2018 Paris Motor Show: Audi SQ2 Unveiled

Audi showcased the SQ2, which is the new top model in the Q2 family, at the 208 Paris Motor Show. The standard Audi Q2 always looked sporty and the S model gets a few enhancements. There's the large, octagonal single frame grille and a front splitter that joins the outermost edges of the two air inlets which gives the front end of the SQ2 a brawny look. It gets LED headlights and LED rear lights as standard and it also gets the arrow-shaped light signature. A long roof edge spoiler provides for sufficient downforce and the diffuser insert houses four exhaust tailpipes. The exterior colour palette includes the standard ibis white and the optional colours Vegas yellow, ara blue, Daytona grey, floret silver, glacier white, coral orange, mythos black, quantum grey and tango red.

With a drag coefficient of 0.34, the Audi SQ2 is very much aerodynamic. The noise level on-board remains low thanks to the vibration-optimised body and Audi's high level of competence in aeroacoustics. The standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver choose between the profiles auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency and individual. It uses these profiles to manage the character of the steering, the seven-speed S tronic and additional systems. A button allows the driver to set the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) to off-road mode or turn it off entirely. Hold assist is available as an option.

The SQ2 is available with 18-inch and 19-inch wheel options but of course you want to know what powers this beast. The SQ2 gets a 2 litre TFSI developed by Audi engineers and built in Gyor. It delivers 296 bhp and a constant 400 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. As a result it can dispatch the sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.8 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 250 kmph. The engine weighs only around 150 kilograms, benefiting not only the all-up weight of the Audi SQ2, but also the axle load distribution.

The intake and exhaust camshafts are adjustable to optimise fill and gas exchange. On the exhaust side, the Audi valvelift system (AVS) adjusts valve lift in two stages based on demand. This reduces flushing losses in the combustion chamber and ensures optimal flow of exhaust gas to the turbocharger, particularly in the low rpm range. The advantages of this are agile engine response and a further increase of torque. Controlled by a fast and precise electric overflow valve, the turbocharger develops its maximum boost of 1.4 bar (relative) very dynamically. This engine management system enhances efficiency and reduces fuel consumption during operation under part load.

A seven-speed S tronic with a wide ratio of 8.7 between the first and last gears transfers the power of the 2 litre motor to the wheels. As with every Audi S model, quattro all-wheel drive is standard in the SQ2. It distributes torque continuously between the axles. If the front wheels lose grip, the multi-plate clutch can transfer up to 100 percent of the force to the rear within just a few milliseconds.

The S sports suspension on the SQ2 lowers the body by 20 millimetres. The power assistance of the standard progressive steering has an S-specific characteristic. Its rack is specially geared so that the boost ratio changes the further the wheel is turned - the greater the steering angle, the more direct the ratio. This improves agility when manoeuvring, in urban traffic and in tight bends.

The compact Audi SQ2 has a wheelbase of 2,594 millimetres, allowing for a spacious interior. The luggage compartment has a volume of 355 to 1,000 litres depending on the position of the two or three-way split rear backrests. Standard equipment includes sport seats, a front centre armrest, automatic air conditioning, a sport multifunction steering wheel - optionally with paddles for the S tronic - and the driver information system with colour display. The optional Audi virtual cockpit which forms part of the Technology Pack replaces the driver information system. The driver controls the fully digital instrument cluster via buttons on the steering wheel. The 12.3-inch display offers three different views, including a screen that places the rev counter front and centre.

The driver assistance systems for the Audi SQ2 includes Audi pre sense as standard and uses radar to recognise hazardous situations that can occur with crossing pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car. The system warns the driver acoustically and visually, and initiates emergency braking if necessary. This can help to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision. Other assistance technology highlights include adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and the traffic jam assist, which in addition to the radar sensor also uses the front camera. At speeds up to 40mph on well-developed roads, it can assist with steering, accelerating and braking. Deliveries for the car will begin from early 2019