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.
Many Japanese carmakers were criticised for their delayed rollout of electric vehicles (EVs), however Subaru is finally catching onto the trend.
The Trailseeker is the brand’s newest EV in Australia. Awkward name aside, it’s essentially a larger and boxier version of the Solterra that has a touch of Outback about its looks.
It also brings Subaru’s local EV line-up to three if you include the smaller Uncharted that’s launching in Australia soon.
This is the first time we’ve had the chance to drive the Trailseeker on local soil and there’s immense competition from a number of heavy-hitters, so read on to see how it stacks up.
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.
The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X were arguably my most-improved cars in recent history and it therefore makes a lot of sense that the Trailseeker is also a lovely car to drive.
I’m particularly taken with the entry-level car which is supremely comfortable and offers a lot of value-for-money in terms of standard equipment and outright space.
A sticking point I come back to though is there isn’t much difference between this and the Solterra. Sure the Trailseeker has a touch more power and a bigger boot, but it has less range and is more expensive. However, I love this all-terrain wagon look and I’d pay that bit extra for it.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.