It wouldn’t be an Audi if a high-performance model wasn’t featured in the lineup, so Audi has just released a hot variant of the Q2 small SUV. Enter the Audi RS2.
Its turbo-petrol four-cylinder powerplant delivers 221 kW and 400 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 5,300 rpm. The is designed to give excellent throttle response and its sound it produces is due in part to the flaps in the exhaust system opening. If it feels good and sounds good, keen drivers will smile at what they’re experiencing.
The seven-speed S tronic is standard in this Q2 top model. Its lower gears feature short, sporty ratios while the seventh gear is long to reduce fuel consumption. Drivers can operate the lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission in modes D or S, or shift themselves.
The quattro all-wheel drive distributes the torque between the axles. Should the front wheels lose traction, the clutch redirects it completely to the rear within a few milliseconds.
The S sport suspension of the Audi SQ2 lowers the body by 20 millimetres. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels that are surrounded by 235/45 tyres.
The large brakes have a diameter of 340 millimetres at the front axle and 310 millimetres at the rear axle. Their brake calipers feature S badges and are painted red as an option.
The octagonal Singleframe is now slightly lower. There are narrow slits between the grille and the bonnet. Wide frames painted in selenite silver surround the large implied air inlets. They’re are aluminium-look mirror housings, the strips along the sills, the roof edge spoiler, and the silver blades on the C-pillar add accents.
The interior of the SQ2 is dominated by dark tones. The pedal caps and the footrest are made of stainless steel and the illuminated door sill trims sport S logos. The display shows S-specific start screens when the ignition is switched on.
The Audi virtual cockpit can be switched over to a sports view. MMI navigation plus (available with the navigation package) is operated via a rotary pushbutton on the centre console.
The top-of-the-line infotainment system brings the Audi connect services with LTE plus speed. A Wi-Fi hotspot integrates the passengers’ mobile devices.
A Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, long a favourite with Audi buyers, is standard fitment.
The services of Audi connect emergency call & service and Audi connect remote & control are both part of the standard equipment. They allow the owner to lock the vehicle remotely or check the fuel level, for example. To do this, owners can use the myAudi app on their smartphones.
Prices and full specifications will be announced closer to launch.
