This sporty SUV from Audi is the ideal size for everyday use and has the power to enjoy great performance: its price is less than 60,000 euros.

Francesc Pla

Engine: 4 cyl. Gasoline Displacement: 1,984 cc Maximum power: 300 hp Transmission: Aut. 7 speed Traction: Total Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 4.9 seconds Maximum speed: 250 km / h Combined consumption: 8.1 liters (WLTP) CO2 emissions: 184 g / km (WLTP) DGT label: C Length / width / height: 422/180/149 cm Trunk: 355 liters Tank: 55 liters Weight: 1,610 kg Warranty: 4 years or 80,000 km Price: 59,090 euros audi.es

The S Q2 is a car as special as it is discreet. Perhaps that's its greatest virtue. We're talking about the most powerful Q2 in the range, with a 300-hp four-cylinder engine, quattro all-wheel drive, and a C label from the DGT (Spanish Motor Vehicle Directorate). A compact SUV that Audi is going to replace with the Q3 and Q3 Sportback . In any case, this sporty SUV more than meets the expectations of a car in Audi's S range. That is, plenty of sportiness and top-level performance, but without an extreme configuration. It's also the ideal size for everyday use, moves perfectly around the city, and doesn't draw attention to itself.

On the other hand, it has a 355-liter trunk, a decent capacity, although not one of the largest in the category, but it won't be a problem for the intended user profile. And the loading height can be adjusted with a variable depth.

The interior layout of the S Q2 is truly attractive. It features digital displays and conventional climate control controls. A success. It includes a rotary dial on the center console to control the functions of the 8.8-inch central screen, a bit small for current models, but comfortable and easy to use.

The sporty ambience is provided by the lower-cut steering wheel with paddle shifters, the excellent black leather seats, and the red inserts in the air vents, stitching, and upholstery.

On the road, it's a very agile car, quick to respond, and with high traction. Thanks to the trademark quattro all-wheel drive, there's no loss of traction, and even if we accelerate hard out of a corner, if the road allows it, the system perfectly guides the car to where the precise steering is pointing.

The all-wheel drive system is automatically engaged, and under normal driving conditions, the front wheels receive virtually all of the engine's power. Its torque distribution is superb, and accelerating from full lean means moving forward only as you exit the corner. The body rolls freely, and linear stability is excellent.

Without being uncomfortable, the S Q2 has a firm suspension, and any unevenness in the road is faithfully transmitted to the passengers. This is the price we pay for its magnificent dynamic efficiency. Also noteworthy is the superb combination of the dual-clutch transmission and the engine, a combination that generates a high level of satisfaction behind the wheel. Thus, the engine always responds quickly, and the sequential shifting makes everything easy, fast, and enjoyable.

The plastic shift paddles allow for manual driving, but with some minor limitations when downshifting: it doesn't accept sudden reductions that bring the revs close to the cut-off limit.

On the other hand, the Audi drive select system allows you to select between efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual driving modes. Individual mode allows you to individually configure the engine, transmission, exhaust sound, power steering, and active cruise control to your liking.

The S line trim of this version emphasizes sportiness, with a black grille, Matrix LED headlights (optional), 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit digital instrumentation, a multimedia system with the aforementioned 8.8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and wireless charging for smartphones.

The Audi S Q2 may, due to its admittedly high price, be considered a luxury, but it is an SUV that generates driving addiction, offers great dynamic driving performance, and offers an ideal size for a utility vehicle.