Coming soon to a Pepperdine parking lot near you: the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace.
Pros Gorgeous exterior True torque vectoring Planted, confident drive Efficient interior space Some bits borrowed from F-Type
Cons the materials don’t scream luxury Priced close to the F-Pace Lagging automatic Gruff-sounding engine
The Jaguar E-Pace brings the British brand’s trademark style to the ever-expanding segment of small luxury crossovers. A turbo 2.0-liter inline-four makes 246 hp and has all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Pros Excellent road manners, comfortable for the driver plus one.
Cons Snug back seat; no, the I-Pace is the electric one.
We recommend the P250 E-Pace SE for its balance between cost and features. This model comes with the base engine, which puts out a respectable 246 horsepower, has standard all-wheel drive, and is packed full of features such as a power tailgate, 14-way power leather seats with memory function, an 11-speaker premium audio system, and a suite of advanced driving and parking aids.
PROS Ample power from turbocharged four-cylinder engines Relatively spacious accommodations Appealing mix of standard and optional luxury features Striking design from the inside out
CONS Highest cost of entry in the luxury compact segment It's the heavyweight of the class at more than 4,000 pounds Ride quality can be harsh in some configurations with bigger wheels
Despite being the brand's smallest SUV, the 2017 Audi Q2 has some big shoes to fill, especially considering it costs nearly as much as its slightly bigger brother, the Q3. the new Audi Q2 is a pretty solid all-round package. It looks and (for the most part) feels premium, offers the company's latest infotainment and driver assist technologies, and can be personalised to a far greater extent than its stablemates thanks to the array of bright colours, contrasting body elements, and affordable option packages.
Pros Effortless performance Sporty dynamics Practical cabin All-round ability Quattro grip Bold design inside and out Decent equipment list
Cons Options can get pricey, some features should be standard Tyre roar at higher speeds Firm ride can be harsh over sharper bumps Stingy use of soft-touch plastics Limited cabin storage
Small SUVs have been a thing for a while now, so it seems odd that it's only now Audi has finally brought its take on the idea to market. The Q2 enters the fray in a segment occupied by a gaggle of (cheaper) French and Japanese cars, as well and the new Mini Countryman.
Pros Great looks Good chassis Decent spec list
Cons Rear storage, especially in the 1.4 Some cheap plastics 1.4's ride/handling (relative to 2.0 TDI)
The Audi Q2 is an upmarket crossover that shares its platform with the Audi A3. It is an obvious rival to the Mini Countryman, but the company also hopes its premium badge can tempt buyers away from the likes of the funkily styled Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Citroen Cactus. An elephant in the room comes in the form of the Q3, which can’t match the Q2’s box-fresh appeal but is slightly bigger and also available with larger savings. Audi has given the Q2 distinctive looks that mark it out from the rest of the range, which tends to be conservatively styled.
Pros Great cabin Modern engines Spacious for its size
Cons Gets pricy with options Some rivals are more practical No fast version yet
