Motoring journalist, Tony Yates, tested the Audi Q2 during a recent trip to Ross-on-Wye.

Christmas is such a special time of year so, before this week’s motoring review, I would like to take this opportunity to hope that you had a very happy Christmas and wish you a happy and healthy 2017. I would also like to thank all the readers of my motoring column for their interest and hope that, with your support, the Ross Gazette continues to grow further in 2017.

Audi Q2 1.6 TDi SE

The new Audi Q2 is a very stylish crossover that also happens to be spacious, practical and bold, with confident flowing Audi design features which help give it its Coupé-like appearance. I also like how the Q2 has a powerful presence on the road with its modern SUV looks and high ground-clearance which all do their bit to show off the distinctive and versatile appearance of the Q2.

The Q2 I had on test was fitted with a 1.6 litre TDi engine that is equipped with a Stop/Start system to enhance fuel economy. The 116hp version produces 250Nm of torque, and can accelerate from zero-to-62 mph in 10.3 seconds, and will reach a maximum top speed of around 122mph. I am not going to talk much about MPG, but I did manage a good return of 55mpg using my normal driving route. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is also up for being driven hard if the need requires – but it’s also quiet when you’re in sixth gear cruising on the motorway.

The steering is accurate in whatever situation unfolds on the road and the chassis is good. Grip levels are also good and the Q2 is a very engaging drive but you have to remember that this car is not a raw ‘seat of your pants’ car. The Q2 also has a short wheelbase and a high centre of gravity, so I expected a fair amount of body roll when going into the corners, but to be honest, this was very minimal and it felt better than I had expected.

Equipment highlights include; 17” x 7.0J ‘five-arm star’ design alloy wheels, Audi Drive Select, front sport seats in index cloth, inlays in a choice of red or yellow, anodised paint finish, aluminium interior elements, MMI Navigation (SD card-based) Audi Connect Infotainment Services, eight passive loudspeakers, cruise control system and light and rain sensors. Plus the usual safety features such as; Audi Pre-sense Front with pedestrian recognition, Multi-collision brake assist, LED lighting (option on SE & Sport models). There is also a large selection of optional technologies available such as; park assist, rear-view camera, cross-traffic assist rear, adaptive cruise control with stop-go, traffic-jam assist and Audi active lane assist. These are just a small amount of what’s on offer.

Rear passenger leg room is also good, even for the tallest of people, and the seating is well set out with plenty of support for all occupants. The boot is also spacious enough to deal with a large shopping trip, or a family week away.

The Q2 is a great little car – but the abundance of small SUVs on the market is making it difficult for most people to pick a firm favourite. I would not rule out taking a look at the Audi Q2 because it has some great features, along with a good chassis and a firm sense of reliability on its side.

Best wishes for the New Year

Motoring journalist Tony Yates