By Prashirwin Naidu
When I think of Audi, I think of class and top-tier German engineering, all perfectly packaged to offer comfort and outstanding performance. It’s a true standout. It’s a fact that many consumers admire the Audi brand, seeing it as a statement piece, much like a piece of jewellery you wear with pride.
However, I was left a bit disappointed with the new Audi Q2. The Q2 Urban Edition,
in particular, it was a mixed bag for me. While Audi’s RS models are a major hit,
other models like the Q3, Q4, and Q5 often go underappreciated. The Q2, being the
baby of the range, feels a bit lost in comparison.
The Audi Q2 was first launched in 2016, received cosmetic updates in 2021, and now, in 2025, it’s back— but have there been any significant changes? One thing is clear: the price has risen sharply. Brace yourselves, the new Q2 Urban Edition is priced at R728 930 – too steep for me.
I looked closely for any major changes. The Audi Q2 Urban Edition boasts a
refreshed exterior, with new paint options, a redesigned front bumper, larger air
intakes, and LED headlights (which can be upgraded to Matrix LEDs).
The rear bumper has also been updated, and the taillights are now LED. The Q2 could do with a bit more flair. I’d like to see Audi take a bolder approach, perhaps drawing inspiration from BMW’s more controversial designs, like the M2 or the recently launched X2, a direct rival to the Q2. It’s time for a change, and Audi needs to make a bold statement and even take some risks.
The cabin, however, doesn’t offer much excitement. It’s solid and well-built, unlike the overpriced Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, where you’re paying over R1 million for a cabin plagued by creaks and noises from the air vents and door panels. Audi gets that right, but when it comes to technology, the Q2 feels dated.
The Q2 Urban Edition comes with features like a connectivity package, panoramic sunroof, and parking aid, but it lacks a reverse parking camera. The infotainment system is basic — not a touchscreen, but it gets the job done.
Our test unit came with Audi’s comfort package, featuring manually adjustable
heated front seats, an electric tailgate, and extra USB ports. Standard features include a sound system, virtual display, automatic air-conditioning, and a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel. Optional upgrades include Comfort, Tech, and S-Line packages.
I was very happy with the driving dynamics. The Q2 is refined and a pleasure to manoeuvre, making long commutes enjoyable. I drove conservatively and managed to keep fuel consumption down to 5.1l/km on the highway — quite impressive. The Q2 is powered by a 1.4 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox, which offers smooth shifts. However, at junctions, it can feel slightly sluggish, and when overtaking, the engine revs loudly, though not excessively.
Overall, the Q2 feels stable, competent, and surprisingly spacious. The suspension is solid, and the steering responsiveness and turning radius are impressive. In a competitive segment, the Audi Q2 competes with the BMW X1 and X2, Volvo XC40, Hyundai Kona, Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, and Volkswagen T-Roc. It excels in driving performance, but the heart needs urgent attention.
