The 300PS Audi SQ2 is even more capable of catching the eye as it adopts the sharper new look and upgraded lighting technology already favouring the other members of the compact SUV range.
Enhancement of the S model that first brought sub-five-second acceleration potential to the Audi Q family’s singularly stylish lead-in SUV two years ago has also taken place beneath the skin.
The cabin now benefits from additional equipment, improved infotainment and web-based Audi connect functionality and more driver-assistance systems.
The latest generation SQ2 and even more striking SQ2 Black Edition models will be joined by a new SQ2 Vorsprung which has an extensive equipment list. Deliveries will begin here early in 2021.
Impressive all-rounder in peak form: the 2.0 TFSI
The SQ2’s 2.0-litre TFSI engine produces 300PS has a peak torque of 400Nm. This powerplant enables the car to sprint from 0 to 62mph in 4.9 seconds and reacha top speed of 155mph. It has the potential to achieve up to 34mpg and CO2 emissions from 188 g/km based on the official test cycle.
The 2.0 TFSI unit is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission, which feeds the quattro all-wheel-drive. During faster driving on challenging roads, the quattro system can direct a proportion of the torque to the rear axle to aid agility, and enables precise turn-in during load reversal.
Dynamic character: suspension and steering
The ideal operating conditions for quattro drive are provided by S sport suspension, which lowers the body by 20mm compared to the Q2, and by standard progressive steering whose ratio becomes more direct as lock is applied. This makes the SQ2 even more agile.
Audi drive dynamic handling system allows the driver to influence how the updated SQ2 responds to inputs. It features ‘auto’, ‘comfort’, ‘dynamic’, ‘efficiency’ and ‘individual’ modes that can fine-tune the operating profile of the steering, the S tronic transmission, the engine and other systems.
The exterior design
The frontal styling is now even more striking, particularly in the area below the upgraded headlights. Its octagonal single-frame grille is slightly lower, making the front section appear wider, and its insert now also references the polygon motif that characterises the entire car. LED headlights are standard for SQ2 and SQ2 Black Edition models, while the SQ2 Vorsprung takes a step up to Matrix LED units.
Dark tones, upscale materials: the interior
As is the case with all Audi S models, the interior of the SQ2 features high quality materials presented in a dark colour scheme. Front sport seats upholstered in a black leather and Alcantara mix in the SQ2 and SQ2 Black Edition or in full Fine Nappa leather in the SQ2 Vorsprung.
In terms of equipment, the already extensive list expands to include a rear view camera to complement the rear parking sensors. Protection of the SQ2 is provided by Audi pre sense front, which uses radar to observe the area in front of the car to avoid accidents or reduce their severity.
Its driver assistance capability also increases thanks to park assist for automatic 'hands-free' steering into and out of parking spaces, Audi side assist blindspot monitoring, the cross traffic assist reversing aid and adaptive cruise assist.
Adaptive cruise assist enables the driver to let the system largely take over the tasks of accelerating, decelerating and steering within a lane with the help of its frontal camera and sophisticated sensors.