Audi SQ2 vs. Skoda Kodiaq vRS

When Audi first launched the Q2 compact crossover years ago, it is basically a now-old first-generation Audi A1 underneath that competes to the likes of Mercedes' GLA-Class and with the pricing is what sets the Q2 apart, its sizing, its value for money, its tech, and so on makes it somewhat of a treat but now, Audi's compact crossover has been given some spices to the mix, resulting to the new SQ2, a semi-high performance variant that sounds enigmatic from the start.

2019 Audi SQ2

Starting at 44,500 Euros, the Audi SQ2 is what happens when you inject a bit of a Volkswagen Golf R engine into the heart of the Q2 crossover, resulting to a crossover that claims that it works and behaves like a Golf R and as a matter of fact, it really is, sort of.

While the SQ2 looks similar to your basic Q2 crossover inside and out, this hot crossover is powered by the same 2.0 liter TFSI engine that powers the Golf R, producing 300PS of power and 400Nm of torque and while mated to a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, it does 0-100kph in less than five seconds and electronically limited to 250kph. That's about as fast as the Golf R, of course, but more importantly, that's enough gusto to smoke out every single compact crossovers, even today's CUPRA Ateca or even this guy.

2019 Skoda Kodiaq vRS

This is the first ever vRS SUV from Skoda, it's called the Skoda Kodiaq vRS, and it only runs on a 2.0 TDI engine with two complementary turbochargers connected in series. It produces about 240PS of power, 500Nm of torque, and with the 7-speed DSG, 0-100kph in less than seven seconds and onwards to just 221kph. That means, our little SQ2 can easily eat this big Kodiaq vRS alive but don't get all to jumpy because we have to take a look of the price and other stuff.

In terms of pricing, the SQ2 starts at 44,500 Euros as mentioned, but the Kodiaq vRS, meanwhile, costs about 1,189,900 Koruna (about less than fifty grand in Euro talk), meaning that the petrol-powered SQ2 is more value for money compared to the diesel-powered Kodiaq vRS that is about to be kicked out from the band because of its diesel powertrain and diesels have become Europe's public enemy number one of today since the D-word.

Dynamics aside, they both have four wheel drive, meaning that they are ready to tackle whatever roads they come across even when today's weather forecast calls for either rain or snow but on the track, its mild but menacing dynamics really spells understeer and drivers may find it struggling even at slow speeds. Just saying but because the SQ2's smaller, it's got a slight edge compared to the hulking Kodiaq vRS with the diesel engine in it so it should be good as they say.

Conveniences, this is where the Kodiaq vRS gets the upper hand because while the SQ2 only seats five, the Kodiaq vRS comes with an additional third row seat, meaning that this is worth being a family car full-stop as long as its sweet spot's not ruined by the invasion of the child seats so if you want a sweet spot, get yourselves a SQ2 instead, but what are the chances? Boot space? Leave it to the Kodiaq, of course.

So, while the the SQ2 is all about the performance that speaks for itself as a hot crossover, the Kodiaq vRS, despite the powertrain that is not friendly for Europeans of today, excels of being a family car because of its space, the additional third row seats, and so on. If you have to choose, which one will you drive for the weekends and why? Decisions, decisions...

Photo: Audi/Skoda Auto