Audi SQ5 2015 review

Of all the cars we have driven over the past year, this stands out as one we would choose..... given the budget.

Audi’s SQ5 is one of the best allrounders going, offering an enticing mix of performance, practicality, style, luxury, efficiency and safety in a beautifully put together package.

Better yet, it’s the Porsche Macan with a better skin at similar money ($91,700). What’s not to like about that?

The engine is the pinnacle of diesel sophistication

Competition 

It’s been around for a couple of years now and proven to be a popular choice in the segment though there are few if any direct competitors.

Although there's a Porsche now, the Audi can still lay claim to being the world’s fastest diesel SUV, capable of putting away a 0-100kmh sprint in a scant 5.1 seconds. This is achieved while sipping fuel at an economical 6.8L/100km. Yep - pretty amazing isn’t it.

Engine

The engine is the pinnacle of diesel sophistication with twin turbochargers feeding the 3.0-litre V6. It has variable cam timing and other tricky stuff to optimise performance and efficiency. Output is rated at 230kW/650NM, the latter from just 1450rpm. That’s why it feels so brutally quick out of the blocks.

Adding to its presence is a quattro permanent all wheel drive system and various electronic drive modulations to help put power to the ground and prevent skids.

An eight speed conventional automatic transmission is fitted but the vehicle has a number of "Drive Select" modes to sharpen its claws or make it smooth and soft. Paddle shift is included and in Sport mode, the transmission punches through the gears quickly.

Emissions

Helping reduce emissions and city fuel consumption is a stop start system and Audi’s now nearly generic thermal management system that keeps the car operating at its peak. Ride is by a wishbone front and trapezoid style rear suspension set up that, together, make the SQ5 behave just the way you want it to.

Design

It’s heavy though, at 1920kg you'd never be able to tell. The body is all steel and is well equipped with a luxury kit packing a premium audio and navigation system, electrically adjustable front seats, nappa leather upholstery and a good amount of driver assist technology that includes a reverse camera. 

There are packages available to up-spec your SQ5 with all the stuff you could possibly want - at a cost of course. It rolls on striking 20-inch wheels with wide tyres and large diameter brakes that make light work of pulling up this weighty beast.

Styling is also a strong point  - inside and out, the Audi offers a number of choices for interior fascia and upholstery colour combinations that include the attractive light tan which we had in our test vehicle.

The rear end is set off with quad tail pipes that emit a superb exhaust note. It’s practical too with a large load space down the back and plenty of room inside.

All this is hardly surprising when you look at Audi’s race results from the Le Mans 24-Hours for the past decade or so. The German company has dominated - with diesels.
Obviously, some of this has flowed through to Audi’s road cars - in particular, this superb medium size SUV.