What is it?
Audi’s line-up of SUVs is particularly expansive, and it’s grown even more with the arrival of electric models. Its smallest and most excessive ‘Q’ car though is the Q2. It’s been on sale for a number of years, but largely with smaller and more fuel-efficient engines.
But for those wanting something with a bit more performance, yet still in a compact package, Audi also has the SQ2. It’s a fairly uncommon sight and commands quite a bit of status as a result. Let’s take a look.
What’s new?
The SQ2 arrived on sale in 2019, featuring Audi’s acclaimed 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is also found in cars like the S3 and TTS.
The SQ2 has only had fairly small tweaks since, though a 2021 update freshened up the design with a redesigned grille and stylish LED headlights. A fully-laden Vorsprung model sits at the top of the range, catering for those wanting all the bells and whistles.
What’s under the bonnet?
As we’ve mentioned, the SQ2 uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, which comes paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and uses a quattro four-wheel-drive system.
It develops 296bhp and 400Nm of torque, with 0-60mph being dispatched in just 4.7 seconds. It can keep going to a top speed of 155mph as well. In terms of running costs, Audi claims 34mpg and CO2 emissions of 188g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
The SQ2 is quite an intriguing car to drive. It’s smaller than you might expect and takes up less footprint than an S3. It’s impressively quick, with exceptional acceleration and traction courtesy of its quattro system.
It’s by no means a sports car, but it’s a very useful tool for those wanting something small but quicker and more engaging than a run-of-the-mill crossover.
How does it look?
Even as the Q2 gets on a bit in terms of age, and with no immediate replacement planned, its design continues to stand out. It’s one of the more distinctive-looking Audis on sale, with a design that doesn’t quite follow its other models – adding to the intrigue.
The SQ2 adds some sportiness to the package, too, courtesy of redesigned front and rear sections, as well as the silver quad-exit exhaust system so you know it’s not just any regular Q2.
What’s it like inside?
As part of this latest SQ2 update, Audi’s previously optional 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster is now standard, while a larger 8.3-inch touchscreen is used as well. Both help to modernise the interior, which has spot-on ergonomics, though it doesn’t feel quite as cutting-edge as some competitor products. The quality of the materials throughout is exceptional too, even for what is the firm’s smallest SUV.
In terms of space, the SQ2 offers just about enough room in the rear seats for adults, while the boot measures 355 litres, which is slightly down on a standard Q2’s boot because of the space taken up by the quattro four-wheel-drive system.
What’s the spec like?
Audi has slimmed the range of its SQ2 down to two more higher-spec cars.
The range starts with the Black Edition, which comes well-equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and an electric boot. You also get leather heated leather and Alcantara sports seats, wireless smartphone charging and a Sonos sound system.
If you want the tip-top SQ2, the Vorsprung brings a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather sunroof, Matrix LED headlights and plenty of additional driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control.
Verdict
For many, the standard Audi Q2 will do the job just as well as this SQ2 does. But if you crave that additional performance and engagement, this sporty crossover has plenty to offer.
It doesn’t come cheap, but with plenty of standard equipment and a high-quality feel, the SQ2 is certainly worth a look if you’re after a performance crossover.
At Swansway Motor Group we offer the full range of new and used Audi cars, browse our current SQ2’s in stock below.