In a nutshell:
- Audi’s popular SQ2 gets a mild makeover, where new tech and fresh style is the order of the day.
- Range-topping SQ2 Vorsprung models get heated front seats, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof.
- Audi’s digital 12.3in digital instrument panel and 8.3in infotainment screen comes as standard on all models.
- Engine remains from the outgoing model - a gutsy 300 PS unit.
If it’s not broken, there’s no need to fix it - which is why the new Audi SQ2 has kept the same brilliant 300 PS 2.0 litre petrol engine as the outgoing model.
But you can give it a fresh coat of paint - which is why this sporty little SUV has been given a stylish makeover, complete with a new front grille, funky roof spoiler and air vents at the rear.
The hot crossover has proved popular since it first launched in 2018, filling a clever niche for those who want a hot-hatch but who also want a slightly higher riding position.
It’s an affordable vehicle, too - you can lease the current model from around £326 per month.
And it’s safe to say it’s quick - a 2.0 litre TFSI engine produces 300 PS and will accelerate the SQ2 from 0-62mph in 4.9 secs, while going on to a top speed of 155mph.
That’s only a fraction of a second slower than the 310 PS Audi S3, which does the 0-62mph sprint in 4.8 seconds.
Meanwhile CO2 emissions for the SQ2 are 188 g/km, while it’ll return a fairly healthy 34 miles to the gallon.
Because it’s a proper ‘S’ model, this Q2 gets a seven-speed S tronic transmission and all-wheel-drive Quattro performance. It’s also mated to an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch that distributes torque smoothly between the axles, so you always put the power where you need it.
But, really, the big changes here are to the exterior.
It comes in three forms - standard SQ2, SQ2 Black Edition and a new SQ2 Vorsprung model.
An aggressive new grille is slightly larger than before, and lower, while LED headlights are standard. The SQ2 Vorsprung gets Matrix LED units
Narrow slits between the radiator grille and the bonnet apparently ‘pay homage to the design of the iconic Audi Sport quattro’, according to Audi bigwigs.
Aluminium-look mirror housings, a roof edge spoiler and platinum grey C-pillar blades add to the look, while there’s a modified diffuser at the rear.
In terms of practicalities, the SQ2 gets a 355 litre boot, which is down on the 380 litres available in the S3, but can be expanded to 1,000 litres if the rear seat backrests are folded down.
Meanwhile the cabin has been significantly improved, not least by the new 12.3 inch virtual cockpit and 8.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Automatic 'hands-free' parking is also available as a driver assistance package should you want it, as is adaptive cruise assist, the latter making its SQ2 debut as part of the model update.
This clever bit of tech enables the driver to let the system largely take over the tasks of accelerating, decelerating and steering within a lane with the help of its frontal camera and sophisticated sensors.
All the driver need do is gently touch the steering wheel, which is part of the system, to prove that they are paying attention.
The new SQ2 is available to order from 19 November.
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