It’s taken a long time, but Australia has finally caught up with the Audi SQ2 pocket rocket
sports utility vehicle. With a worldwide shift to SUVs, after some years on sale in Europe,
Audi has taken the opportunity to launch a refreshed version of the performance compact
Down Under.
Audis with an ‘S’ prefix in the model designation are generally accepted to have something
special and the SQ2 is no exception. How does zero to a hundred kays in 4.9 seconds
sound?
It’s all down to a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, mated with a seven-speed S tronic dual-
clutch transmission and the maker’s famed quattro all-wheel drive. Plus, sport suspension
and progressive steering to ensure performance is up to sporting scratch for a compact
SUV.
And what’s the price of this driving experience, as I did over an all-too-brief week with the
super-SUV. It’s $64,400 when you take in on-road costs.
STYLING
Up front the SQ2 eschews modern-day sports utility vehicle matt black radiator grille for a
highly decorative pattern of shiny metallic swirls and straight lines, flanked by Matrix LED
headlamps, dynamic indicators and large geometric air intakes.
Side on, the car maintains SUV status quo with square proportions from bonnet to boot,
the only concession to crossover coupe styling being a shallow dip of the roof approaching
the C-pillar.
Nothing can compare with the bling of the front, except maybe the red brake calipers
lurking behind five double-spoke V-style 19-inch alloy wheels and double twin chrome
exhaust tips poking from under the rear bumper.
INTERIOR
The cabin is straight off the Audi performance car shelf. Front occupants are firmly
welcomed by heated sport seats in Nappa leather with ‘S’ embossed black upholstery.
The ‘S’ logo is repeated on the three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle
shifts and multifunction buttons. The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with S-specific display
has a configurable information display, while an 8.3-inch dash-mounted screen features
MMI navigation plus, smartphone interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB
digital radio and Audi Drive Select info.
INFOTAINMENT
Occupants can be entertained via a Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, featuring 14
hi-fi speakers outputting a total of 705 Watts. Wireless phone charging is a convenient
fixture.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Four cylinders in line add up to 1.984 litres developing maximum power of 221 kW
between 5300 and 6500 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2000 to 5200 revs on
Premium unleaded petrol.
Power is put to ground through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-
wheel drive system.
SAFETY
The SQ2 features the Audi Pre-Sense basic system, with adaptive cruise control with
stop/go, active lane assist and side assist (blind spot alert).
Also included are Pre-Sense City, with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian
and cyclist detection. Also, on hand is Parking System Plus, front and rear, with rear view
camera and park assist.
DRIVING
At the heart of the SQ2 performance is the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine,
capable of delivering peak power of 221 kW at 5300 rpm, and 400 Nm of torque between
2000 and 5200 revs.
The test vehicle, taking on conditions ranging from crawling through heavy city traffic to
motorway cruising and lung-busting acceleration on country twists and turns, performed up
to par. The engine growled menacingly only when pushed.
Long-term fuel consumption worked out at around 10 litres per 100 kilometres compared
with the maker’s combined claim of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Hmm.
Audi Drive Select gave the driver a chance to match the car with his moods at the flick of a
switch on the dashboard and its connection to a centre-console knob.
Efficient mode dumbed down acceleration, while softening the ride to almost soporific
standards. Comfort and Automatic dialled up power, plus stiffer ride and handling, while
Dynamic sharpened the lot enough for a teeth-rattling ride on even slightly sub-par road
surfaces.
Individual mode defied deeper investigation due to the absence of a track with a clear run.
A head-up display was missing and noted.
Leg room in the rear was cramped with a tall driver in front. But the boxy exterior made for
ample head room in the cabin. Boot space is on the slim side (355 litres, with the floor at
its lowest) but there’s added convenience loading and unloading with a power tailgate,
whose opening can be programmed for height.
SUMMARY
Which motoring enthusiast would not be tempted by Audi’s devilish little compact SQ2?
The 60K-plus price tag may be a stumbling block for some, but you do get a lot of kit for
the price. And Audi has finally come to the party with a five-year warranty.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Audi SQ2: $64,400
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Audi dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Audi SQ2 2.0 TFSI quattro 4-cylinder turbo-petrol, 7sp automatic,
AWD)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.984 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 221 kW @ 5300-6500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 400 Nm @ 2000-5200 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded petrol 98 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.7 L/100km
CO2 emissions 176 g / km
DRIVELINE: Seven-speed automatic, quattro all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4216 mm
Wheelbase: 2594 mm
Width: 1802 mm
Height: 1445 mm
Turning Circle: 11.1 metres
Kerb Mass: 1535 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
RATINGS
Looks: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
