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Audi SQ5 TDI

AUDI'S BUNCH OF FIVES (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The improved version of Audi's SQ5 TDI brings massive power and torque to the premium part of the mid-sized SUV sector. It's one heck of a package. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 56

The Audi SQ5 TDI does what few thought was either advisable or possible, namely packing a 341PS diesel powerplant into a mid-sized SUV. Do you really need that much power? Not really. Would you like it though? You bet. It's not cheap but it does bring a welcome shot of sparkle to the Q5 line up.

Backgroundword count: 162

Yes, it's an SUV. But it's an SUV unlike any you've probably ever experienced before. The key reason why lies beneath the bonnet. Tucked under here is a twin turbo V6 TDI diesel powerplant endowing this mid-sized 4x4 with phenomenal punch. In 2018, this second generation SQ5 was first launched in 3.0-litre TFSI 354PS petrol form, but in 2019, that engine was then replaced by the Electrically Powered Compressor-boosted 3.0-litre TDI mild hybrid diesel unit from the S4, here putting out 341PS. That's created a very credible performance flagship for the Q5 range. With the SQ5, you have all of the practical aspects of a normal Q5. That means it'll quite happily do the family duties, commute in comfort, put in a performance at IKEA and be low key enough for you to happily park on the street without a worry. Yet somehow, this model still retains the ability to keep up with a Porsche Cayman sports car. Quite an all-rounder then.

Driving Experienceword count: 316

Like the first generation SQ5, the basis for this model's well-rounded CV is a muscular V6 TDI engine, but the original car's BiTDI powerhouse was replaced a couple of years back by a unit supported by a single turbocharger, a separate electrically powered compressor for split-second response and a mild hybrid system to underpin the thrilling performance with appropriate efficiency. That engine's now been further tweaked to produce its peak power a fraction earlier and across a wider torque range. The result is mammoth maximum torque of 700Nm from barely more than idling speed, peak power of 341PS and a 5.1-second 0-62mph sprint capability. All that torque offers instant go, channelled through an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission to the road via quattro all-wheel drive. Like most Audis, the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. This car's electrically powered compressor is the ideal assistant for the turbocharger. It is active whenever the exhaust gas flow provides too little energy to drive the turbocharger, i.e. when starting off and accelerating in the low-rev range up to 1,650 rpm. Options include 'S-specific adaptive air suspension', Dynamic steering and a sport differential on the rear axle which actively distributes the power between the rear wheels during dynamic cornering. In case you were wondering if a diesel 'S'-series model might sound a bit, well, dieselly, Audi has fitted the SQ5 with a specially developed sound actuator in the exhaust system which brings a bit of bass and purpose to the exhaust note. The SQ5 sports a broadly similar electromechanical power steering system to the rest of the Q5 range while sport suspension reduces its ride height by 30 millimetres. The Audi drive select driving modes system alters ride, steering, throttle and gear change timings. Needless to say, with the lowered ride height and low-profile tyres, this is one SUV that you won't want to be pointing at a rutted track.

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Pictures (high res disabled)

Statistics (subset of data only)

Min

Max

Price:

£55,035.00

£68,035.00

Insurance group 1-50:

42

CO2 (g/km):

216

228

Max Speed (mph):

155

0-62 mph (s):

5.1

Combined Mpg:

34.4

Length (mm):

4663

Width (mm):

1893

Height (mm):

1659

Boot Capacity (l):

500

1550

Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Crossover or SUV 4x4s

Performance
90%
Handling
80%
Comfort
70%
Space
70%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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