Audi, in a release this morning, says that it's updating its "exceptional compact sports car for individualists.' Great! We love to get new details on the TT coupe and... Wait, what? It's the SQ2 they're talking about?
300hp turbo four
Alas yes, it is. Audi now characterises the SQ2 - which is, to our eyes, a compact crossover no matter how much power has been stuffed into the engine bay - as a 'compact sports car.' Ah well...
How updated, you ask? Not by much, to tell the truth. Basically, this is the performance model of the Q2 being given the same light dusting of newness recently given the rest of the range. The powertrain - a 2.0-litre turbo four with 300hp and 400Nm of torque, driving all four wheels through a quattro four-wheel drive system (natch) and a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox - remains unchanged, bar some improvements to turbocharger air flow, and some tweaks to make sure it hits the latest emissions marks.
The four-wheel drive system also gets some small tweaks to the clutches that control torque distribution, which saves a little bit of weight.
New grille, lights, and bumpers
The biggest changes to the SQ2 are to the styling, although as with the rest of the Q2 lineup, you'll need to look closely... The grille is a little lower and gets new slats. There are also little extra nostrils between the top of the grille and the leading edge of the bonnet. Audi also notes that the air intakes in the front bumper are 'implied' which is an interesting way of saying 'phony.'
LED headlights are now standard, with Audi's super-smart Matrix LED active headlights available as an option. Around the back, there's a new rear bumper and new LED brake lights with scrolling indicators and a unique rear roof lip spoiler.
Four trim options
Inside you get stainless steer pedals and a new material for the headlining and the door cards about which Audi will only say that it's 'pleasant to touch.' Customers can choose from four packages for the upholstery and colours. Customers can choose from a combination of fabric and leather (standard), pure fine Nappa leather - with a rhombus pattern as an option - and a mixture of leather and the microfibre material called 'Dinamica', which is replacing good old Alcantara suede. It looks and feels like suede but consists mainly of recycled polyester, which is sourced from textiles and PET bottles, for example. Accent stripes and contrasting stitching adorn the seats. They are available in rock grey, black, and magma red. The optional backlit trim strip remains as before.
There's a new, sporty-looking, steering wheel, and an updated MMI infotainment system that comes with more connected services, smartphone app integration, and a banging Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Safety has also been improved, with a new active cruise control setup, traffic sign recognition, and park assist.
Order books are already open, but the previous SQ2 didn't make it on to Irish price lists. Maybe try asking your Audi dealer nicely...