There are 1000 good reasons, a little more than 4.20 meters long Compact SUV not 300 hp to pack under the hood. But also at least one reason why this hits the nerve of many petrol blooders: It’s just great fun. And honestly, life is serious enough as it is. So we grab the freshly lifted VW T-Roc R and its technology brother Audi SQ2 and simply step on the gas unabashedly.
Selected products in tabular overview
VW T-Roc R 2.0 TSI 4Motion
RRP from EUR 48,445, savings of up to EUR 6,783
Audi SQ2 TFSI quattro
RRP from EUR 48,200, savings of up to EUR 6,507
Both opponents are based on the reasonable group construction kit MQB (modular transverse construction kit). The Q2 launched in 2016 still uses the first generation (from 2012, Golf 7), the T-Roc launched in 2017 uses the second edition (from 2015, Tiguan 2 to A2) split into sizes A0, A1 and A2 in the A1 version (Seat Ateca 2016/Skoda Karoq 2017).
Jazzed up: In the radiator grille of the T-Roc R there is now a continuous strip of LED lights.
The facelift brings a new face to the T-Roc
Even after the facelift, the small VW SUV remains very true to itself. There is now a continuous LED strip in the radiator grille, under which a black trim strip reinforces the brisk and friendlier facial expression. Black-painted panels also adorn the rear, and the LED signature of the rear lights is more reminiscent of the Golf.
The SQ2 is finely made but less modern
The SQ2 shows up since the Facelift unchanged in October 2020. And that’s by no means a bad thing. Large grille, black inserts, dynamic look – the smallest Audi SUV cannot be overlooked in the rear-view mirror, but it doesn’t come across as aggressive or visually compelling even in the S dress. A harmonious design. That the Q2 will last until the end of its life – according to the official Audi announcement, there will no longer be a successor.
Large grill, black inserts, dynamic look – the Audi SQ2 draws attention to itself.
Inside, the Audi presents the better material quality, but appears less modern than the VW, which already uses the third generation of the modular infotainment kit (MIB 3). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto it allows (unlike the SQ2) without a cable. the GPScard can be imported into the digital instruments in full format in both cases, but the Audi’s voice control understands freely spoken instructions less well than those in the T-Roc, and the SQ2 completely lacks voice activation. And (unlike current map material) it cannot be retrofitted “over the air”.
Engine type/cylinder
installation position
valves/camshafts
camshaft drive
displacement
kW (HP) at 1/min
Nm at 1/min
V max
transmission
drive
Brakes front/rear
test car tires
tire type
wheel size
Exhaust gas CO2*
Consumption*
tank capacity
fuel type
gasoline particulate filter
pass-by noise
trailer load used/unused
drawbar load
trunk volume
Length Width Height
wheelbase
basic price
Test car price (is evaluated)
Seven-speed double clutch
4216/1802-2009**/1524mm
Seven-speed double clutch
4236/1819-2012**/1559mm
The T-Roc masters these modern varieties, via “Hello Volkswagen”. GPS and radio can be operated, but the climate control has to be done using touch sliders that are not very functional. They are also responsible for loud/quiet in the VW, while the Audi does not only use real buttons and buttons there. The rather small monitor in the SQ2 reacts to touching it with greasy fingerprints, the multimedia system is controlled by a rotary pushbutton on the center console in the style of BMW’s iDrive.
As with the Munich company, the days of this operating concept are probably numbered – although there is nothing better for a distraction-free control of the numerous functions while driving. With the facelift, the rather sensitive touch elements in the VW also spread to the steering wheel, a blue R marks the driving mode button.
When driving, there is almost a tie
Anyone who touches it can tune their T-Roc to be more comfortable or sporty. Thanks to adaptive dampers, the ride comfort can also be softened – compared to the always with sports suspension and without damper adjustment SQ2 a clear advantage. It’s not that it’s a punishment to travel in an Audi, but it’s a bit grumpier on really nasty pothole roads.
When it comes to driving performance, the two group brothers take little – and unfortunately they are equally thirsty.
In addition, the T-Roc offers more space on all seats and in the trunk, its front seats support us better, the thighs feel a few centimeters more support everywhere – on long-haul the Wolfsburg clearly buys its Ingolstadt counterpart the guts.
acceleration
0-50km/h
0-100km/h
0-130km/h
0-160km/h
0-200km/h
intermediate sprint
60-100km/h
80-120km/h
curb weight/load
Weight distribution v./h.
Turning circle left/right
seat height
braking distance
from 100 km/h cold
from 100 km/h warm
interior noise
at 50 km/h
at 100km/h
at 130 km/h
consumption
saving consumption
test consumption
Average of the 155 km test lap (deviation from the WLTP specification)
sports consumption
CO2 (test consumption)
Range (test consumption)
As far as pure driving performance is concerned, there is a clear draw. No wonder, with both the well-known two-liter TSI 300 delivers hp via a double coupler with seven stages to all four wheels. The T-Roc R is a tenth ahead up to 100 km/h, the SQ2 grabs a 0.7 second lead up to 200 km/h, and the manufacturers only stop both at 250 km/h. There is no difference in the direct shift transmission either, which works quickly and inconspicuously on both sides, only sometimes seems a little unsorted when overrun and does not immediately find the right translation. More details about the test can be found in the picture gallery.
