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While the launch of every new Audi model is certainly exciting – be it thanks to a redesigned body, upgraded cabin technology or raging new engine – there’s a bunch of us that can’t help but hold our breath for the sportier and more powerful “S” version to arrive. And this year, the latest addition to the ranks of the S-series vehicles – and the counterpart to the immensely popular Q5 Sportback SUV – comes in the form of the Audi SQ5 Sportback: a vehicle that serves up a lot more to feel, and see.
Compared to the 183kW and 370Nm of torque offered by the 2.0L 4-cylinder TFSI Q5 Sportback, the SQ5 delivers a very impressive 251 kW and 700 Nm torque. The car packs a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine that helps the SQ5 sprint from 0-100km/h sprint of 5.1 seconds, compared to the Q5 Sportback which gets there in a still applaudable 6.3 seconds.
And then there’s the noise its hefty 3.0-litre TDI V6 makes when called on to perform.
Yes, TDI does mean it’s a diesel, and no, a diesel engine is not meant to sound good, but it turns out it’s not so much ‘fake news’ as ‘fake sound’, or what car companies prefer to call ‘sound enhancement’. But who cares? Because it works wonderfully and makes the SQ5 sounds like a howling, hairy-chested V8 when you plant your foot.
When it comes to the design of the vehicle, long story short, it’s lush. This new Sportback version of the always sizzling SQ5 (the Sportback designation means the design of this SUV is sleeker and more aggressive, with a raked roofline that sharpens its already considerable visual appeal) boasts stupendous 21-inch alloys and a mean, forward-leaning grille that looks like it’s just gorged itself on a lake of black honeycomb mesh.
Inside, the Nappa leather upholstery with diamond-pattern contrast stitching and matte brushed aluminium inlays come as standard (available in Black, Rotor Grey or Magma Red) and the roomy cockpit is ergonomically sound, cleanly designed, and solidly built.
Keep looking an you’ll find the SQ5’s many lush touch screens – featuring Audi’s Connect Plus services, like live traffic, weather and restaurant tips and its Virtual Cockpit, which allows you to change the set-up of your dash at the push of a button on the steering wheel.
No wonder the The Audi SQ5 is something of a cult favourite: it offers sports car-like performance combined with frugal diesel economy in a family-friendly and lush-looking SUV package. Stylish, practical and powerful. Nice.
