2021 Audi SQ2 revealed, Australian launch timing confirmed
The facelifted 2021 Audi SQ2 has been officially unveiled.
The updated version of the smallest Audi S model currently on sale will make its way to Australian shores for the first time in mid-2021.
The pre-facelift model was previously confirmed for our market in recent years, before it was delayed and ultimately ruled out.
Updates to the SQ2 largely mirror those to the standard, non-performance Q2 in September.
Up front, there's a reshaped front grille placed slightly lower, surrounded by revised LED – or, optionally, matrix LED – headlights, and restyled lower air intakes.
Towards the rear, changes consist of new LED tail-light signatures, aluminium mirror caps and a reshaped lower rear bumper with pentagonal faux air intakes.
Optioning the 'Black Styling Package' colours the grille, air intakes and rear diffuser in black, while the 'SQ2 exterior package' adds black-hued mirror caps, C-pillar trim and quad exhaust tips.
Inside, black headlining, new soft-touch door trims, illuminated S-badged door sills and metallic sports pedals are all standard fit, while a choice of seat trims with contrast stitching are available: fabric/leather combination, quilted nappa leather, and Dinamica suede with leather accents. However, no interior images were released by the carmaker to confirm these additions.
Above: the standard 2021 Audi Q2's cabin. No images of the 2021 SQ2's interior have been released.
Dual-zone climate control, a sports steering wheel and sports seats are standard on all European-specification SQ2 models, complemented by optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 8.3-inch 'MMI navigation plus' infotainment displays.
New to the SQ2 are an array of connected services managed via the 'myAudi' smartphone app, enabling owners to unlock/lock their vehicle remotely, check its fuel level and more.
Available driver assistance systems include autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, traffic-sign recognition, automatic parking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist – the latter two systems updated to allow the SQ2 to steer, brake and accelerate within its lane with minimal driver intervention.
However, what hasn't changed is the SQ2's powertrain: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine shared with other Audi models, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a front-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Outputs remain unchanged at 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque, as do the 4.9-second 0-100km/h sprint time and 250km/h top speed.
The SQ2 sits 20mm lower to the tarmac than standard Q2 models, thanks to S sport suspension.
The 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 235/45 tyres, with 19-inch wheels with 235/40 rubber available as an option. They hide 340mm front and 310mm rear sports brakes, clamped by S-branded calipers available in black or red.
Five drive modes are on offer – Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual – which vary the steering weight, engine and transmission response, sports exhaust tone and stability control.
The 2021 Audi SQ2 will go on sale in Australia in mid-2021, alongside the regular, facelifted Q2. Local pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.