Audi Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback 2022 obzor

The Audi Q5 now has a sportier sibling, and the German brand's best-selling SUV offers a sleeker, more aggressive solution it calls the Sportback range.

And look, spoiler, it looks better than the regular Q5. It is so simple. So, if that's all you want to know here, feel free to close your laptop, put your phone away, and get on with your day.

But you're doing yourself a disservice because there are more questions to be answered here. For example, are you willing to pay for on-board comfort with this new sloped roof? Do the sporty intentions of the Sportback make daily commuting more annoying? And how much does Audi want you to pay for it?

Answers to all these and other questions. So stay with me

Audi SQ5 2022: 3.0 TDI Quattro Mkhev
Safety Rating
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Hybrid with premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	7l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$106,500

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

Our adventure began with the SQ5, and at least in my opinion, it looks mean and looks more like a jaded hot hatchback than a sportier version of a midsize SUV.

Speaking of which, it also looks larger than average, as if the flattened roof has pushed the rear end further, at least visually.

However, its best angle will be given to the people in front of you on the road, with every glance in the rearview mirror revealing a wide, forward-leaning grille, an all-black honeycomb mesh, with cat's claws. the hood and headlights that go over the body, hinting at speed before it starts. 

The SQ5 wears 21-inch alloy wheels. (pictured is the SQ5 Sportback variant)

On the other hand, massive 21-inch alloy wheels hide red brake calipers, but they also reveal the history of the two SUVs: the front half looks taller and straighter, while the rear roofline is more curved as it flies towards the rather small rear windshield. with a roof spoiler that protrudes above it. 

At the rear, four tailpipes (which sound great) and a trunk spoiler built into the body complete the package.

But even in the smaller Q5 45 TFSI guise, this Sportback looks businesslike to me. Although maybe a little more premium than performance oriented.

As the name suggests, the Sportback version gives you a sportier back, and it all starts with a B-pillar with a more sloping roofline that gives this Q5 version a sleeker, slicker look. 

But these are not the only changes. On Sportback models, the single-bezel front grille is different and the grille is also lower and appears to protrude more from the bonnet, giving a lower and more aggressive look. The headlights are also placed a little higher, and those massive vents on both sides are different too.

The interior is the usual Audi level of cuteness, with a large center screen, a large digital screen in front of the steering wheel, and a sense of genuine solidity and quality wherever you look.

However, the work uses some questionable materials, such as door trim and hard plastic that the knee rubs against while driving, but overall this is a pretty pleasant place to spend time.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

The Q5 Sportback range is 4689 mm long, 1893 mm wide and about 1660 mm high, depending on the model. Its wheelbase is 2824 mm. 

And remember I said the new sportier look had few practicality issues? That's what I meant.

Up front, it's basically the same Q5, so if you know this car, you know this one too, with its spacious and airy front seats.

However, the rear is a little different, just not the way I expected. The new sloping roofline actually reduced headroom by only 16mm. I am 175 cm tall and there was clean air between my head and the roof as well as plenty of leg room.

The location of the center tunnel means you probably won't want to cram three adults in the back, but two really won't be a problem. So you can unfold the rear seat divider to open two cup holders, use two USB charging ports, or adjust climate control including temperature settings.

In the 45 TFSI and SQ5 models, the rear seats also slide or recline, meaning you can prioritize luggage space or passenger comfort, depending on what you're carrying.

Up front, there are a bunch of little nooks and crannies, including a key stowage area under the A/C controls, another place in front of the gear lever, a phone slot next to the gear lever, two cup holders in the large center console, and a surprisingly shallow center. a console that houses a cordless phone charger and a USB port that connects to a regular USB port under the drive mode selector.

And at the rear, Audi reckons there's 500 liters of storage, just about 10 liters less than the regular Q5, which expands to 1470 liters with the second row folded down.  

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

The Sportback lineup of three models (two regular Q5s and SQ5s) starts with the Q5 40 Sportback TDI quattro, which will set you back $77,700 (which is a lot more than $69,900 for a regular Q5).

The entry-level Q5 Sportback gets 20-inch alloy wheels, standard S Line sporty looks, LED headlights and taillights, and a gesture-controlled electric tailgate. Inside, there's leather trim, power sports seats, three-zone climate control, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and interior lighting.

You also get a virtual cockpit, a 10.1-inch center screen with all Connect Plus services like real-time traffic, weather and restaurant tips, plus Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

The 10.1-inch center screen comes with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. (pictured is the 40TDI Sportback variant)

The range then expands to the $5 Q45 86,300 Sportback TFSI quattro. This is another notable jump from its usual Q5 equivalent.

This model offers a new design of 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and Matrix LED headlights. The S Line treatment extends to the interior, along with Nappa leather trim, heated front seats and a retractable or reclining rear sofa. You also get the best sound system with 10 speakers including a subwoofer. 

The 45 Sportback is fitted with unique 20-inch alloy wheels. (pictured is the 45 TFSI Sportback variant)

Finally, the SQ5 Sportback costs $110,900 (up from $106,500) and offers 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive dampers, and red brake calipers, and inside you get power steering adjustments, a head-up display, color ambient lighting, and a booming Bang sound. . and an Olufsen stereo system with 19 speakers.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

There are three engines in total, starting with the 2.0-litre TDI in the Q5 Sportback 40. It develops 150kW and 400Nm, enough to sprint to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds. The 2.0-liter TFSI in the petrol Q5 Sportback 45 boosts those figures to 183kW and 370Nm, lowering your spring rate to 6.3s. 

Both are mated to a seven-speed S tiptronic automatic transmission and feature a 12-volt mild-hybrid system for smooth acceleration and reduced fuel consumption, as well as a Quattro ultra system that can disengage the rear driveshaft so that only the front wheels are powered.

The SQ5 gets a very powerful 3.0-litre TDI V6 that delivers 251kW and 700Nm of power and a 5.1s acceleration. It also gets a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

All Q5 Sportback models come equipped with a 70-litre fuel tank, which should provide a range of more than 1000 km - although prepare for pump pain. Sometimes premium fuel in Sydney can cost around $1,90 a litre, for example, so good fuel will cost you around $130 a tank in petrol cars.

Audi claims that the Q5 Sportback 40 TDI consumes 5.4 liters per 100 km on the combined cycle while emitting 142 g/km of CO02. 45 TFSI requires 8.0 liters per 100 km on the combined cycle and emits 183 g/km of CO02. The SQ5 sits somewhere in between, with 7.1 liters per 100 km and 186 g/km c02.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

What is the best way to describe the Q5 Sportback driving experience? It's simple. And it's "easy".

To be honest, I know this is supposedly a sportier version of the Q5, but the truth is that in the 45 TFSI version we tested, it's a comfortable, lightweight driving experience that only ever reveals its sporty nature when you really command them. .

Left in Auto drive mode, the Q5 45 TFSI will roar through town with confidence, road noise is kept to an absolute minimum and feels somehow smaller and lighter than its size would suggest.

Of course, you can increase the aggression by switching drive modes, but even in dynamic form it never feels too harsh or too aggressive. Moreover, you just tightened the screws a little.

Put your right foot in and the 45 TFSI picks up what Audi calls a "hot hatchback", aiming for a 100-kilometer sprint with verve and aggression. But fresh out of the SQ5, it still seems somehow level-headed and almost relaxing rather than outright aggressive.

And that's because the SQ5 variant is clearly purposefully focused on performance. I think this V6 engine is an absolute peach and it's the type of powerplant that inspires you to stick with the car's most dynamic settings while putting up with overly stiff suspension settings so you can access more grunt faster.

And he feels constantly ready for action. Step on the accelerator and the car shudders, downshifts, picks up revs and prepares for your next command.

It feels smaller and lighter in corners than you might expect, with good grip and steering that, while not overflowing with feedback, feels true and direct.

Short answer? This is the one I would take. But you will pay for it.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The Audi Q5 Sportback has a five-star ANCAP safety rating thanks to the regular Q5, but that's really the minimum cost of entry these days. So what else do you get?

The advanced driver assistance systems offered here include Autonomous Emergency Braking (with Pedestrian Detection), Active Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Change Alert, Driver Attention Assistance, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Assist, great environment. a vision camera, parking sensors, exit warning and tire pressure monitoring, plus more radar than you can stick with a stick. 

There are also dual ISOFIX anchor points and top tether points for child seats.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

All Audi vehicles are covered by a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, which isn't really that many in the world of five-, seven-, or even ten-year warranties.

The brand will allow you to pre-pay for your yearly required services for the first five years, with the regular Q5 Sportback priced at $3140 and the SQ5 $3170.

Verdict

Let's forget about the money for a second, because yes, you pay more for the Sportback option. But if you can afford it, then why not. It's a sleeker, sportier and more stylish answer to the regular Q5, which was already a very solid offering in this segment. And as far as I can tell, the practical sacrifices you have to make are minimal at best. 

So why not?