2023 AUDI Q2 AUDI Q2 35 TFSI 150PS S-Tronic vs FORD PUMA 1.0 EcoBoost 155PS 7DCT – Test, Price, Technical

The Audi Q2 is a rare exception, since 2016 it has been the only B-SUV from a true premium manufacturer. And that, while showing a significant advantage, seems completely at odds with the decisions of the VW group not to continue investing in the small bodies of the segment. And yet, we have here in our hands a quality car with the four rings on the grille and enough technology to support the original top quality. Before telling us which model to compare, let’s note that Ford may be one of the mainstream manufacturers, but with a clever marketing dribble, it has laid the foundations for a premium “air”.

You see, this particular version of Puma is the ST-Line V, which of course means a sporty orientation, but with a glamorous aftertaste. The “V” comes from Vignale, the premium shape of the brand that makes the difference both in detail and in equipment. And on the other hand, the engines of the two Gladiators may be a cylinder and a half liter apart from each other, but a look at their performance, dimensions and prices is enough to make you think. Well, are they, after all, comparable?

Artiotis

The Q2 looks Doric, but almost odorless in front of other fine Audi artifacts, and also in front of its competitor in the current comparison. It may have been renewed in 2021, but the changes haven’t altered its seriousness. In contrast, in car contests, the Ford Puma would quite easily win first place. Its aesthetic in proportions and detailing is a welcome addition that seems to appeal to a lot of people (Yay! A Puma just passed!). Especially with the details of the aforementioned imitation chrome trim, it looks very elite and sporty at the same time, thanks to the spoilers and the special paint.

Audi Q2 1.5 TFSI 150PS S-tronic

Inside, the differences are defined by both the different philosophy and the original origin, respectively, that is, with the design of the exterior. Audi greets you with a high-quality, abstract interior with a combination of soft and hard plastics and new and… old technologies. We explain ourselves. The digital instrument cluster straight from today’s Audi is associated with the MMI of yesteryear (here the development deficit of the Q2 is displayed with a small screen and a rotary dial. In general, the pressures on the buttons, even for the simplest functions, are numerous. On the other hand, in terms of safety systems there is the essential and nothing else. The spaces are sufficient for four and sometimes five passengers, thanks to the relatively cubic layout of the cabin (excellent 10 in the generous front seats) and this gives enough points for everyday usability, as well as the fairly large trunk.

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost 155ch 7DCT

On the other hand, the sporty/luxurious interior of the Puma is younger, showing some luxury (obvious dashboard and fake carbon fiber), as well as the special quilted leather seats (the front seats having desperately small cushions , but still offering and massage the functions!). Here, too, there is a digital instrument panel, numerous configuration and security systems and the good SYNC3) multimedia system that facilitates our connection with the outside world.

Space for small items and passengers is barely enough (both cars have almost the same length and wheelbase, but the Q2 wins in area). The luggage compartment, however, is simply top-notch, being two-seater at the same time.

In the field of engineering

There are the most differences, especially in the “heart” of our two gladiators. The Audi is equipped with a 1.5 L four-cylinder engine with a power of 150 hp, its main technological discovery being the system for deactivating the two cylinders when the assembly is not under pressure, in order to achieve fuel economy. It comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission sending traction to the front wheels and with just one setting forms the transmission’s “S” program for livelier performance.

On the other hand, Puma “throws on the table” a multitude of innovations. First of all, the powertrain is a one-litre three-cylinder, the famous and award-winning EcoBoost with, here, 155 hp. There is a 48V hybrid power supply using an 11.5 kW starter / dynamo which allows energy to be recovered and stored during braking and taxiing in an air-cooled lithium-ion battery. Important, however, is that the system also functions as a motor both to provide additional torque and to operate peripheral electrical systems. In addition, there are also drive configuration programs (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Trail) for the front wheels. Result; If the displacement is significantly lower (as is the torque) compared to the Q2, on the road things seem to be going well.

The wheels… you turned

After driving these two compact SUVs for hundreds of miles, conclusions come easily. What sets the Q2 apart is that comfortable power across a wide rev range. It can deliver Audi’s premium features even in small doses. Walking on top Michelin Primacy4 215/55-R17 is at home on asphalt and dirt and can clearly move with the same comfort when traveling or in everyday urban life. A few issues are its rather limp handling under pressure with tight cornering with early understeer tendencies and the feeling of a lack of ride quality when going over poor terrain with planters and gravel (it rides comfortably, however, thanks to 200mm of ground clearance from the ground). There may also be a cylinder deactivation system, but with a very judicious right foot we saw a consumption of 8.3L/100km.

Coming into the Puma we had high expectations for the ride and we were not disappointed. Lots of fun with an engine that… gasps, successfully hiding its small displacement (but not always its three-cylinder character, due to some vibrations especially at low/medium speeds). Riding on Continental EcoContact6 215/50-R18 tires (a paradox for the ST-Line version), one would expect them to be tedious in filtering out irregularities, but they are not. In fact, in the same traffic relief, it feels more comfortable than the Q2. In bends, it deploys all its temperament, also a result of the lower center of gravity, since its floor is 164 mm from the ground. Also, its hybrid status seems to work, since, at the same pace, in the same kilometers, we measured a consumption of 7.3 L/100 km.

Conclusion

We had a great time with these two compact SUVs that offer a lot, in proportion, of course, to their price. The Q2 is truly premium, with evidence however showing a lack of sufficient development (see MMI) and a jaded character when it comes to driving pleasure. It is, however, more spacious and practical and, in the long run, gives you the “something more” from Audi. However, Puma (it’s expensive Puma) offers a lot (literally and figuratively) along with a strong belief that you can have fun with it, making it our pick.

Features

MODEL AUDI Q2 AUDI Q2 35 TFSI 150PS S-Tronic 2023 TIMH €32,900 COSTS €

ENGINE 1,498, Turbo, 4-cylinder, in-line ESSENCE Unleaded petrol

POWER kW(PS)/rpm 110 (150)/ 5000-6000 COUPLE Nm/rpm 250/1,500-3,500

TRANSMISSION Automatic, 7 speed, front wheel drive

PERFORMANCES 0-100 in 8.6 sec, final 218 km/h

CONSUMPTION/CO₂ 6L/100km, 137g/km

AUDI Q2 AUDI Q2 35 TFSI 150PS S-Tronic 2023

FOR CONSTRUCTION QUALITY, TIMELESS DESIGN, SPACES, DRIVING QUALITY, PRICE.

AGAINST SLOW TRANSMISSION RESPONSE, TIGHT SUSPENSION, LIMITED HANDLING.

Features

MODEL FORD PUMA 1.0 EcoBoost 155PS 7DCT 2023 TIMH €32,965 COSTS 83.2 €

ENGINE 999, Turbo, 3 cylinder, in line ESSENCE Hybrid

POWER kW(hp)/rpm 114(155)/6000 COUPLE Nm/rpm 190/2,100-5,500

TRANSMISSION Automatic, 7 speed, front wheel drive

PERFORMANCES 0-100 in 8.7 sec, last 200 km/h

CONSUMPTION/CO₂ 6.3L/100km, 130g/km

FORD PUMA 1.0 EcoBoost 155PS 7DCT 2023

FOR DESIGN, STYLE, MANEUVERABILITY, BAGGAGE SPACE.

AGAINST REAR PASSENGER SPACES, PRICE.

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