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.
For 15 years the Mitsubishi ASX has been one of the most popular SUVs in Australia. Well into its life cycle, it maintained strong sales thanks to keen pricing and a reputation for reliability.
The second-generation ASX is finally here, but it’s a very different proposition to the original.
For starters, the new model is a twin of French brand Renault’s Captur small SUV. That model is not currently sold here, so Mitsubishi has clear air, for now.
Secondly, it’s no longer cheap. Pricing puts this new model into the high-$30,000 section of the segment, but it also gains modern tech and specs.
Whether buyers care that the ASX has gone upmarket remains to be seen. But we attended the Australian launch to see if French flair has improved the ASX formula.
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.
So, a great car, but Audi could offer more to make it an even better proposition for buyers.
There is no question the new ASX is a much better car to drive than the model it replaces. This one is actually fun behind the wheel. The tech represents a massive upgrade, so too does the interior design and practicality. The fact is, it’s a much more expensive car than the old ASX. It is a European built and designed small SUV with loads more tech and features so when you consider that, the pricing makes more sense.
Regardless of the previous model, this new ASX impresses. It’s not perfect - the LS is missing too many items, no hybrid, slightly firm ride - but it’s now a genuine rival for higher quality rivals in the small SUV segment. If the ASX is in your price bracket, it might be time to add it to the consideration list.