Audi SQ2 – more details and pix as orders open in EU

Audi has released more official photos and details of its hot compact crossover, the SQ2, months after it showed a single image in the lead up to the Paris Motor Show. The new model, which basically shoehorns the Volkswagen Golf R‘s powertrain in the body of the Q2, has just gone on sale in Europe.

The 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivers a stout 300 hp from 5,300 to 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. Coupled to a seven-speed S tronic wet dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, this powerhouse enables the SQ2 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds – to put that into perspective, that’s three tenths of a second quicker than a base Porsche 718 Cayman.

To harness the available power, the SQ2 gets S sport suspension that drops the ride height by some 20 mm, along with retuned speed-sensitive steering and larger brakes with 340 mm discs at the front and 310 mm units at the rear. The AWD system is also capable of sending up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels if it senses a loss of grip on the front axle.

On the outside, the SQ2 gains vertical slats on the “singleframe” grille, a new front splitter joining the air intakes, a larger roof spoiler and a diffuser-like rear bumper insert with quad tailpipes. Available options include an SQ2 exterior package that adds black highlights, quattro graphics on the doors and a more heavily contoured rear spoiler, plus alloy wheels that measure between 18 and 19 inches.

Step inside and you’ll find sports seats and a sport multifunction steering wheel; surprisingly for such a sporty machine, paddle shifters are optional, as are a flat-bottomed steering wheel and quilted Nappa leather. Adding to the aggressive look are stainless steel pedals and brushed aluminium trim pieces, and buyers can swap the latter for illuminated or anodised red ones if they wish.

As you’d expect, the SQ2 comes with the same range of connectivity features as the Q2, with options such as an MMI navigation plus system with MMI touch and an 8.3-inch centre display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 14-speaker, 705-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Safety-wise, Audi pre sense front autonomous emergency braking is standard, with driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane assist, park assist and side assist blind spot monitoring with cross traffic assist available as optional extras.

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