This ABT-tuned Audi SQ2 is an angry little crossover

“Audi serves up a confident, capable hot crossover. Just forgets to add spice.”

That was our very own summary of the sportified, 300bhp Audi SQ2. It’s a competent and quick car. It corners well too, and will most likely sell by the bucketload to young families who want to move away from hot hatchbacks. And yet, there’s something missing.

Now though, German tuner ABT is hoping to change that. A remap of the 2.0-litre turbo engine and a new control unit has seen power increase to 350bhp and torque up to 325lb ft. That’ll certainly add a few chillies into the spice mix.

The extra grunt means the 0-62mph time drops by 0.2 seconds to 4.6, and top speed is up to 163mph too – not bad for a crossover.

Visually, the ABT SQ2 is remarkably restrained. The only major change, and clue to the work done under the bonnet, is the option of 19 or 20-inch wheels which come in either matte or something called ‘mystic black’. Riiiight. 

Looks were never the original car’s problem though, so here’s hoping that the engine work has given the SQ2 some character. If you’re going to make a fast crossover to replace hot hatches (there’ll be no more S1, so this is the baby fast-Audi) at least let us have some fun behind the wheel.