCT) |
| Drive Type | AWD (quattro) | Front, wheel drive |
| Fuel Consumption (WLTP) | 5.6 L/100 km | 6.0 L/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions | 127 g/km | 119 g/km |
| Boot Capacity | 355, 1000 liters | 405, 1050 liters |
| Unbraked/Braked Towing Capacity | 750 / 1800 kg | 690 / 1500 kg |
| Price | from €40,150 | from €34,400 |
Conclusion: Capable, But the End Feels Premature
As the sun dipped below the tree line of the Högl, painting the sky with apricot and indigo, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness. The Q2 isn’t perfect. It’s not even class, leading anymore in many respects. But it is real. It’s honest. It handles well, offers efficient engines, and serves its purpose as a daily driver with the occasional mountain detour.
What’s frustrating is how close it comes to greatness without fully committing. Some trims feel below Audi’s usual standards. The space is tight. And the S tronic isn’t always decisive. But it still felt alive under me. In both diesel and petrol guise, the Q2 remains one of the more engaging small SUVs I’ve driven.
Audi says this is the last of the Q2. That’s unfortunate, because with a few tweaks, it could’ve been one of their best small offerings.
Is the Audi Q2 35 TDI still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, if you value long range, all, wheel drive, and diesel torque. It’s a compact SUV with excellent fuel efficiency and solid dynamics.
How does the Audi Q2 petrol compare to the diesel in real life?
The TFSI is smoother and quieter, with less torque but more refinement. The TDI is more frugal and has better traction thanks to quattro.
Is the Audi Q2 spacious enough for families?
Not ideal for more than two adults and a small child. Rear space and trunk size are limited compared to other SUVs.
