Comparison of used Audi Q2 and Seat Ateca

There are classes of cars in which the selection is so large, even in the used market, that the purchase is seen as a matter of taste. This is especially true if, as in this case, both rivals share the same company’s platform and technology equipment. Or?

In our case, this time we put ourselves in the shoes of a buyer who is looking for a multi-purpose vehicle for the family. This fictitious buyer relies on solid VW technology, but wants more individuality than, for example, the very popular versions of the Tiguan. The desire for lots of space and a fast but economical car has been granted. After a short research, he considers Audi Q2 and Seat Ateca. One is more expensive, the other has a space advantage. So what is the wisest choice?

Audi Q2 (type GA, since 2017) in detail:

Q2 has a hard time with experts. This is because it is a direct sister model to the VW T-Roc. By this we do not mean the technical similarities that the brothers of the organization bring with them, but rather the unchanged body, which largely corresponds to the VW built in Portugal, apart from the modified front and rear parts and different door panels. The position is also similar to that of the T-Roc. And where is the problem? Well, it was not without reason that he finally had to hear in his presentation in 2017 (a year after Q2) that the cheaper Golf VII not only offers more space, but also drives better, is better designed and is more elegant. material. By the way: T-Roc’s huge sales figures show that many new buyers didn’t care about this fact.

Wait a minute, but it’s about the Q2, not the T-Roc. Fortunately! Because it is exactly these flaws that were avoided in Ingolstadt from the beginning. The highly refined cockpit in the style of the A3, which is typical of the brand, is a treat for haptic fanatics and with a more balanced chassis and better noise insulation, the Q2 looks more valuable. In terms of engines, the Q2 and Ateca offer similar engines. The 115 hp three-cylinder petrol engine is more suitable for the city, as well as the 1.4-2.0 liter four-cylinder and petrol (150 to 300 hp) or diesel (115 to 190 hp) for every purpose.

Q2 Strengths:

To distinguish it from the T-Roc, we have already expected something more important. The Q2 offers the same utility value as many other crossovers, but spoils the brand’s fans for Audi’s luxurious design. MMI infotainment also offers a small advantage, which, with its push button on the center console, is easier to operate than the systems from VW, Skoda and Seat, which have long been too intuitive. In addition, the Q2 enjoys the same advantages of MQB as all relatives of the well-known Golf VII: economical and powerful engines with good driving quality, sufficient trouble-free operation and long-term durability.

Weaknesses of Q2:

He cannot fill the gap with the available space. If you think of the Q2 as a typical representative of a practical compact SUV, you probably wouldn’t think that the regular Golf offers more space. For this reason, and because of the car-like off-road capabilities, we are talking more about crossing. The fact that, for its average utility value, it is really worth the high price charged can be questioned, at least in this used comparison. At least there are only a few cautionary tips that the little native of Ingolstadt always has trouble with. On the one hand there is the well-known issue of DSG, which always causes annoying jerking, and on the other hand there is a large selection of problem areas that occur from time to time in companies, but never for a long time. Factors such as air conditioner integrity (stone chips) or dual-mass flywheel (engine inefficiency, for diesel engines only) are included. We’ve already covered them in detail in our extensive Golf VII buying guide.

The Seat Ateca (Type 5FP, since 2016) in detail:

Well, then there would be an Ateca on the other side. In terms of construction, it is also very close to its siblings VW Tiguan and Skoda Karoq (by the way, strictly speaking, it is one size larger than the Q2). Unlike the Audi, however, despite all the similarities, it has a completely unique body and a special Seat driving configuration. And what they have in common should appeal to everyone: first-class space. It is also important that, with the same engine and equipment, it is not heavier than the Audi, despite the large space advantage. For example, if you’re looking for an urban family car instead of a high-torque diesel for long trips, you can find an Ateca that weighs between 1,300 and 1,400 kg and can be moved with incredible confidence. front wheel drive and manual transmission. All-wheel drive and DSG are optional. All of this is wrapped in the usual design of the edge of the brand with a sharp bend in the sheet metal and in the cockpit.

Ateca Strengths:

The word “chassis” is written in bold and underlined several times in the author’s notebook. Here they have done a great job in Barcelona and reinforced the long-term good character that is typical of VW with a part of precision and clarity, without reducing the good comfort. This applies to the basic versions mentioned recently as well as to the heavy versions. And the cherry on the cake is the adjustable DCC suspension, whose summer damping combination further enhances all the talents of the Ateca. On the one hand, it can drive even more aggressively and directly around sharp corners and at the same time it gives a close wave of water when you want it to be smooth – very spread.

The remaining forces are known. Kit has always offered a high but comprehensive range of specialized equipment. Even smartly configured models with other features are obviously cheap. We also like the excellent performance with the large trunk and airy interior, as well as the low noise level even when driving fast.

Weaknesses of the Ateca:

The Ateca shares a lack of real problem areas with the Q2 compared here, along with its other relatives. Unlike the Audi – but perhaps more for statistical reasons based on the driving profile of the respective owners – a familiar phenomenon occurs more often with the Ateca: worn rear brake discs. This happens when, for example, the air traffic control is repeatedly activated by braking interventions on the highway. To ensure that this happens smoothly and with better directional stability, most of this happens on the rear axle. However, this sign of possible wear does not represent a technical defect.

Things get worse when the high trailer load of the 2.0 TDI with all-wheel drive and DSG (2.1 tons, in the Tiguan even up to 2.5 tons) is used regularly. This comes at a high cost for a long time of the transmission and, in extreme cases, often causes damage to the transmission in which one of the two gear shafts simply fails. Due to its design, the dual clutch transmission is not the best choice for frequent operation with heavy trailers.

Comparison shopping: which one should you choose?

Take the Ateca. It offers the most drive for the money. You also get the slight luxury advantage (in feel, not in hardware) of the Q2 in the more desirable models with four rings – without sacrificing practicality.

This unique short verdict is reinforced by the price points of both competitors. A sample search for five-year-old models with a 150 hp gasoline engine and less than 100,000 km shows: All start at less than 16,000 euros, but in fact all Seats are better equipped and have lower mileage than the corresponding Audis. They come with the brand’s standard equipment and hubcap wheels and are more attractive at higher price points. The impact increases significantly with the rarer diesel versions (from around 18,500 euros), and comparable Q2s are always priced slightly higher than Atecas.