Audi makes the SQ2 even sharper - but not stronger!

Sporty all-rounder in top form

The 2.0 TFSI draws its power from 1.984 cm³ Displacement and is a sporty all-rounder. It works in many Audi models - in the SQ2 it has an output of 221 kW (300 hp) and provides 2.000 Nm of torque across a broad plateau from 5.300 to 1 rpm. The turbo-charged four-cylinder engine is superbly attached to the gas; its sound becomes more and more full with increasing engine speed - also thanks to the switching flaps in the exhaust system. The 400 TFSI has advanced technologies for power and efficiency on board. The Audi valvelift system (AVS) switches the lift of the exhaust valves in two stages as required. In this way, it optimizes the gas exchange, especially in the lower engine speed range: The better flow of exhaust gas to the turbocharger leads to agile response behavior and powerful torque build-up. An elaborate thermal management controls the cooling water flows, the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head contributes to the rapid warm-up and thus to the early start of the exhaust gas aftertreatment. It goes without saying that the Audi SQ2.0 ** complies with the limit values ​​of the new Euro 2 AP emissions standard.

Driving fun and driving safety: the seven-speed S tronic and the quattro drive

The seven-speed S tronic is standard in the Q2 top model. The lower gears have a short, sporty ratio, the seventh long, which reduces consumption. The driver can operate the lightning-fast shifting dual clutch transmission in modes D or S or shift it himself. When the Audi drive select system is working in efficiency mode, the clutch opens in overrun mode and the compact sports SUV coasts. The quattro all-wheel drive gives the refreshed Audi SQ2 that decisive plus in dynamism and stability. Its electro-hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch distributes the torque continuously between the axles. If the front wheels lose traction, the clutch directs them completely backwards within a few milliseconds. The SQ2 features the latest generation of multi-plate clutches, and many improvements - such as the bearings and the oil supply - increase its efficiency. The pump was powered by a low-wear brushless electric motor. The entire clutch is almost a kilogram lighter than the component in the previous model, thanks in part to the integration of the control unit in the clutch housing.

The driving pleasure conveyed by the electronically controlled quattro drive has remained unchanged. As soon as the driver turns in with a sporty driving style, the clutch can direct part of the torque to the rear axle and thus increase the dynamics. When the load changes, the quattro management allows targeted turning, and when drifting on a surface with a low coefficient of friction, it guarantees maximum control and reliability. The wheel-selective torque control rounds off the handling with tiny brake interventions on the relieved wheels on the inside of the curve.

Dynamic character: chassis and steering in the Audi Q2

The S sport suspension of the Audi SQ2 lowers the body by 20 millimeters. The standard progressive steering is interlocked in such a way that its ratio becomes more and more direct as the angle increases. That makes the SQ2 even more agile - when maneuvering, in city traffic and in tight bends. The standard equipment of the sporty compact SUV also includes the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which offers a choice of “auto”, “comfort”, “dynamic”, “efficiency” and “individual” profiles. It changes the characteristics of the steering, the seven-speed S tronic, the engine and other systems. The driver can switch the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) to off-road mode at the push of a button.

As standard, the Audi SQ2 comes off the production line on 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 tires at the Audi headquarters in Ingolstadt. The Audi and Audi Sport GmbH ranges also include 19-inch models with 235/40 tires (standard with the SQ2 exterior package). The large brakes are 340 millimeters in diameter on the front axle and 310 millimeters in diameter at the rear. Your saddles have S badges and can be painted red on request.

Character type with rough edges: the exterior design

With its rough edges, the 4,21 meter long Audi SQ2 is a real character. During the revision, its design has gained even more expression. The octagonal single frame is now a little lower, in its insert the lamellas reproduce the polygon motif that characterizes the entire car. There are narrow slots between the grill and the bonnet. Wide frames, painted in selenite silver, frame the large, indicated air inlets.

LED headlights are standard; Audi also installs the new Matrix LED headlights as an alternative. Seven individual LEDs are housed in a common module. The intelligently controlled high beam that they emit always illuminates the road as brightly as possible without dazzling other road users. Ten additional light-emitting diodes behind diamond-shaped optics generate the daytime running lights. Independently of this, seven LEDs generate the dynamic flashing light. At the rear, LED lights are standard, and when equipped with the Matrix LED headlights, also with dynamic flashing lights. In this case, the headlights and rear lights present dynamic lighting effects when the car is unlocked and locked.

In the side view of the renewed Audi SQ2, the aluminum-look mirror housings, the strips on the sills, the roof spoiler and the silver blades on the C-pillars set accents. The rear bumper with its pentagonal polygons varies the design motif of the front apron; two exhaust tailpipes are framed by the diffuser insert. Behind the tailgate is a luggage compartment with a volume of 355 to 1.000 liters, depending on the position of the rear backrests.

The paint fan of the Q2 top model contains ten colors; the add-on parts are optionally painted in contrasting Manhattan gray. The blades on the C-pillars are available in selenite silver (standard), body color, Manhattan gray, platinum gray and brilliant black. In the black styling package, the Singleframe, the air inlet grilles and the diffuser are painted in glossy black, the bumpers have a contrasting paint finish. The SQ2 exterior package also includes the mirror housings, the blade on the C-pillar and the tailpipe trim in the black look. The roof edge spoiler has a special contour, and quattro logos are applied to foils on the doors.

Dark tones, noble materials: the interior

As with all S models from Audi, dark colors and particularly high-quality surfaces dominate the interior of the SQ2. The headliner is black, and a new, haptically pleasant material is used on the door panels. The pedal caps and the footrest are made of stainless steel, the illuminated door sills have S logos. When the ignition is switched on, S-specific start screens appear on the displays.

In the sportiest Q2 model, all equipment is combined in packages; there are four packages for covers and colors. You can choose from a combination of fabric and leather (standard), pure fine Nappa leather, optionally with diamond quilting, and a mix of leather and the microfibre material Dinamica, which replaces Alcantara. It looks and feels similar to suede, but it is largely made of recycled polyester, which comes from textiles and PET bottles, for example. Accent stripes and contrasting stitching refine the seats, the colors are rock gray, black and magma red. A major exception in this segment is the decorative strip illuminated from the inside (option).

New structure: operation and display, packages and equipment

Standard in the Audi SQ2 are an automatic air conditioning, a sports multifunction steering wheel and the sports seats. The optional comfort equipment is bundled in the air conditioning, comfort, function, interior, infotainment, dynamics and assistance systems packages. In terms of operation and infotainment, the range extends to the Audi virtual cockpit, which can be switched to a sports view, and MMI navigation plus (available in the navigation package). It is operated via a turn-push button on the center console.

The top infotainment system brings the Audi connect services on board at LTE plus speed, and a WiFi hotspot connects the passengers' mobile devices. The services of Audi connect Emergency & Service and Audi connect Remote & Control, both of which are part of the standard specification, are new. With them, the owner can, for example, lock the car remotely or check the fuel level. To do this, he uses the also free myAudi app on his smartphone. The Audi smartphone interface, the Audi phone box and the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System complete the infotainment program.

Even more confident on the road: the driver assistance systems

The compact Audi SQ2 is also way ahead in its segment when it comes to driver assistance systems. It has the Audi pre sense front safety system on board as standard. It can help to prevent impending accidents with pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles in front of the car or to alleviate their severity.

A new feature of the optional systems is the adaptive driver assistant, which can support the driver in many situations when accelerating, decelerating and steering within his own lane. In order to maintain lateral guidance, the driver only has to lightly touch the capacitive steering wheel, which is part of the system, and thus prove that he is paying attention. In conjunction with the camera-based traffic sign recognition, the adaptive driver assistant ensures that the car decelerates automatically in certain situations - for example, before speed limits and place-name signs. As soon as the limited area ends, it accelerates the SQ2 again. The parking assistant, another optional system, automatically steers the sports SUV into and out of a space.

From 45.700 euros: advance sales of the SQ2 have already started

Advance sales for the revised Audi SQ2 will start shortly in Germany and other European countries. Deliveries will start in early 2021. Prices in Germany start at 45.700 euros (including 19 percent VAT).