Audi has started working on a hotter version of its Q2 SUV – the SQ2. The car is expected to be powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that is used by the S3. The S3 engine produces 310hp, while the SQ2 engine peak power output will be around 299hp, according to insiders. This means that the latter SUV will likely be more powerful than its other sporty rivals such as the Mercedes GLA 250 AMG Line in international markets.

The carmaker is likely to launch an even more powerful Q2 – badged as an RS Q2 – later into the model’s production lifetime. The RS Q2 is expected to be powered by the RS3’s turbocharged five-cylinder engine that produces as much as 367hp. This would make the 381hp Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 a likely rival for the RS Q2 in the international markets

Audi is currently planning an India launch for the standard Q2 that had been unveiled at the Geneva motor show earlier this year. For our market, the carmaker is evaluating a long-wheel-base version of the SUV that is being developed for China.