The sporty SUV in the compact segment now has an even fresher look: Audi has revised the SQ21. Thanks in part to the new headlights and bumpers, its appearance is even sportier and more striking, and new Audi connect services and assist systems make driving the car even more effortless. It also offers a strong performance: The 2.0 TFSI with 221 kW (300 PS) accelerates the SQ2 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.9 seconds. Thanks to quattro all-wheel drive and the S sport suspension, the power is applied smoothly to the road.
Since its debut two years ago, the SQ2 has made a name for itself as a car full of character. It is a dynamic compact SUV for individualists who value standalone design, a high utility value, and dynamic handling. The key figures speak for themselves: 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.9 seconds, top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph), and an average fuel consumption of just 7.7 liters per 100 km (30.5 US mpg).
Sporty all-around engine in peak form: the 2.0 TFSI
The 2.0 TFSI draws its power from 1,984 cm3 of displacement and is a sporty all-around engine. It is installed in many Audi models – in the SQ21, it delivers 221 kW (300 PS) and a constant 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) of torque across a broad range of between 2,000 and 5,300 rpm. The turbocharged four-cylinder has an excellent throttle response, and its sound becomes fuller as the speed increases. This is due in part to the flaps in the exhaust system.
The 2.0 TFSI has some progressive technologies for power and efficiency on board. The Audi valvelift system (AVS) switches the stroke of the outlet valves between two levels as needed, thereby optimizing the charge cycle in the lower engine speed range in particular: The improved flow of exhaust gas to the turbocharger results in an agile response and powerful torque build-up. Sophisticated thermal management controls the coolant flow, and the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head helps the engine to warm up quickly, which allows exhaust gas aftertreatment to be activated early on. Needless to say, the Audi SQ2 complies with the limits of the new Euro 6 AP emission standard.
Driving pleasure and driving safety: the seven-speed S tronic and quattro drive
The seven-speed S tronic is standard in the Q2 top model**. Its lower gears feature short, sporty ratios while the seventh gear is long to reduce fuel consumption. Drivers can operate the lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission in modes D or S, or shift themselves. If the Audi drive select system is in “efficiency” mode, the clutch disengages when coasting, allowing the compact sport SUV to freewheel.
The quattro all-wheel drive provides the updated Audi SQ21 with the crucial amount of additional dynamism and stability. Its electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch distributes the torque smoothly between the axles. Should the front wheels lose traction, the clutch redirects it completely to the rear within a few milliseconds. The SQ2 is fitted with the latest generation of the multi-place clutch, which features many improvements, for example to the bearings and oil supply, that increase its efficiency. The pump is powered by a low-wear, brushless electric motor. The entire clutch is just under one kilogram (2.2 lb) lighter than the part in the predecessor model. This is due in part to the fact that the control unit is integrated in the clutch housing.
The driving pleasure provided by the electronically controlled quattro drive has remained at the same high level. During sporty driving, the clutch can direct some of the torque to the rear axle and thereby increase dynamism as soon as the driver turns the wheel. The quattro management system enables precise turn-in during load reversal, and provides maximum control and reliability when drifting on a low-friction surface. The wheel-selective torque control rounds off the handling with minor brake interventions at the relieved wheels on the inside of the curve.
Dynamic character: suspension and steering in the Audi Q2
The S sport suspension of the Audi SQ2 lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.8 in). The standard progressive steering is geared in such a way that its steering ratio becomes more direct as the angle increases. This makes the SQ2** even more agile – when maneuvering, in urban traffic, and in tight curves.
The standard equipment of the sporty compact SUV also includes the Audi drive select dynamic handling system that offers the profiles “auto,” comfort,” “dynamic,” “efficiency,” and “individual.” It changes the character of the steering, the seven-speed S tronic, the engine, and other systems. The driver can press a button to set the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) to off-road mode.
The Audi SQ21 rolls off the line with 18-inch alloy wheels and size 235/45 tires at the main Audi plant in Ingolstadt. The range offered by Audi and Audi Sport GmbH also includes 19-inch wheels with size 235/40 tires (standard with the SQ2 exterior package). The large brakes have a diameter of 340 millimeters (13.4 in) at the front axle and 310 millimeters (12.2 in) at the rear axle. Their brake calipers feature S badges and are painted red as an option.
Strong character with angles and edges: the exterior design
With its angles and edges, the Audi SQ2, which measures 4.21 meters (13.8 ft) in length, is a car full of character. Its design has become even more expressive with the update. The octagonal Singleframe is now slightly lower, and the slats in its insert also interpret the polygon motif that characterizes the entire car. There are narrow slits between the grille and the hood. Wide frames painted in selenite silver surround the large implied air inlets.
LED headlights are standard, and Audi installs the new Matrix LED headlights as an alternative. One shared module houses seven individual LEDs. The intelligently controlled high beam light always illuminates the road as brightly as possible without blinding other road users. Ten further light-emitting diodes installed behind rhomboid optical components generate the daytime running light. Seven LEDs generate the dynamic turn signals independently. LED lights are installed at the rear as standard. When installed with the Matrix LED headlights, they also feature dynamic turn signals. In this case, the headlights and rear lights present dynamic light sequencing when the car is locked and unlocked.
In the side view of the revised Audi SQ2, the aluminum-look mirror housings, the strips along the sills, the roof edge spoiler, and the silver blades on the C-pillar add accents. The rear bumper with its pentagonal polygons varies the design motif of the front apron and two exhaust tailpipes are each framed by the diffuser insert. The luggage compartment is located behind the tailgate and has a volume of 355 to 1,000 liters (12.5 to 35.3 cu ft) depending on the position of the rear backrests.
The color palette of the Q2 top model includes ten colors and the attachments are painted in contrasting Manhattan gray as an option. The blades on the C-pillars are available in selenite silver (standard), vehicle color, Manhattan gray, platinum gray, and brilliant black. With the black styling package, the Singleframe, the air inlet grilles, and the diffuser are finished in gloss black, and the bumpers feature a contrasting paint finish. The SQ2 exterior package also applies black styling to the mirror housings, the blade on the C-pillar, and the tailpipe trims. The roof edge spoiler features a special contour here, and quattro logos on film adorn the doors.
