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.
It’s safe to say that SsangYong’s reintroduction to Australia back in late 2018 didn’t go as planned.
Since the relaunch, the world was plunged into an industry-disrupting pandemic and the brand has had to manage bankruptcy in its Korean home market.
But that has also created an opportunity, as big-name brands like Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi continue to push upmarket, it leaves price-sensitive customers with fewer and fewer options.
As a cut-price alternative alongside Chinese brands like MG, LDV and GWM Haval, SsangYong could very well carve out its niche as more Australians look to get into new wheels without breaking the bank.
And while the Musso ute and Rexton large SUV are the brand’s biggest sellers, it’s the Korando mid-size SUV that could make the biggest impact in turning SsangYong’s fortunes around as it competes in the booming mid-size SUV market.
So, does the SsangYong Korando have what it takes to steal sales away from big dogs like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5? Or are you better off waiting months and months for a known quantity?
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.
SsangYong’s Korando diesel might not break the mould in any meaningful area, but it certainly has its place as a no frills, feature-rich SUV.
However, buyers that stay in the inner city should probably forgo the diesel in favour of the petrol Korando which costs less to buy, and at this stage, less to fill up.
The diesel engine is a little undercooked and the styling is far from exciting, but the long equipment list, sensible pricing and lengthy warranty period should at least give buyers deadset on a Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Qashqai pause.
This updated Q2 looks almost identical to the previous one and really the only changes are subtle styling tweaks to the front and back of the car.
The front air vents (they aren’t real air vents on the Q2, but they are on the SQ2) are now larger and pointier and the top of the grille is lower. Around the back, the bumper now has a similar design to the front, with those pointy polygons set wide apart.
It’s an angular little SUV, full of sharp-edged shapes like some kind of acoustical wall in an auditorium.
The SQ2 just looks more aggro, with its metallic-trimmed air vents and beefy quad exhaust.
The new colour is called Apple Green and it’s not really like any colour on the road – well not since 1951, anyway when this hue was hugely popular on everything from cars to telephones. It’s also very close to Disney’s “Go Away” green – look it up and then ask yourself if you should be driving a car that’s kind of invisible to the human eye.
I digress. Other colours in the range include Brilliant Black, Turbo Blue, Glacier White, Floret Silver, Tango Red, Manhattan Grey and Navarra Blue.
Inside, the cabins are the same as before, apart from the larger, sleeker media display, and there are some new trim materials, too. The 35 TFSI has silver inlays with a diamond paint finish, while the 40TFSI has aluminium door sills.
The Q2 has beautiful quilted Nappa leather upholstery, which goes beyond just covering the seats and to the centre console, doors and armrests.
All options offer well laid out and premium feeling cabins, but the disappointing part is that it's an older Audi design, which started out in the third-generation A3, launched in 2013, and still exists on the Q2, even though most Audi models, including the Q3, have the new interior design. This would bug me if I was thinking about buying a Q2.
Have you thought about a Q3? It’s not that much more in price, and it’s a tad bigger, obviously.
The Q2 is tiny, at 4208mm end to end, 1794mm wide and 1537mm tall. The SQ2 is longer at 4216mm long, 1802mm wide and 1524mm tall.
At first glance, the SsangYong Korando might look a bit derivative or even bland, blending elements of the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Tucson.
But did you know the SsangYong Korando predates both aforementioned models? Yep, the fourth-generation broke cover in early 2019, about six months ahead of the Seltos and more than 12 months before the latest Tucson surfaced.
Just because it was first in however, doesn’t mean it is still the best dressed.
To our eye, the Korando is just missing that X factor in aesthetics to really help it stand out from the crowd.
From a distance, it just looks like any other SUV, and isn’t all that distinctive from its rivals.
Sure, the SsangYong grille, sharp front end and foglight arrangement are distinctive enough, but maybe it’s the white of our press car that makes it just seem a little … ordinary.
In profile, the Korando is even more inconspicuous, and even its unique wheels and thick C-pillars do nothing to grab your attention.
The rear end of the Korando might be its best angle, with stand-out tail-light graphics, a chrome centre strip and chunky bumper combining for a little visual pizazz.
Inside, the Korando continues the ho-hum theme with a standard, but lacklustre, dashboard layout and cabin materials.
There’s leather and gloss-black bits to liven things up, but from the centre stack design to the seat inserts, there’s just nothing standout or special about the interior of the Korando.
Don’t get us wrong, we don’t hate the way the Korando looks and feels, its just a bit too Clark Kent and not enough Superman for our tastes.
But if you wanted a mid-size SUV that is inoffensive and blends into the background, this could the car for you.
The Q2 is basically a current model Audi A3, but more practical. I’ve lived with the A3 Sedan and Sportback and while rear legroom is just as confined in those as it is in the Q2 (I’m 191cm and need to squish my knees behind my driving position) getting in and out is easier in the SUV, with its elevated ride height and taller door apertures.
The easier access helps enormously when helping kids into their child seats. In an A3 I need to kneel on the footpath to be at the right level to put my son into the car, but not with the Q2.
The boot space of the Q2 is 405 litres (VDA) for the front-wheel-drive 35 TFSI and for the SQ2 it’s 355 litres. That not bad, and the large hatch makes for a big opening, which is more practical than a sedan’s boot.
Inside, the cabin isn’t enormous, but rear headroom is good, thanks to the fairly high roof.
Cabin storage isn’t terrific, although the front door pockets are big and there are two cupholders up front.
Only the SQ2 has USB ports in the back for rear passengers, but all Q2s have two USB ports up front for charging and media – plus all have wireless charging for phones.
Measuring 4450mm long, 1870mm wide, 1629mm tall and with a 2675mm wheelbase, the Korando serves as SsangYong’s mid-size SUV competitor against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander.
There’s no denying though, that the Korando sits on the smaller end of the mid-size SUV spectrum, being shorter in overall size and wheelbase than even the CX-5 (which we thought was just about big enough for a small family of three).
In fact, the Korando sizes up much closer to something like the new-generation Nissan Qashqai and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – two models which are classed on the larger end of the small SUV spectrum.
After spending a week with the car, we’d argue the Korando feels much more like a small SUV than a mid-sizer.
In the front seats, there is plenty of space for occupants and there is heaps of adjustability in the seats and steering wheel to get comfortable.
Storage solutions include door pockets, cupholders and an underarm cubby, but the tray found just in front of the shifter could use a raised lip or grippier surface so your phone and wallet don’t slide around while driving.
The second row is also plenty spacious, with enough leg-, head- and shoulder-room for our six-foot-tall (183cm) frame, even behind the driver’s seat in our desired position.
Of course, the middle seat is a little compromised thanks to the transmission tunnel eating in the footwell and the slightly higher seating position, but it will do in a pinch.
And in the second row, occupants are treated to a bottle holder in the door, a fold-down armrest (in lieu of the middle seat), a 12-volt charging socket and back-seat map pockets, but a big omission is the lack of air vents – which could be a dealbreaker for some families.
The second-row does offer more room than expected of a car this size, but opening the boot reveals how SsangYong has managed to make the rear seats more comfortable – it has sacrificed storage volume.
The boot will swallow 407 litres with all seats in place, which is smaller than the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai and only two litres more than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
Fold the seats down and volume swells to just 1104L.
Don’t get us wrong, you’ll still be able to fit your weekly groceries in the boot or a full-size pram, but it will be a stretch for both.
The Q2 entry grade is the 35 TFSI and it lists for $42,900, while the 40 TFSI quattro S line is $49,900. The SQ2 is the king of the range and lists at $64,400.
The SQ2 has never been to Australia before, and we’ll get to its standard features in a moment.
Aussies have been able to buy a 35 TFSI or 40 TFSI since the Q2 arrived in 2017, but now both have been updated with new styling and features. The good news is the prices have only gone up by a few hundred bucks, compared to the old Q2.
Standard on the 35 TFSI are LED headlights and taillights, LED DRLs, leather seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight-speaker stereo with digital radio, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
That was all standard on the previous 35 TFSI, but here’s what’s new: an 8.3-inch media screen (the old one was seven inches); a proximity key with push button start (great news); wireless phone charging (brilliant), heated exterior mirrors (more helpful than you’d think), ambient interior lighting (aww… pretty); and 18-inch alloys (heck yes).
The 40 TFSI quattro S line adds sports front seats, drive-mode selection, a power tailgate, and paddle shifters. The previous one had all that, too, but this new one has the sporty S line exterior body kit (the previous car was just called Sport not S line).
Now, the 45 TFSI quattro S line may appear not to get much more than the 35 TFSI, but the extra money is getting you more grunt and an awesome all-wheel-drive system – the 35 TFSI is front-wheel-drive only. If you love driving and can’t afford the SQ2, then $7K extra for the 45 TFSI is absolutely worth it.
If you have saved all your pennies and the SQ2 is what you’re zeroing in on, then here’s what you get: Metallic/pearl effect paint, 19-inch alloys, matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators, the S body kit with quad exhaust, sports suspension, Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, 10-colour ambient lighting, stainless-steel pedals, auto parking, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Of course, you get an incredible high-output four-cylinder engine, too, but we’ll get to that in a moment.
SsangYong’s Korando range kicks off at $29,990 driveaway for the EX grade, and tops out at $40,990 for the Ultimate Diesel that we have on test here.
While nearly $40,000 might seem like a lot to spend on a SsangYong mid-size SUV, the Korando Ultimate Diesel is actually the most affordable oil burner in its class, competing against the Hyundai Tucson (from $45,400 before on-road costs), Kia Sportage (from $39,845), Mazda CX-5 (from $45,880), Peugeot 3008 (from $53,540) and Volkswagen Tiguan (from $55,990).
So, for those after a diesel SUV for the family on a budget, the SsangYong Korando should definitely be on your list.
And don’t think that SsangYong has skimped on the equipment to bring the price down either, as there is a long list of standard gear that includes 19-inch wheels, front and rear fog lights, auto-folding mirrors, heated and cooled front seats, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, power adjustable front seats, and push-button start.
The multimedia system measures 8.0 inches, and features touchscreen functionality with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
There’s also a 10.25-inch all digital instrument cluster that lets you adjust the readout to display the information you want.
However, with a small family to juggle, it’s the powered tailgate and keyless entry that were appreciated the most, as well as the biscuit-crumb-resistant leather seats.
All in all, the Korando is fitted with a comprehensive list of equipment that would make similarly-priced offerings from Hyundai and Kia jealous, but there are a couple of glaring omissions – digital radio and a wireless smartphone charger.
To be fair, wireless charging is a nice-to-have feature – not a must have – but in 2022 when technology is quickly becoming the focus for new vehicles, it is strange to see both of these items not included on the top-spec variants of new vehicles.
There are three grades and each has a different engine.
The 35 TFSI has a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 110kW and 250Nm; the 40 TFSI has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four making 140kW and 320 Nm; and the SQ2 has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol as well, but it puts out a very impressive 221kW and 400Nm.
The 35 TFSI is front-wheel drive, while the 45 TFSI quattro S line and SQ2 are both all-wheel drive.
All have a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission – nope you can’t get a manual. There are also no diesel engines in the line-up.
I drove all three cars and, from an engine perspective, it’s like turning the ‘Smile Dial’ up from Mona Lisa in the 35 TFSI, to Jim Carrey in the SQ2, with Chrissy Teigen in between.
Powering the SsangYong Korando Ultimate Diesel is 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine.
Peak power is 100kW at 4000rpm, while maximum torque of 324Nm is available from 1500-2500rpm.
Those outputs are well down on rival cars, which range from 137kW/416Nm in the Tucson and Sportage, to 140kW/450Nm in the CX-5 – though competitors all use larger engines.
Drive is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, making the diesel-powered Korando the only SsangYong mid-size SUV that is not front-wheel drive.
SsangYong also includes a drive-mode selector, with functionality for Normal, Sport and Winter settings.
Audi engines are superbly modern and efficient – even its monster V10 can shut down cylinders to save fuel, and so can the new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the 35 TFSI. Audi says that over a combination of urban and open roads, the 35 TFSI should use 5.2L/100km.
The 40 TFSI is thirstier at 7L/100km, but the SQ2 demands a bit more at 7.7L/100km. Still, not bad.
What’s not good is the lack of a hybrid, PHEV or EV variant of the Q2. I mean the car is small and ideal for the city, and therefore a perfect candidate for an electric version. Not having a hybrid or EV is why the Q2 model range doesn’t score well for its overall fuel economy.
Official fuel consumption figures for the SsangYong Korando Ultimate Diesel are pegged at 6.4 litres per 100km, while emissions are 170 grams of CO2 per 100km.
In our week with the car, we managed an average of 8.2L/100km, with our driving primarily focused on short, inner-city journeys.
While the Korando is relatively frugal on diesel compared with some its larger and more powerful rivals, keep in mind that diesel prices are much higher than petrol at the moment.
When it comes to the driving part, Audi can almost do no wrong – everything the company makes, whether it’s low powered or rip-your-face-off fast, has all the ingredients for engaging driving.
The Q2 range is no different. The entry-grade 35 TFSI has the least grunt and, with its front wheels pulling the car along, it’s the only one in the family that’s not blessed with all-wheel drive, but unless you’re doing laps at a track you’re not going to be wanting more power.
I drove the 35 TFSI for more than 100km on the launch, through the country and into the city, and in all situations, from overtaking on highways to merging and slow traffic, the most affordable Q2 performed well. That 1.5-litre engine is responsive enough and the dual-clutch transmission changes swiftly and smoothly.
Superb steering and good visibility (although that rear three-quarter view is slightly obstructed by the back pillar) makes the 35 TFSI easy to drive.
The 45 TFSI is a good mid-point between the 35 TFSI and the SQ2 and comes with a very noticeable bump in oomph, while the extra traction from the all-wheel drive is a reassuring addition.
The SQ2 isn’t the hardcore beast you might think it is – this thing would be super easy to live with daily. Yes, it has firm sports suspension, but it’s not overly hard, and that engine, which nudges almost 300 horsepower, doesn’t feel like a Rottweiler on the end of a leash. If anything, it’s a Blue Heeler that loves to run and run, but is happy to take it easy and get fat.
The SQ2 is my pick of the bunch, and not just because it’s quick, agile, and has an intimidating growl. It’s also comfortable and luxurious, with sumptuous leather seats.
If the brief for the Korando is to be easy and unintimidating to drive, then SsangYong has nailed it.
From the driver’s seat, the Korean mid-size SUV makes you feel comfortable and confident, and the steering – while a little on the numb and light side – is communicative enough at slower speeds around town.
The diesel engine as found in our test car, however, does feel lacklustre, even if just accelerating to 60km/h.
The asthmatic powertrain struggles even more at freeway speeds, and coming up to speed at an onramp really highlights how gutless the 100kW/324Nm engine is.
However, the flip side of all this is that the Korando doesn’t really do anything unexpected or surprising.
In the same way you might order a salad for brunch, the Korando’s engine feels just about adequate enough to keep you going and is a safe choice for those that might not be all that adventurous.
However, there is a drive-mode selector on offer to change things from Normal to Sport or Winter.
Switch it over to Sport mode, and things liven up with the Korando feeling more responsive, but we can’t help but feel this mode should be the default tune.
One oddity we did note is that switching from Normal mode to Sport requires a turn of the dial to the right, but turning the dial to the left does not return it to the default setting.
In fact, turning the dial to the left does nothing, and to get it back into normal mode, it’s another turn to the right.
All of this is to say, the ergonomics of the Korando feel a little half-baked, and a little more time in development could have ironed out these issues.
The Q2 was given the maximum five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2016, but by 2021 standards it is light on advanced safety tech.
Yes, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection is standard on all Q2s and the SQ2, and so is blind-spot warning, but there’s no rear cross traffic alert or reverse AEB, while lane-keeping assistance is only standard on the SQ2, along with adaptive cruise control.
For a car that will most likely be purchased by younger people, it doesn’t seem right that they’re not being protected as well they would be in more expensive Audi models.
For child seats, there are two ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchor mounts.
A space-saver spare is under the boot floor.
SsangYong’s Korando was awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in 2019, notching particularly strong results for adult occupant (88%) and child occupant protection (86%).
Standard safety equipment across the entire Korando range include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers and hill descent control, while the ELX grade adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
The top-spec Ultimate scores all the fruit, as well as tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane centre following assist.
The pressure for Audi to move to a five-year warranty must be hugely intense, with Mercedes-Benz offering one, along with pretty much every other mainstream brand. But for now, Audi will only cover the Q2 for three years/unlimited kilometres.
As for servicing, Audi offers a five-year plan for the Q2 costing $2280 and covering every 12-month/15000km service over that time. For the SQ2, the cost is only a fraction higher at $2540.
Like all new SsangYongs sold in Australia, the Korando comes with a seven year/unlimited kilometre warranty – matching the likes of Kia and falling short of the industry-leading 10-year warranty offered by Mitsubishi.
Scheduled service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first, which matches the industry standard.
The first five years of maintenance will set owners back $1580 or $316 each.
However, keep in mind there will be additional service items that need to be addressed such as a urea fill ($51.32 every 10,000km), a brake fluid change ($121.44 every 24 months) and a kit-fuel filter ($146.14 every 25 months or 30,000km).
SsangYong lists the prices of all its services on its website.