THE BIGGEST clues to the performance of Audi’s fastest ever Q2 come at the rear and inside the wheels.

Elsewhere, the SQ2 is marked out by only subtle changes from the regular version.

Within the newly-sculpted front bumper, a splitter runs almost the entire width of the car and is flanked by two dominating air inlets. The single frame radiator grille incorporates eight upright double bars divided by horizontal struts and an SQ2 logo, while the side profile is enhanced by the C-pillar blade finished in matt titanium grey.

It’s all very stylish, particularly in the signature new Quantum Grey body colour, but take a look at the 18-inch alloy wheels and you will notice the red brake callipers peeping out from the spokes.

And round the back a silver diffuser is moulded around the dual branch tailpipes on each corner.

The end result of the switch from Q2 to SQ2 is a thrilling,

rapid performance capability combined with rather discreet styling enhancements.

The performance figures are anything but subtle. There’s a two-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet that generates 300PS and will take you from 0 to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a 155mph top speed.

And all this comes with the sure-footed quattro all-wheel drive system that provides superb grip and S Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Suspension has been lowered by 20mm to give a more sporty feel to match the blistering pace and unshakeable cornering confidence.

Further customisation for those who desire an individual look is available via a black styling pack which extends to the radiator grille surround, tailpipes, C-pillar blade, door mirror housings and rear diffuser, as well as a larger rear spoiler and 19-inch alloy wheels in contrasting grey with a diamond cut finish.

In addition to the standard interior specification that already includes dual-zone climate control, an extended leather pack, a 3.5-inch colour driver’s information system and a flat-bottomed S multi-function steering wheel, an interior pack can also be chosen.

It includes black and red front sports seats in fine nappa leather upholstery with contrasting stitching as an alternative to the standard leather/alcantara, an LED interior lighting pack, front floor mats with an SQ2 logo and red air vents.

Delivering a constant 300PS and 400Nm between 2,000rpm and 5,200rpm, the turbocharged 2.0-litre unit propelling the SQ2 itself only weighs around 15 0kg, benefitting not just the total weight of the Audi SQ2, but also the axle load distribution.

As with every Audi S model, quattro all-wheel drive is standard in the SQ2, combining high traction through continuous torque distribution between the axles via the hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch. If the front wheels lose grip, up to 100 percent of the force is transferred to the rear within just a few milliseconds. During fast driving, the quattro drive works closely together with the wheel-selective torque control, which smooths out the handling with tiny braking interventions at the inner wheels under reduced load.

In terms of practicality, the SQ2 offers the same interior space as other Q2 quattro variants in the range, as well as a split-folding 60:40 rear seat. A removable and lockable tow bar can also be separately specified.

There are only three variants of the SQ2: S Tronic, Black Edition and Vorsprung. Each is powered by the same engine. This is in contrast to the 18 variants of the Q2.

The need for speed – and your budget – will more than anything else determine your choice.

The lowdown:

Audi SQ2 TFSI Vorsprung S tronic

Price: from £42,525 (SQ2 range from £36,125)

Engine: Four-cylinder 2.0-litre TFSI petrol producing 300PS

Transmission: Seven-speed S tronic dual clutch with quattro permanent all-wheel drive

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 4.8 seconds; top speed 155mph

Economy: 34.4mpg combined

Ratings:

Performance: *****

Economy: ***

Ride/Handling: ****

Space/Practicality: ****

Equipment: ****

Security/Safety: ****

Value For Money: ****

OVERALL: ****

CO2 emissions: 160g/km