Audi SQ5 2013 review: snapshot

Take a prestige SUV, fettle it with Audi’s race-winning diesel expertise and add volume in the form of an exhaust soundtrack. The result is the SQ5, a blisteringly quick vehicle with better handling and acceleration than just about any SUV can deliver.

That it does it with a twin-turbo diesel and official fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km shows how hard the Europeans are working on oil-burners. That it does it for less than $90,000 shows how hard the four-ringed brand is trying in Australia.

VALUE

The first 60 cars into Australia have been fitted with a Launch Edition pack that adds top-spec bling to an already impressive package, including 21-inch alloys in place of the regular 20s, dynamic steering adaptive headlights, a Bang and Olufsen sound system and heated seats for $104,130.

Explore the 2013 Audi SQ5 range

• Audi SQ5 2013 review: first drive
• Audi SQ5 2013 review: snapshot
• Audi SQ5 TDI 2013 review
• Audi SQ5 2013 review

SQ5s from this point on will cost $89,400. That buys xenon headlamps, tri-zone climate-control, electric tailgate and a voice-controlled infotainment system. Dynamic steering is $2400 - wince and wear it.

TECHNOLOGY

The regular Q5 3.0 TDI isn’t short of parlour tricks but the SQ5 moves that along more than a bit. A 3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel it shares with the A6 and A7 gives the SUV a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds - better than most hi-powered petrol SUVs and making this the quickest diesel soft-roader in mass production.

It rides 30mm lower than the Q5 to cut the centre of gravity, has a wider front and rear track for added purchase and boasts bigger front brakes and stiffer suspension. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto - Audi doesn’t yet have a dual-clutch to handle 650Nm.

DESIGN

Horizontal grille slats in the deep Audi grille are the obvious pointer to the SQ5 front-on, compared to the vertical slats in the Q5 models. Alloy-look side mirror finishes and the quad-pipe exhausts at the back are the other cues, while inside the flat-bottomed steering wheel gives away this isn’t an ordinary SUV.

SAFETY

This is a better-stopping variant of the Q5 that ANCAP has already bestowed five stars upon.  A pair of side curtain balloons for the back seats brings the airbag count to eight and an advanced stability control program is matched to the anchors.

DRIVING

There’s no doubt the SQ5 fulfils its brief as a fast and focused diesel SUV. Push it and the official fuel consumption evaporates into double-figure digits, but the speedo hits triple figures even quicker. It will carry two tonnes of payload and 540 litres of cargo along with a family and do it effortlessly.

Taut suspension rocks the occupants over road undulations … that’s the price buyers pay for this much stability around corners. It isn’t a sports car and will push wide if too much power is applied too early. Hold speed then accelerate out and the passenger will find the leather seat isn’t quite grippy enough.

VERDICT

Audi has found another niche and filled it before the competition has thought to act. A mid-sized performance diesel SUV is - for now - unique and the $89,400 price is compelling for those who want SUV size and performance pace.

FACTOID

The SQ5, like many performance rivals, uses speakers in the rear mufflers to “enhance” the sound of the engine. It replaces diesel clatter with a gruff and occasionally sonorous tune but is the auto equivalent of house music.