What's the difference?
Audi’s littlest and most affordable SUV, the Q2, has been updated with new looks and tech, but something else has snuck in with it. Or should I say roared in? It’s the SQ2, with a whopping 300 horsepower and a snarling bark.
So, this review has something for everybody. It’s for those who want to know what’s new for the Q2 in this latest update - those thinking of buying a cool-looking little SUV from Audi - and for those who want to wake their neighbours up and frighten their friends.
Ready? Let’s go.
You have to feel a bit sorry for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S. After all, it shares the same platform and engine as the A 45 S and CLA 45 S, but gets none of the limelight.
Maybe it’s because it’s a small SUV, and by virtue of pure physics, it will never be as fast or fun as its two cousins.
But what it does offer is practicality, thanks to a larger boot and comfort, due to its increased suspension travel.
Wouldn’t this make it a better buy then?
We spend some time behind the wheel of the second-generation Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S to see if can truly have its cake, and eat it too.
The Q2 is good value and great to drive – especially the SQ2. The exterior looks new, but the cabin feels older than the larger Q3, and most other Audi models.
More standard advanced safety tech would make the Q2 even more appealing, as would a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. While we’re at it, a hybrid variant would make enormous sense.Â
So, a great car, but Audi could offer more to make it an even better proposition for buyers.Â
A performance SUV should be an oxymoron and is no doubt a niche product. Is it a high-riding hot hatch? Or a mega-potent small SUV?
Turns out the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S is a bit of both and delivers the thrills of a performance car without any of the packaging or comfort-related issues.
While it is getting a little expensive at over $100,000, its blend of space and pace is hard to beat.