Order books open for Audi SQ2

Audi’s hottest Q2 yet is now available to order, with the 296bhp SQ2 available from £36,800.

VW Group’s commonplace 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit provides that notable output and sends it, along with 400Nm of torque, to all four wheels via a seven-speed ‘S Tronic’ automatic gearbox.

As a result, 0-60mph comes in impressive 4.6 seconds with top speed limited to 155mph. When it comes to efficiency, Audi claims it can achieve 39.2-40.4mpg on the combined WLTP cycle while emitting 159-163kg/km of CO2 depending on options.

A few chassis tweaks have been made to help utilise the enhanced power too. Model-specific suspension lowers the car 20mm, while the steering rack has been altered for more responsive handling.

Ensuring the SQ2 subtly stands out from its more pedestrian stablemates are a number of subtle visual changes. Up front, upright bars feature on the grille for a more impactful look while the side of the car benefits from a matte titanium grey C-pillar.

At the back of the car, a silver diffuser is present along with quad-exit exhaust pipes, plus the addition of a larger roof spoiler. 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, although these can be optionally upgraded to 19-inch units — while red brake calipers also join the list of extras.

Standard luxury items on the Audi SQ2 include dual-zone climate control, a leather interior package, a 3.5-inch information display in the gauge cluster and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. There’s also black and red combination Nappa leather seats to enhance the racy feel of the car.

With order books open, first examples of the Audi SQ2 are expected to arrive on forecourts imminently.