- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
Compact, powerful, European
The Audi SQ2 is a luxury compact five-seat sports crossover SUV. The car is a powerful version of the Q2 compact crossover SUV known in Israel. Thus, this is the same car, but a bit “hotter.” Audi first unveiled the SQ2 at the 2018 Paris International Auto Show. The newcomer is equipped in a similar manner to the Audi S3 hatchback, but has a more aggressive exterior. In January 2019, the "hot" SUVs started being sold in Europe. We’ll tell you about the first generation model, which was restyled in 2020. European dealerships started offering the restyled Audi SQ2 in the first quarter of 2021.
- For reference: Israeli buyers can currently purchase the first generation Audi Q2 crossover SUV after the 2020 restyling. This is a front-wheel drive crossover SUV, equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with 150 hp, paired with a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission. The vehicle is capable of developing 218 km/h, while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds.
Exterior
The first generation of the 2019 Audi SQ2 has acquired an improved aerodynamic body kit with a lower drag coefficient of 0.34. The sports crossover SUV is somewhat different from its initial version in terms of size. The model is 4,210 mm long, 1,802 mm wide and 1,524 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,594 mm. In addition, the ground clearance has been reduced to 180 mm (by 20 mm).
The vehicle features a slightly different radiator grille without chrome elements with a modest black edging and vertical stripes inside. The new Audi SQ2 comes standard with LED headlights. The front bumper has larger air intakes with black trims, while the rear end houses another spoiler at the top of the fifth door, as well as a black exhaust system with two double tailpipes.
Interior
The interior of the 2019/2020 Audi SQ2 is similar to the interior of the original model, but the seats of the powerful version have more developed lateral support. The interior is decorated with decorative elements in red. There is LED backlighting. The trunk is 355 liters under the rack and grows up to 1,000 liters when the rear sofa is folded down. For a surcharge, you can install a digital dashboard.
Powertrains
Like the regular Q2, the Audi SQ2 shares a platform with the A3 hatchback, which means it has a front transverse engine layout and a fully independent suspension, consisting of the McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The sports version of the crossover SUV has more powerful equipment. It comes with a turbocharged 2.0 TFSI direct fuel injection engine (300 hp, 400 Nm), coupled with a 7-speed S tronic dual wet clutch transmission. The vehic;e has four-wheel drive with a rear axle clutch. Among other things, the manufacturer has installed more efficient brakes. The diameter of the front discs is 340 mm, while the rear ones are 310 mm. The wheels are also larger: 18 or 19 inches.
It takes the 2019/2020 Audi SQ2 4.8 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h, while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h. The drive electronics allows you to choose one of five modes (Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, and Individual). The engine is equipped with a Start-Stop system, which turns off the engine when the crossover speed drops to 6 km/h.
2020 restyling
In November 2020, following the original Audi Q2 model, its powerful "brother" was also restyled. The main innovation of the 2020/2021 Audi SQ2 is a new radiator grille with honeycomb filling; if you look closely, you can see the new bumpers. Matrix headlights are now optional. Inside, you will see a different S tronic selector and an improved MMI media system with a Wi-Fi transmitter. Note the new microfiber leather seat upholstery, made from recycled waste according to the latest environmental trends.
The new Audi SQ2 is equipped with the same engine, but in order to comply with the new WLTP standards, it had to be derated from 310 to 300 hp, while the torque has not changed (400 Nm). For the sake of contributing to air purity, the acceleration time to 100 km/h has been increased from 4.8 to 4.9 seconds. But a new exhaust system with a sportier sound will cheer you up. The rear axle coupling has been modernized.
