The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
An SUV that thinks it’s a race car
Wraps come off Audi’s 350bhp SQ5
Want a sports car and SUV rolled into one? Then you’ll need a spare £51,200.
That’s how much Audi’s new SQ5 is going to cost when it goes on sale in the UK this summer.
Audi first unveiled the hot SUV at the Detroit Motor Show last month, revealing the new model would receive a brand new three-litre turbo V6 petrol engine producing 349bhp and 500Nm of torque, available between 1,370rpm and 4,500rpm.
The same engine features in the latest S5 Coupe and Sportback.
It’s a change of pace for Audi as the current SQ5 has a high power diesel engine under its bonnet.
Indeed, the new car will actually be a fraction slower from 0-62mph, taking 5.4 seconds as opposed to 5.1 seconds.
The current SQ5 also beats the incoming models when it comes to fuel economy and emissions, returning 42.8mpg and 174g/km of C02 compared with 34mpg and 189g/km.
That’s quite a stark difference when you consider the new SUV will be 35kg lighter thanks to new body architecture.
Audi hasn’t yet said whether it will also be introducing a diesel-powered version somewhere down the line.
Given the government’s volte face on diesel power, perhaps the German company could be forgiven for hedging its bets on some new models.
Styling-wise, it is more in line with the looks of the latest Audi Q5 but, unsurprisingly, adds some sportier detailing.
The bumpers and air vents have a more aggressive appearance and there are 20in alloys and a diffuser at the back to complete the car’s more muscular profile.
It comes with Audi’s Quattro fourwheel drive as standard to put all that power on the tarmac seamlessly and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
There’s also something called active torque control which can brake the inside wheels only during cornering to improve the car’s stability.
Inside, there’s a leather steering wheel, leather sports seats and brushed aluminium trim pieces.
The options list is extensive but highlights include Matrix LED headlights, Audi’s virtual cockpit display and Nappa leather.