'It won't be coming to South Africa,' was
Audi SA's response when the first frenzied enquiries were made about local
plans for the brand's just- released SQ5. Those words would be repeated to me
on at least three occasions thereafter- and I'm not even an ardent Q5 fan. The
fascination is simple: this is the first Audi S performance model to be
bestowed with that designation, in spite of its engine bay being filled by a
forced-induction oil-burner - a biturbo, nogal.
The
SQ5 features styling revisions over the standard Q5 to reinforce its
range-topping position
And it's now coming to South Africa after
Audi's brains trust decided to overlook our dismal fuel quality and add some
happiness to the local compact SUV mix. But never mind the good cheer spread by
the SQ5 (one can never have too much good automotive news), seeing this vehicle
in the metal reveals some hard truths that I needed to face... There's
something odd about Audi's signature S metallic mirror housings on an SUV
favoured by housewives and the nouveau riche, but the mirrors, glinting
promisingly in the bright Ingolstadt sunlight, catch my eye.
I've just spent 8okm between Munich and
Ingolstadt comfortably nestled in the SQ5's cabin. To comment on its comfort
levels would be akin to debating the relevance of Julius Malema's most recent
unpolitical party. There's no argument, really, although the true sparkle of
this Qs is the way it treats its driver. The 230kW model I'm driving is the one
destined for SA (other markets get a petrol S, too) and as a trailblazer the
diesel number doesn't do too badly. The boosted 3.0-lirre V6 is able to deliver
650Nm of torque from 1,450 to 2,800rpm, so I'm able to command a fair degree of
bolstered shove as I squeeze the accelerator. The Q5 TDI's S credentials are further
exemplified by its performance figures: an un-diesel-like 5.1-second 0-100kph
sprint and a top speed of 250kph. Its 6.8litres/100km consumption figure
manages to display a hint of diesel restraint, though. And basically, that's
where the restraint ends.
The
SQ5's cabin can be considered outstanding in its quality, richness and space
The engine's willingness to take a beating
is almost painfully masochistic. Good thing I have some sadistic tendencies. Of
course, most of the driving was via Germany's excellent autobahn network but I
certainly wasn't about to complain. Mashing the throttle, lifting off and
mashing it again just to hear and feel the V6 issue a lashing is infinitely
entertaining. The big-boned SUV settles down on its haunches (its sports
suspension already brings it 30mm closer to the ground), as the fury is
released, amplified by the biturbo's soundtrack that uses a sound actuator in
the exhaust system to add to the din.
With a torque plateau below 3,000rpm, it's
almost disappointing not to have the chance to rev the nuts off the TDI. Its
short-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic auto transmission is instrumental in
delivering a civilised driving experience, which probably helps achieve the
respectable fuel consumption and just makes the whole operation seem
effortless.
Although
the SQ5's brake calipers proudly display the car's name, there is no
discernible increase in stopping power
Potential SQ5 TDI fans don't have too long
to prepare for the coming of the first diesel Audi S. Still a solid Q5 at its
core, it can be the perfect gentleman when the kids or the grandparents are
around, but turns into a true diesel-swigging hooligan when the road clears.
More than just a quick SUV, it is a revelation and will definitely amuse.
