The compact crossover segment has been booming recently, with the Jaguar E-Pace, Volvo XC40 and the Lexus NX joining the fray to go up against one of the pioneers of the segment, the Audi Q2.
And with the segment growing in leaps and bounds, the demand for performance variants has grown too. Just recently BMW revealed their flagship model in the X2 line-up, the X2 M35i. And now, after seeing camouflaged mules testing for months at the Nurburgring, Audi has finally unveiled their potent SQ2 at the Paris Motor Show.
The SQ2 tops the Q2 range, and in terms of compact crossovers, it’s as hardcore as it gets. Under its hood is the famed EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor. If that name does ring a bell, it’s because it’s the same motor that powers the Audi S3 and the brilliant Volkswagen Golf R, albeit in this application, it’s been slightly detuned from the S3's 228kw to 221kw.
Torque still stands at 400nm, and like the S3, it sends power to all four wheels via a 7-speed S Tronic dual clutch gearbox. Equipped with a front-wheel drive biased quattro system, the SQ2 is pretty potent, capable of 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds and a 250kph top speed. Interestingly, despite producing less power and torque than the 225kw/450nm 2.0-litre turbocharged X2 M35i, the SQ2 is actually quicker in the benchmark 0-100kph sprint test.
The SQ2 also comes standard with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system which offers five driving modes: auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency, and individual. Each of the settings alters the response of the steering, transmission and additional systems. It also rides 20mm lower than its Q2 siblings and features a sport suspension, and gets an upgraded braking system with 340mm discs up front and 310mm at the rear.
Much like other S-cars, it also looks very different from the rest of the range, gaining a more aggressive front bumper with larger intakes, a revised grill, model specific wheels, and S-specific quad pipes out of a sporty diffuser. The interior has also been hotted up, and now features sport seats as standard, while Audi's 12.3-inch virtual cockpit is an optional extra. There's also a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speaker and 705 watts.
The SQ2 is expected to reach European showrooms in early 2019, with Audi South Africa introducing it locally shortly thereafter.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the Audi SQ2 cost in South Africa?
The Audi SQ2 is priced from around R750,000 in South Africa, making it one of the pricier options in the compact performance crossover segment but still competitive against rivals like the BMW X2 M35i.
Q: How fast is the Audi SQ2 and what engine does it have?
The Audi SQ2 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EA888 engine producing 221kW and 400Nm, which rockets it from 0-100kph in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 250kph.
Q: Is the Audi SQ2 faster than the BMW X2 M35i?
Yes, despite the BMW X2 M35i producing more power at 225kW and 450Nm, the Audi SQ2 actually beats it in the 0-100kph sprint, making it the quicker option in real-world acceleration.
Q: Does the Audi SQ2 have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the SQ2 comes standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system that's front-wheel drive biased, paired with a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox for optimal traction and performance.
Q: What makes the Audi SQ2 different from the regular Q2?
The SQ2 sits 20mm lower than regular Q2 models, features sport suspension, upgraded brakes with 340mm front discs, aggressive styling with larger air intakes, and the Audi drive select system with five driving modes.
Should You Buy It?
The Audi SQ2 is absolutely worth buying if you want the most hardcore compact crossover money can buy in South Africa. At around R750,000, it's not cheap, but you're getting a proper performance machine that can embarrass hot hatches while still being practical enough for the school run. The EA888 engine is proven, the quattro system gives you confidence in all conditions, and that 4.8-second 0-100kph time makes it genuinely quick. Sure, the BMW X2 M35i has more power on paper, but the SQ2 is actually faster where it counts and comes with Audi's bulletproof build quality. If you can stretch to the asking price and want a crossover that's as happy on track days as it is at the shopping centre, the SQ2 is a brilliant choice that delivers proper S-car thrills in a compact, practical package.
