Audi secures SQ2 compact SUV for Aussie launch

AUDI Australia is primed and ready to launch yet another assault on the premium and performance SUV market, this time in the form of its compact SQ2 which has been confirmed to be headed Down Under mid-2021.

Set to be offered here in its latest facelifted guise, the SQ2 will sit firmly atop the established Q2 range and offer a sizeable increase in power and performance compared to the current 40 TFSI Quattro Edition #2 flagship.

Under the bonnet resides a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine generating 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque which is channelled to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The all-paw traction and forced-induction shove result in a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds while the top speed is electronically pegged at 250km/h.

Visually the SQ2 distinguishes itself from the rest of the range through its more aggressive body kit and front fascia, even if it does lack some of the menace of the bigger SQ5.

Compared to the 40 TFSI Quattro Edition #2, the SQ2 brandishes a bigger grille which is underlined and flanked by a series of faux black intakes and an integrated front splitter.

Other distinguishing features include the black body cladding, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, quad exhaust tips and a chunkier rear bumper equipped with more fake vents.

Under the skin, the SQ2 rides on S sports suspension which has been lowered by 20mm compared to the regular versions while the variable ratio steering has been retuned to be more direct.

The familiar array of Audi drive modes are on offer too, with auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency and individual all altering the characteristics of the engine, transmission and steering.

340mm front and 310mm rear brake rotors take care of stopping duties, clamped on all four corners by S-branded callipers.

Inside the cabin, the SQ2 follows the examples set by its bigger stablemates in offering sports seats and steering wheel, Audi virtual cockpit, a black interior and headliner, stainless sports pedals and footrest, illuminated door sill trim and plenty of ‘S’ badges.

The standard upholstery is a combination of fabric and leather while Nappa leather and a combination of leather and Dinamica microfibre are optionally available.

Other standard features include the MMI infotainment system, automatic climate control, WiFi hotspot, Audi smartphone interface, Audi phone box, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and myAudi app compatibility, however local specification details and pricing are yet to be confirmed.

While most features either match of exceed that of the regular Q2s, the SQ2 suffers on boot space compared to the rest of the range, down 60 litres to 355L with the rear seats in place – 1055L with them folded.

Safety equipment meanwhile consists of the Audi pre sense front safety system, adaptive cruise assist and traffic sign recognition.

Audi Australia has sold 1040 new Q2s so far this year ending October, accounting for 7.4 per cent of the $40,000-plus small SUV segment – a segment currently being dominated by the bigger Q3 which boasts a 20.7 per cent market share.