It’s spacious enough for what it is, too, though there are more practical and more versatile alternatives out there. You’ll also find cars that are more comfortable and more enjoyable to drive among their number, as well as more spacious, more practical and more versatile alternatives.
The Q2, then, is probably the best of the rather small clique of compact premium SUVs, wherein its only real rivals are the Mini Countryman and DS 3 Crossback. However, widen your net out to include competitors from more mainstream marques, if you can bear to live without the cachet of a posh badge on the bonnet, and you’ll find more to get excited about than you will here – and all for much less money.
Telegraph rating: Three stars out of five
The facts
On test: Audi Q2 1.5 TFSI 35 Sport S Tronic
How much? £28,270 on the road
How fast? 136mph, 0-62mph in 8.6sec
How economical? 46.3mpg (WLTP Combined)
Engine/gearbox: 1,498cc four-cylinder petrol engine with 148bhp, seven-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox, front-wheel drive
The electric bits: N/A
Electric range: N/A
CO2 emissions: 138g/km
VED: £215 first year, then £150/year
Warranty: 3 years / unlimited miles (60,000-mile limit in third year)
Boot size: 405 litres
Spare wheel as standard: No (Optional extra)
The rivals
Mini Countryman Cooper Classic Automatic
134bhp, 42.8mpg, £26,095 on the road
Despite its slightly awkward looks, the Countryman manages to feel a little more special than the Q2 thanks to cute touches like its snazzy interior and union jack rear lights. Mind you, its ride is no more forgiving, and while it darts into corners eagerly, it still doesn’t feel quite as interactive as it could be. This version’s not only down on power, but less economical, too.
Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 130 GT Line EAT8
128bhp, 48.3mpg, £27,730 on the road
Peugeot’s tried to sit between premium and mainstream brands with its pricing, but the result is that the 2008 feels rather expensive for what it is. Still, it’s economical, and this little engine feels punchy and characterful despite its power deficit. And the swish interior, while not quite as high-quality as the Audi’s, looks just as interesting.
Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST-Line X Vignale Auto
123bhp, 46.3mpg, £26,840 on the road
The Puma is probably our favourite of these dinky SUVs, and this top-spec version is groaning with toys. Sadly, though, you can’t get the cracking 152bhp mild hybrid with an automatic gearbox, which seems an oversight, so you’ll have to make do with this less potent model. Still, it punches above its weight, and you still get that clever boot too.
For new and used buying guides, tips and expert advice, visit our Advice section, or sign up to our newsletter here
To talk all things motoring with the Telegraph Cars team join the Telegraph Motoring Club Facebook group here
A-Z Car Finder