Audi SQ2 2020 Review
Small performance SUV set to bring flamboyance, flair and firepower to Audi's local rangeWhat’s it all about?
Audi Australia has let loose Australian journalists in its peppery little Audi SQ2. In Germany for the recent Frankfurt motor show, the select group of journos got behind the wheel of the high-performance SUV, a car with all the packaging traits of the Q2, and the sort of engine output you'd expect to find in the S3 Sportback.
Except the SQ2 produces even more power and torque than the S3. There's an extra 8kW and 20Nm on tap in the car, which was tested in a very bright yellow.
How much will it cost?
The Audi SQ2 is not confirmed for Australia yet, but with the importer really keen to have it go on sale here, we reckon the SQ2 is a virtual certainty for the local market.
Audi Australia is believed to be negotiating with the factory to bring the car in at a price below $70,000, which the importer virtually has to do, if the SQ2 is to compete with the BMW X2 M35i, which develops even more power and torque.
The BMW is priced from $68,900, which doesn't leave much room for Audi to introduce the SQ2 and undercut the X2 while leaving some 'air' for the S3, at $64,200.
Why should I buy it?
The Audi SQ2 is a sweet little firecracker that thoroughly endeared itself with the four journalists who drove it in Germany. There is plenty of poke in the car's Dynamic mode; emitting much pop and crackle from the exhaust on the overrun.
It's full of fun and yet seriously capable at high touring speeds for a vehicle with such a compact footprint. At an indicated speed of up to 261km/h (according to my co-driver), the SQ2 felt completely safe and secure, with relatively little in the way of tyre noise from the 235/40 R19 Hankooks to drown out conversation, even at that sort of speed.
The SQ2 features an ergonomically functional driving position; placement of controls is ideal, the instruments are easy to read, and the supportive seats are snug, but also impressively comfortable over touring distances.
And when the need for driving enjoyment retreats the SQ2 also offers a reasonably comfortable ride in efficiency mode.
When is it available in Australia?
The importer would love to have the Audi SQ2 launch in Australia from next year, but admits that the prospects of that happening are more remote than a 2021 launch date.
Local buyers have already been knocking down the doors of Audi dealers for a provisional price (see above) and a formal on-sale date. So while the product-planning/production-scheduling obstacles (and maybe WLTP certification) threaten to delay the SQ2 for an extra year, don't be surprised if the importer pulls out all stops to bring it in at the earliest opportunity next year.
Who will it appeal to?
It's hard to imagine anyone who won't be won over by the Audi SQ2. In a purely pragmatic context it's packaged for small families and perhaps young singles. The SQ2's higher hip point may suit 'hip' oldies who are also empty-nesters.
All these buyers will be drawn in by the SQ2's potent performance, which is really easy to exploit. Audi claims that the SQ2 is precisely 0.1sec faster (4.8) to 100km/h than the BMW X2 M35i (4.9).
Where does it fit?
Essentially a high-performance variant of the Audi Q2, the SQ2 will be marketed and sold in Australia as a small SUV. But in reality it's more a high-riding hot-hatch adjunct to the S3 than an SUV as such.
In point of fact, the SQ2 doesn't even ride that high off the ground, being 20mm lower than the standard Q2, which itself doesn't exactly tower over other SUVs.
So, what do we think?
There are a couple of minor points that detract from the whole Audi SQ2 experience. Those are limited to the lack of adjustable rear vents for the kids. Nor do today's screen-obsessed young 'uns get even one USB port back there, but there is a 12-Volt outlet. It's reasonably roomy back there, so a couple of progeny likely won't outgrow the SQ2 before their late teenage years.
Much as we love the powertrain, the S tronic (dual-clutch) transmission was occasionally clunky, but not frequently enough to call that a deal breaker.
In short, the SQ2 is a highly appealing small car that's also practical and comfortable, and combined with vice-free driving dynamics, it will seduce plenty of buyers if/when it reaches local shores.
How much does the 2020 Audi SQ2 cost?
Price: $70,000 (approx.)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 221kW/400Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (WLTP Combined); 10.0L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 163g/km (WLTP Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP for Q2, 2016)
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