Overview
Audi taking the hot hatch in a new direction. The SQ2 is an inevitable result of the crossover’s success – people are going to want a faster one. It’s not the first lifted, sportified crossover – there’s the Cupra Ateca, Mercedes does AMG 43 and 63 versions of its GLC, a fast Alfa Stelvio, a hot Mini Countryman, while Nissan gave us the Juke Nismo years ago. And what about the Subaru Forester Turbo? But by and large they’re either the wrong badge, the wrong product or the wrong money. The SQ2 – on paper at least – sits in a sweet spot: 300bhp, £35,000, 162g/km, 39.2mpg, 4.8-to-100kph.

The whole drivetrain from engine and gearbox to 4WD system is largely lifted from the Audi S3, which in turn (and barring a tweaked 4WD system) is basically a Golf R. The ride height has been dropped 20mm from a standard Q2, the suspension toughened up. It’s not a big car (over 100mm shorter than the S3), nor an intimidating one to look at, which makes the 300bhp contained within seem all the more generous. That’s delivered by the familiar VW Group EA888 2.0-litre turbo and S-tronic seven-speed twin clutch gearbox. No manual option – no call for it. Nor adaptive dampers – fixed rate items are better at coping with the power while retaining body control, claims Audi. 

It’s a chunky little thing though (at 1,510kg about 50kg heavier than an S3), but perhaps not as visually aggressive as it could have been. It’s got the right elements: big grille, quad tailpipes, S-badging, rear spoiler and so on, but it’s all rather apologetic. A set of optional 19s would undoubtedly help its stance. We suspect this hits the notes Audi wants it to. It’s not intended to be a hardcore hatch chaser. Instead this is a car aimed at young families wanting to move on from a hot hatch or coupe, but unwilling to sacrifice speed. The question is whether Audi has managed to incorporate some dynamic thrills. And it’s an important question, since this is now Audi’s entry-level S car, the firm having admitted they won’t be replacing the feisty S1 that was so fondly regarded round these parts.

The market has moved on, the Audi buyer has changed. Five years ago a small nippy supermini was the right product. Now it’s not. People want to sit higher, see out better, want more adaptability and capability, a car that’ll grow with them yet keep them entertained. A car that is both literally and metaphorically above the cut and thrust of regular hot hatches such as the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30N and even Golf GTI.

Driving
The SQ2 is a punchy little thing – in a straight line at least. We know how effective this 2.0-litre turbo is in everything from the Golf R to the Seat Leon Cupra, so that’s perhaps no surprise. But still, the way it sustains its torque and power all the way to the 6,700rpm red line is impressive. And probably largely irrelevant for the majority of your driving. In the mid-range there’s a tiny delay while the turbo picks up, but on the whole drivability and torque delivery is exemplary. It’s smooth, good-natured around town and makes the SQ2 feel significantly lighter than it actually is. Just don’t go expecting any aural fireworks. No pops on lift-off, and any induction and exhaust enthusiasm is saved for the final thousand revs.

There’s a launch control system, which most owners will probably never investigate. But they should because it’s hilarious. It holds the revs high – over 4,000rpm - and then basically dumps the clutch abruptly enough to spin all four wheels. The SQ2 belts off the line with astonishing vigour. We measured it to 97kph in 4.5secs, 161kph in 11.5secs.

Other driver-centric features are few and far between. The Drive Select button on the console is about the only one, allowing you to switch between modes that alter the steering, engine and gearbox. Our car had Audi’s variable rack Dynamic Steering fitted. I used to find it really unpleasant to use, but it’s now much, much better. Still not sure you need it, but I’d be surprised if the standard electrically-assisted set-up supplied any feel either. The double clutch gearbox does the job with typical efficiency, but not much enthusiasm.

So here’s the thing with driving the SQ2. It takes corners confidently, body control is solid, roll progressive. It’s proficient, capable, grippy, surprising almost in how energetically it exits corners, managing traction and torque distribution well enough that understeer never really gets a look in. This is all good – it feels swift, safe and secure.

On the inside
Easy to drive, and easy to use. You get the feeling Audi has positioned the SQ2 very, very carefully indeed. The seats could, probably should, have larger side bolsters, but I suspect that would have jarred with the ergonomic experts trying to make it as easy as possible to get in and out. Feedback from customer clinics suggested people liked the higher view out that a crossover offers, but also liked to feel snug and secure in the car. A contradiction, but not an insurmountable one. So the sides are high, you feel enclosed, but the views front and rear are good. The driving position is decent. But not racy despite the perforated leather steering wheel and red trim accents.

The quality is top notch, the overall ambience (probably with one eye on a potential coupe customer making the leap), has much in common with the TT. The layout is clean, well organised, attractively structured and built around the class-leading Virtual Cockpit dash – provided you spec it. As ever with Audi, pay attention to the options. This one was clad in £8,495 of options that included heated seats, lumbar support, rear-view camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a 40:20:40 split rear bench. None of that comes as standard.

But it’s all logical. Even if you’re new to Audi, you’ll be comfortable, sat nav programmed, tunes managed and heat where you want, in a matter of minutes. There’s a lot to be said for that, but bear in mind that some rivals, notably the Mercedes-AMG A35, have interiors that make the SQ2s feel half a generation behind. But then the standard Q2 on which this is based has already been out for three years.

Further back there’s reasonable space for adults or child seats in the back (although rear door access is a bit tight) while the 355-litre boot is accommodating enough – but in essence no bigger than you’ll find in any Golf or Focus-sized hatchback. The sole packaging advantage of the crossover is that you can sit occupants a little more upright to maximise foot and headspace. It’s 100mm shorter than an S3, but probably marginally better for carrying people.

Verdict
What are your expectations of the SQ2? Want a fast first family car, something to replace your TT with, something sure-footed and safe, desirable and enviable? Then this is probably an eight out of 10 for you. However, if you’re judging this by the standards of other hot hatches, cars that are not only just as practical, but great fun to drive, then the SQ2 comes unstuck. It’s not entertaining enough.

Apologies for stating the blindingly obvious, but a hot crossover is not a hot hatch, it’s aimed at a different audience, performs a different role, a sports car for the brand aware and image conscious. Fast first, rewarding second. It’s cleverly engineered, with a broad band of capability, but like other swift, safe Audis (the RS5 springs to mind), it’s not a car that’s going to encourage you to take the long way home.

Disappointed? A new RS Q3 will put in an appearance before too long. It’ll likely have over 400bhp and a more determined attitude. But it’ll also probably be approaching £50k. The SQ2 is the right product for Audi, at the right price and in the right market position. It’ll probably sell like hot cakes. Just not to the likes of you and I.