With warm hatch performance matched to all-wheel drive surety, the Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro is arguably the sweet spot in the German car maker's compact SUV range.
Pros Quick without being manically so Adroit handling Edgy styling Seamless seven-speed S tronic transmission Excellent off-road dynamics
Cons Plenty of road and wind noise Some cheap elements in the cabin Pretty cramped second row Boot space well short of class leaders
The 2018 Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI Quattro has arrived, and it all makes sense. And there have been a couple of extra little tweaks to the Audi Q2 2018 range. There isn't much major visual differentiation between the newly added 2.0 TFSI Quattro version and the more affordable petrol model aside from this version rolling on 18-inch wheels as opposed to the 17s of the base petrol, and the entry-level model misses out on body-colour mouldings around the wheels, side skirts and bumpers. Both the quattro models look identical to one another.
Pros Decent levels of equipment New petrol AWD model is a peach A fairly charming thing overall
Cons Limited boot space in quattro models Back seat isn't massive Lacks some storage
The Audi Q2 is a small SUV with a smart interior, plenty of optional high-tech touches and a raised driving position, but the rear seats are quite upright and therefore not particularly comfy.
Pros Relaxing to drive Stylish, well-built interior Great high-tech options
Cons Back seats a little too upright Expensive top-spec models Poor rear visibility
There's only one version of the 2018 Lexus ES 300h, but a couple of option packages are worth considering. The Premium package is inexpensive yet adds appealing luxury touches such as a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings and wood trim (a definite upgrade over the standard piano black pieces).
PROS Efficient hybrid powertrain returns high fuel economy Luxurious interior with impressive fit and finish Plenty of rear legroom, even for tall passengers Lots of standard driver aids, and plenty of optional ones
CONS Lots of noise while the electric motor recharges the battery Enform app suite is a poor substitute for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Grabby brakes make it difficult to slow down smoothly Infotainment system's controller is frustrating to use
If you’re after a smooth, quiet, roomy, comforting luxury sedan that’s still good value, the 2018 Lexus ES may be one of the better choices.
Pros Silent interior 40-mpg hybrid model Larger inside than you’d think Smooth ride Engine pep
Cons Brake feel could be better Remote Touch interface clumsy, distracting Grille doesn’t gel with rest of car No Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
Pros Interior design Bright instruments No touch-sensitive panels App-compatible multimedia system
Cons Overpowering spindle grille Remote Touch interface Leather upholstery not standard Unremarkable hybrid gas mileage estimates
