This week’s Paris Motor Show provided the perfect backdrop for Audi to launch its potent new SUV – the mighty 295bhp SQ2.

With a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed that is electronically-limited to 155mph, the SQ2 looks set to be quite a trail-blazer. In fact, Audi describes its new, top-of-the-range, super-SUV as “a titan in the compact SUV segment”, and it’s easy to see why.

The four-cylinder engine redlines at 6,500rpm but maximum torque of 400Nm is delivered between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. There’s a seven-speed S tronic, double-clutch auto transmission with sport or manual shift modes.   

To cope with the outstanding pace and acceleration provided by the potent 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the SQ2 boasts lowered sports suspension, a dynamic handling system and quattro all-wheel-drive along with a raft of high-tech driver assistance systems.

The driver can choose between Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual driving modes which alters the steering, the gearbox and additional systems. Another button allows the driver to set the electronic stabilisation control to off-road mode or turn it off entirely.

With the dynamic system in “efficiency” mode, the clutch disengages when coasting, allowing the SQ2 to freewheel, and the start-stop system shuts off the engine when speed drops to 4mph or less.

Both the exterior and interior styling of the car have been specifically honed to reflect the newcomer’s sporting character. For example, there is a restyled grille, a front splitter and two big air inlets at the front while the rear end is dominated by a roof edge spoiler and a diffuser with four exhaust tailpipes. Buyers can choose from 10 different alloy wheel designs with 18-inch variants fitted as standard and 19-inch wheels available as an option.

Standard SQ2 equipment includes leather and fabric sport seats, a sporty multi-function steering wheel with paddles for the S tronic model, a front centre armrest, automatic air conditioning and a driver information system with colour display. Audi’s virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display controlled by buttons on the wheel is available as an option, as is a head-up display.   

Prices have yet to be confirmed, but Audi dealers will start taking orders later this year with first UK deliveries expected early in 2019.