What's the news?
Audi is preparing a hot version of its most compact Q2 SUV, which uses the 2.0-litre TFSI engine as employed in an Audi S3, only rated at 300hp and 400Nm for the SQ2.
Sending drive to all four wheels (quattro, naturally) via a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the Audi SQ2 promises to be one of the quickest crossover/SUVs going: 0-100km/h takes just 4.8 seconds and the vehicle is limited to 250km/h flat out. And that quattro system, by the way, can send 100 per cent of torque to the rear axle, if needs be.
The SQ2 will sit on 20mm lower, tougher S sports suspension, while standard-fit progressive steering has an S-specific tune, which gives a bigger boost to the steering ratio the more the wheel is turned. This is said to improve the performance SUV's agility in tight turns, manoeuvring and urban traffic.
Like any S-model Audi, the SQ2 looks suitably beefed-up, compared to its stablemates. The Singleframe grille features eight upright double bars and there's a front splitter with larger air inlets below. Standard LED head- and rear lights with dynamic indicators are thrown in, while there are revised sill details along the doors and aluminium-look door mirrors.
At the back are quad exhausts, a diffuser and a roof-edge spoiler, while colours will be Ibis White (standard) and then a choice of Vegas Yellow, Ara Blue, Daytona Grey, Floret Silver, Glacier White, Coral Orange, Mythos Black, Quantum Grey and Tango Red. Alloy wheel sizes start at 18s and run up to 19s as an option, while the brakes are 340mm front and 310mm rear, with the option to have the S-branded callipers painted red instead of the standard black.
Inside, sports seats, a front centre arm rest, climate control, a Sport multifunction steering wheel, and a Driver Information System with colour display. Virtual Cockpit, part of a Technology Pack, will be an option for the SQ2, while sportier trim finishes, S-branded detailing and grey dials with white needles complete the look of the faster Audi.
Anything else?
Audi will show off the SQ2 at the Paris Motor Show in October, ahead of order books opening at the end of the year. Deliveries should start in the early part of 2019 and, once we have Irish pricing and specs, we'll bring you all the details.