AUDI HAS ANNOUNCED it is making a hot version of its compact Q2 SUV. The Audi SQ2 will use the same 2.0-litre TFSI engine as employed in the Audi S3, only it will be rated at 300hp and 400Nm for the SQ2.

That output is channelled through S sports suspension and quattro all-wheel-drive which enables zero to 100km/h acceleration in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. And, if needs be, that quattro system can send 100 per cent of torque to the rear axle.

The S sports suspension lowers the body by 20 millimetres, while standard-fit progressive steering has an S-specific tune, which gives a bigger boost to the steering ratio the more the wheel is turned. Audi claims this improves agility when manoeuvring, in urban traffic and in tight bends.

The standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver choose between the profiles auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency and individual. It uses these profiles to manage the character of the steering, the seven-speed S tronic and additional systems. A button allows the driver to set the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) to off-road mode or turn it off entirely. 

The range of wheels available from Audi and Audi Sport offers a choice of ten designs and sizes. The 18-inch alloy wheels with size 235/45 tyres are standard; 19-inch wheels with size 235/40 tyres will be available as an option.

The brakes measure 340 millimetres in diameter up front and 310 millimetres in the rear. The calipers are painted black as standard, but can optionally be painted red, and feature S badging.

Standard equipment includes sport seats, a front centre armrest, automatic air conditioning, a sport multifunction steering wheel – optionally with paddles for the S tronic – and the driver information system with colour display. 

The Audi ‘Virtual Cockpit’, part of a Technology Pack, will be an option for the SQ2, as will a head-up display.

The sports seats of the Audi SQ2 are trimmed in a combination of leather and fabric as standard. A leather/Alcantara mix or fine Nappa leather will be optionally available. Accent stripes, contrasting stitching in red and grey, plus embossed S logos round out the range. In addition to black, the fine Nappa leather upholstery is available in two colours (black with red) and with a rhombus pattern.

The Audi SQ2 will be shown off at this week’s Paris Motor Show. Order books open at the end of the year and deliveries should start in the early part of 2019.

READ: New Honda CR-V launched in Ireland >

READ: The stunning Peugeot e-Legend concept is an autonomous EV with classic DNA >

Want to make sure you don’t miss out on anything going on in the world of motors? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest updates.