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• The Audi Q2 rivals the Mini Cooper Clubman and Opel Grandland in SA.
• The BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are not the SUV's direct rivals.
• The Q2 is priced from R545 500.
• For more motoring stories, go to Wheels24
By default, we are conditioned to believe that Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are embroiled in an ongoing rivalry. That every vehicle produced by one of the Teutonic trio has a direct rival from the other two automakers. Well, it's not always the case, as proved by the recently launched Audi Q2.
The Q2 is the smallest SUV in Audi's portfolio, and it is widely assumed that its direct rivals are BMW's X1 and Merc's GLA. Unfortunately, that bubble has been burst because the Q2 does not compete in the same segment as these two vehicles. The Q2 does duty in the A0 segment of the market and, in so doing, competes against a different batch of vehicles.
These rivals include but are not limited to the Mini Clubman and Opel Grandland X.
How the Q2 stacks up
The A0 segment is an important one for Audi and the Q2 has been performing admirably since coming to the local market in 2017. In this segment, however, the German SUV faces stiff competition and needs its wits about it if it is to continue this performance with the newly launched model.
DRIVEN: Audi's new Q2 ready to impress and topple the A0 segment in South Africa
The Q2 is priced from R545 500 - R581 500, but a limited-run Launch Edition retails for R519 500. The entire range is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre (110kW/250Nm) petrol engine that sends power to the front wheels via a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Following our Q2 driving experience at the South African launch, we can attest that the new engine/gearbox combination works a charm and should find favour with most buyers in this segment.
Sadly, a Quattro model will not join the range, nor are there any plans to introduce an S or RS model.
The rivals
The Mini Cooper Clubman is a formidable vehicle. Having evolved from the Leyland Mini in the 1970s to something bigger like the Clubman and Countryman, the car has established itself in the automotive world as a living legend. Modern Minis, including the Clubman, stay true to the essence of Mini, and one is immediately pulled back in time as the past meets the present.
Three models make up the Clubman range, but the entry-level model takes the fight to the Q2. Priced at R548 010, the vehicle is powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with 100kW and 220Nm on offer. Like the Audi, it, too, implements a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
The other vehicle is the Opel Grandland X Edition. This model is the middle child in the three-model Grandland range and retails for R540 900. It is slightly more affordable than its two European rivals in this company but does not stand back in terms of features. The Grandland X is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with 121kW and 240Nm on offer. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels.
Which vehicles would consider rivals to the Audi Q2? Email us your thoughts or use the comment section below.
Peace of mind
Audi Q2
Maintenance Plan: 5-years or 100 000km
Warranty: 1-year or unlimited km
Mini Cooper Clubman
Maintenance Plan: 5-years or 100 000km
Warranty 2-years or unlimited km
Opel Grandland X
Service Plan: 5-years or 100 000km
Warranty: 3-years or 120 000km
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