Audi SQ2 2021 Car Review

The SQ2 is an athletic, small-sized SUV which is a whole bunch of fun to drive. We first reviewed it back in 2019, and loved its size, practicality, and sportiness.

The Audi SQ2 starts from $80,990 (+ORC).

What’s new?

Available now, some of the updates to the SQ2 include new headlights and bumpers, a lower-set grille, plus the new Audi connect service which is an intuitive, cloud-based service platform that provides owners with a range of assistance, information, entertainment, and security features to keep them connected wherever they go.

LED headlights are fitted as standard, while the new Matrix LED headlights can also be added as part of an upgrade package.

Interior updates

The interior feels much like any other Audi – it is high quality, comfortable and easy to navigate your way around.

The Audi Connect update is welcomed, and Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit remains from the 2019 model – this is a customisable dashboard that allows you to change the information that’s being displayed. For instance, you can choose to display the sat nav which gives a video-game-like feel.

Rear legroom is great, and the boot capacity sits at 355 litres.

Performance

Like with all Audi ‘S’ models, you know that you’re getting into a car that focuses more on performance compared to the standard model.

Fitted with a turbocharged petrol engine that produces 221kW and 400Nm, the SQ2 can go from zero to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. The S sport suspension lowers the body by 20mm which instantly adds agility for tackling tight city streets, as well as on the open road.

The engine and quattro AWD combine to give this small SUV excellent driving appeal. Sport mode (one of five different drive modes) tightens the suspension and steering and sharpens the throttle response. This ensures that the engine’s revs peak higher before the excellent S Tronic transmission shifts through the seven gears.

If you’re after a cleaner drive, ‘Efficiency’ mode tames things up a bit and offers a much more economical ride where the clutch disengages when coasting, allowing the SQ2 to freewheel.

The SQ2 has a fuel efficiency rating of 7.7L/100km and a CO2 efficiency rating of 176g/km.

Safety

Driver assist systems are available in abundance in the SQ2. They include Pre-Sense Front, Adaptive Cruise Assist, Park Assist and Lane Departure Warning, and all come as standard. At the time of writing, however, the SQ2 does not have an ANCAP rating.

Verdict

Although not too much has changed, the Audi SQ2 is still a fantastic choice if you’re in the market for a luxury compact family SUV. The additions that Audi has implemented only makes this an even more enticing package.

If you’re after something slightly more affordable, and with a less sporty feel, then the updated design enhancements also carry over to the rest of the Q2 range - the Q2 35 TFSI already here and the Q2 40 TFSI due before the end of 2021.

Safety systems

• Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) with torque vectoring
• Front driver and passenger airbags with side airbags in the front seats and side guard head airbag
• Audi Pre-Sense Front
• Audi Side Assist
• Cruise Control - adaptive with automatic distance control with distance indicator, stop and go function
• Parking Aid Front and Rear with Park Assist
• Lane Departure Warning

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

Vehicle experts you can trust