Comparison – Audi Q2 & Jeep Renegade & MINI Cooper Countryman

I remember a time when buying a crossover signals the end of singlehood and marks the start of parental compromises. This is perhaps the fault of the crossover boom, no thanks in part to the popularity of cars like the Uber-fied Honda Vezel and the family-loving Nissan Qashqai.

As a result, we tend to think of crossovers as cars for the uncool. But that’s all about to change with the introduction of modish models such as the Audi Q2, the Jeep Renegade and the MINI Cooper Countryman, of which the American-dreamed, Italian-built Renegade is the latest to join the lot.

The Renegade marks Jeep’s foray into the burgeoning crossover vehicle segment

I like the way you look

In terms of design, the Renegade seems to be a smaller rounded adaption of the iconic Wrangler. Depending on how big a fan you are of the latter, this could be a good or bad thing. To us, it’s a great attempt by Jeep at remodelling a classic for broader mass-market appeal.

That’s, however, not to say that the other two Europeans in this fight out aren’t much of an eyeful because the Q2’s hawkish demeanour will definitely appeal to sporty city types, while the Countryman’s meaty proportions accord it a great deal of unmistakable road presence.

The Renegade looks modern while retaining some marquee heritage, thanks to that trademark seven-slot grille

I like the way you move

Looks aside, it is in the way they drive that really sets these three cars apart, and this is where the Q2 and Countryman outshine the Renegade.

Compared to the aforementioned Wrangler, the Renegade is a big step forward in terms of driving refinement for the brand.

Wound up above 3,000rpm, its turbocharged 1.4-litre powerplant provides decent performance and is pretty refined, but loses out significantly to the levels offered by both Audi and MINI.

Sadly, it’s not just the engine that disappoints the most. Its steering offers little feedback to the driver, and is also rather artificially-weighted.

The most powerful car in this test – the Q2’s 1.4-litre turbo – churns a lively 150bhp and 250Nm of torque

Also powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine, the Q2 is the peppiest of the lot, and the quickest in a straight line. Its seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, too, is smoother and more decisive than the Renegade’s six-speeder. The Q2’s powertrain pairing is the most impressive here.The Countryman may be disadvantaged due to its three-cylinder heart, but it still feels punchy, responsive and lighter on its feet than the Renegade. Being the only car in this group test without a dual-clutch doesn’t lose it any points either, because its six-speed automatic is as quick-shifting as it is creamy.

While the Countryman is the only car here without a dual-clutch transmission, its six-speed auto is every bit creamy

At the same time, it scores points for being the most engaging car to drive, providing the best steering weight and feel of the three, inspiring confidence during enthusiastic driving stints.