PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE FOR SQ5

Combining the ability of a sports car with an SUV, the Audi SQ5 has been one of our favourite cars to ever grace the garage.

The new turbocharged six-pot petrol engine launched this year is marginally slower than the previous variant — but we’re only talking a couple of tenths.

Among the big gains are more feel through the steering wheel along with the trusted punch under throttle.

Sprinting from 0-100km/h in less than six seconds it’s still enough to derive a smile on the driver’s face with each prod of the right pedal. There’s also a lovely burble at start-up and in dynamic mode which points to its dexterity.

This new model is good, outstandingly impressive, in fact. Although we would also love to see the biturbo diesel variant come here with its copious torque on tap and outstanding economy figures.

Audi Australia’s product planner Peter Strudwicke said they would certainly take an oil-burner version if it became available, but at this stage petrol was the only option.

Nevertheless the SQ5 maintains its outstanding ability and weighs in 130kg lighter than its predecessor. It grips, accelerates and corners like a passenger car. Combine that with lavish finishes like nappa leather trim with diamond patterns on the seats, glass with acoustic glazing for less cabin noise, matt brush aluminium cabin inlays, 21-inch alloys, flat-bottom steering wheel, adaptive dampers and bigger brakes along with sports suspension — it’s much more than superficial skirts and flash rubber.