Monday 18th June 2012

Audi SQ5: Ingolstadt's first Diesel S model

313hp twin-turbo SQ5 is Audi's first foray into performance diesel SUVs

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Audi is set to continue its relentless niche-filling with this, the SQ5 TDI, a faster and more aggressive variant of its BMW X3 rival.

The SQ5 TDI is a significant car for the Audi 'S' brand: not only has there never before been an S-badged vehicle based on an SUV, it is also the first Audi S model to be diesel powered.

The engine itself is the same twin-turbo unit as found in the A6 BiTDI and produces 313hp and 479lb ft. of torque between 1,450 and 2,800rpm. These are sufficient, according to Audi, to launch the SQ5 to 62mph in 5.1 seconds and onto the near-inevitable 155mph limiter.

Audi also quotes combined fuel consumption of 39mpg, thanks to 'innovative thermal management' (Say what? - Ed), stop-start and a regulated oil pump. The ubiquitous eight-speed auto, the only transmission option available for the SQ5, undoubtedly also contributes to this.

Further modifications to the SQ5 include a 30mm suspension drop and new 20-inch wheels with 255/45 tyres. Larger 21-inch wheels are optional.

External alterations are as subtle as you would expect from an Audi S-car. The go-faster Q5 can be identified by a revised grille, aluminium roof rails and 'SQ5' badges, combined with the aluminium-capped wing mirrors - an 'S' hallmark.

Inside, leather trim is standard and additional aluminium inlays abound in a typically smart Audi cabin. There is also a smattering of 'S' badges, just to remind you that you're not driving a regular diesel SUV.

The SQ5 TDI will be available to order in October, with prices expected to start at around £45,000.

[anonymous-user]

Im going to be the first to admit that I quite like that. Would be a great every day car if you had a toy for the weekends too!

[pickledsmurf]

makes you wonder - What's the point of the new RS4?

[MrTappets]

It seems remarkable to me that we live in a time when a fat mid-sized diesel SUV can do 0-60 in 5.1s. I mean, I wouldn't buy one, but it is remarkable.

[Johnboy Mac]

MrTappets said:

It seems remarkable to me that we live in a time when a fat mid-sized diesel SUV can do 0-60 in 5.1s. I mean, I wouldn't buy one, but it is remarkable.

Agree on both points.

[goron59]

Would be handy for when my R8's boot isn't big enough for a trip to Sainsburys.

[phil1987]

pickledsmurf said:

makes you wonder - What's the point of the new RS4?

I suppose the point of the RS4 is that it makes a nicer noise, is still quicker from 0-60 and also will undoubtedly handle better. I think the better question is, what is the point in this car!?

Answer, is probably for people that want the best blend of economy, speed and off road ability and practicality. I love Audi's, and have one, but this relentless idea of theirs, to fill every niche market is getting a little excessive now imo!

[anonymous-user]

I cant see that averaging anywhere near the combined 39mpg that Audi quote. Also the words 'thermal management' indicate a whole shedload of electronics that will implode within 6 months of end of the warranty.

Another pointless car IMO.

[si_xsi]

So rival to the new bmw x3 35d - circa 316 bhp and 0-62 in 5.8 secs. Quite impressive.

[Flawless Victory]

I like it but what's with all the shiny-trim edging on just about every surface?

[DanDC5]

yonex said:

Another pointless car IMO.

Agree with the pointless car part but the engine does have a point.

Are they doing a similar trick as Vauxhall did with the Meriva VXR? Put the engine into a car they know won't sell brilliantly and use as a public test bed for any errors, this way possible problems are solved before they put it into the A4/5/6.

[Chrisw666]

It doesn't stir the soul but it makes a very strong case as an automotive swiss army knife.

[anonymous-user]

DanDC5 said:

Agree with the pointless car part but the engine does have a point.

Are they doing a similar trick as Vauxhall did with the Meriva VXR? Put the engine into a car they know won't sell brilliantly and use as a public test bed for any errors, this way possible problems are solved before they put it into the A4/5/6.

No they alreay use it in the A6.

[mikebradford]

MonkeyMatt said:

Im going to be the first to admit that I quite like that. Would be a great every day car if you had a toy for the weekends too!

i agree

[Couture]

I love Audi's, and have one, but this relentless idea of theirs, to fill every niche market is getting a little excessive now imo!

[mister.t]

I am not a fan of the regular Q5, but I really like the idea of that

[veevee]

"313hp twin-turbo SQ5 is Audi's first foray into performance diesel SUVs"

Is it?

[Krikkit]

veevee said:

"313hp twin-turbo SQ5 is Audi's first foray into performance diesel SUVs"

Is it?

Fixed with new:

[DanDC5]

yonex said:

No they alreay use it in the A6.

Ahhh, in that case it's just a pointless vehicle then.

[Chrisw666]

DanDC5 said:

Ahhh, in that case it's just a pointless vehicle then.

Pointless vehicles are good when they go fast, until of course there are far too many uber competent quick cars that cause most people to drive at 130mph and kill each other that will lead that nanny state to impose bonkers US like speed limits on our motorways.

[myhandle]

A lex said:

In many European markets car tax on diesel models is ridiculously high compared to petrol.

In NL for example and RS4 costs 916eur per annum to tax.

An SQ5 costs 1976eur per annum.

That's really interesting, have not heard about this before - if you have the time, would you mind explaining how this works/ what the rationale is / what they are trying to achieve - thanks very much in advance, MH