Audi has unveiled a performance version of its Q2 SUV, dropping a single image of the 220kW SQ2 ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut.
The power comes from the Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-litre TFSI engine (the same that lives inside the Golf R), which, with its 400Nm of torque, is enough to propel the SQ2 to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds and on to a blistering top speed of 250km/h.
Sports suspension, a performance-focused all-wheel-drive system, and a ride height that’s been lowered by 20mm also join the list of performance upgrades.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed S tronic automatic sending power to all four wheels, but also has the ability to send 100 per cent of the torque to the front or rear axle if the system senses a loss of grip.
A clever dynamic setting also pushes torque to the rear axle when the car turns into a bend, meaning the quattro system helps to push the SQ2 into a corner.
The SQ2 has been given an exterior makeover, too, with 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, and a redesigned front end that centres on the huge eight-bar Singleframe grille. Beneath it, a new front splitter and twin air inlets are designed to make the SQ2's front-end look wider and more "brawny".
Look for the SQ2 to make its full debut at Paris in early October, before it hits dealerships internationally in early 2019. An Australian launch schedule is yet to be confirmed.
Hot hatch or hot SUV? Tell us in the comments below.
Andrew Chesterton
Contributing Journalist
Andrew Chesterton should probably hate cars. From his hail-damaged Camira that looked like it had spent a hard life parked at the end of Tiger Woods' personal driving range, to the Nissan Pulsar Reebok that shook like it was possessed by a particularly mean-spirited demon every time he dared push past 40km/h, his personal car history isn't exactly littered with gold.
But that seemingly endless procession of rust-savaged hate machines taught him something even more important; that cars are more than a collection of nuts, bolts and petrol. They're your ticket to freedom, a way to unlock incredible experiences, rolling invitations to incredible adventures. They have soul.
And so, somehow, the car bug still bit. And it bit hard.
When "Chesto" started his journalism career with News Ltd's Sunday and Daily Telegraph newspapers, he covered just about everything, from business to real estate, courts to crime, before settling into state political reporting at NSW Parliament House.
But the automotive world's siren song soon sounded again, and he begged anyone who would listen for the opportunity to write about cars. Eventually they listened, and his career since has seen him filing car news, reviews and features for TopGear, Wheels, Motor and, of course, CarsGuide, as well as many, many others.
More than a decade later, and the car bug is yet to relinquish its toothy grip. And if you ask Chesto, he thinks it never will.
About Author
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments