Review of the Audi SQ5 2021: TDI

If the diesel version of the SQ5 sport utility vehicle were a professional athlete, it would be fair to say that it would have retired to public performance rather than returning to Australia at the end of the 2020 season. 

But it returned despite being forced to sit on the bench for three years while the petrol version took its place before the global pandemic added another five months to the curb. 

His key motivation, no doubt, was that the first SQ5 became a modern classic when it arrived in 2013, becoming one of the first high-performance SUVs that really made sense and taught us all a lesson in how diesel can be fast and fun. 

When the second generation SQ5 arrived in Australia in mid-2017, that USP diesel was out in favor of the still powerful but ironically not as fast TFSI V6 petrol turbo engine used in the US market SQ5. Blame it on Dieselgate, which has set new WLTP fuel consumption and emissions standards and put many new models in a very long queue for testing. 

The diesel, or TDI in Audi parlance, version of the current SQ5 was one of those models, all set to finally arrive in Australia midway through the year when COVID-19 forced the Q5/SQ5 plant in Mexico to close between March and June, which , in turn, pushed back its local launch to this week.

Now an updated version of the Q5 and SQ5 should arrive within six months, but Audi was so eager to bring the diesel SQ5 back to Australia that 240 examples of the existing diesel-powered model were sent to the bottom, all equipped with a special edition. appearance to reflect the most popular options selected for the existing SQ5 TFSI petrol.

Cars Guide was one of the first to finally drive the reincarnated diesel SQ5 at an Australian media launch last week.

Audi SQ5 2021: 3.0 TDI Quattro Mhev Spec Edtn
Safety Rating
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Diesel
Fuel efficiency	6.8l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$89,200

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

You can still get the petrol SQ5 TFSI for a list price of $101,136, but popular options and a special powertrain make the SQ5 TDI Special Edition cost $104,900. 

You can still get the petrol SQ5 TFSI for a list price of $101,136.

Those options include replacing most of the aluminum exterior trim with gloss black and Matrix LED headlights with a fancy dancing light when the car is unlocked. Inside, it gets real Atlas carbon fiber trims and a massage function for the front seats. These options would otherwise cost around $5000, so aside from the faster engine, you get a pretty decent deal for an extra $3764.

This is an addition to the SQ5's extensive list of standard features, which was expanded last year at an additional cost of $10,000.

Seats are upholstered in Nappa leather with diamond stitching, while synthetic leather extends to the center console and door armrests, sports upholstery up front with heated seats, and ambient lighting with a choice of 30 colors and electric steering column adjustment.

The seats are upholstered in Nappa leather with diamond stitching.

The sound system is from Bang & Olufsen, which distributes 755 watts of power to 19 speakers, while the 8.3-inch MMI infotainment system is obsolete due to the lack of a scroll wheel and larger screen devices in later Audis and hence Apple CarPlay. still requires an Android Auto type cord. The center console houses a smart, adjustable cordless phone charger.

There is an 8.3-inch MMI infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The driver is informed by the digital Audi Virtual Cockpit and the head-up display.

Other features include tinted windows with acoustic glazing, a panoramic glass sunroof, roof rails that sense when cross bars are installed and adjust stability control to compensate for roof loading, and metallic paintwork.

The gray Daytona example pictured here, which I drove for media presentations, also comes equipped with a quattro sport rear differential ($2,990), adaptive air suspension ($2,150), and a climate-controlled drink holder ($350). bringing its total list price to $110,350.

For a decent five-seat SUV with premium badges and so much equipment and performance at just over $100K, the SQ5 TDI represents a pretty great price.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

Let us know if you can spot any design difference between the SQ5 TDI and its petrol sibling, because I can't. You can't even rely on the Special Edition parts considering they reflect the most popular options people choose when buying the petrol version. 

There's nothing wrong with that, as Audi is a master of subtlety with its S models, saving the proper aggression for the properly aggressive RS lineup. Even though the current SQ5 is over 3.5 years old, its sophistication has helped it defy the aging process.

Audi is a master of subtlety in its S models.

The SQ5 doesn't even look much different from the regular Q5 with the S-Line package, with the only body difference being the slightly more realistic (but still fake) fake tailpipes in the rear bumper. The actual exhausts are out of sight and coming out from under the bumper.

You can opt for a real S model with the SQ5-specific 21-inch alloys, SQ5 badge and red brake calipers instead of the big 375mm six-piston front rotors, which by the way have the same specs as the faster RS5 models. Beneath the skin, special adaptive S dampers are designed to bring handling in line with performance potential.

You can choose a real S model for its 5-inch SQ21-specific alloys.

One of the distinguishing elements of the original SQ5 is the TDI Exhaust Sound Driver, which is a set of speakers mounted under the car that are linked to the engine management system to enhance natural exhaust sounds.

It may sound like an exhaust note equivalent to faux wood, but given that diesels rarely make an appealing sound natively, this is meant to mimic the experience of all petrol-powered Audi S models. This worked in the original SQ5 and then the SQ7 and even the Skoda Kodiaq RS, and I'll cover how it works in the new SQ5 TDI in the Driving section. 

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

The practicality of the SQ5 TDI is no different from the petrol version or the very comfortable Q5 on which it is based. 

That means there's enough room for four big adults in the cabin, and there's a good 510 liters of cargo space behind them. The 40/20/40 split folding also extends and reclines so you can prioritize between passenger or cargo space depending on what you're hauling. 

The SQ5 has enough space for four adults.

There are two ISOFIX points for rear-seat end positions for child seats, as well as a good assortment of cup holders, bottle holders, and more. There are also ample USB-A connectors and the aforementioned cordless phone charger.

As I mentioned above, the MMI SQ5 infotainment system isn't the latest version, with a smaller screen, but still has a scroll wheel on the center console if you want to get inside before the facelifted SQ5 goes touchscreen only.

There are a good 510 liters of cargo space.

Similarly, the glove box still has a DVD/CD player and two SD card slots.

Under the boot floor is a compact spare tire that may not be as handy as a full-sized one, but is much more useful than the puncture repair kit you find on many new cars. 

According to Audi press materials, the TDI adds 400kg to the petrol SQ5's towing capacity, bringing it to a very useful 2400kg. 

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

It's fair to assume that the new SQ5 TDI simply rebuilds the previous version's engine, but while it's still a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, it's been significantly changed. 

This is in fact the first Audi model to use this incarnation of a 255kW/700Nm engine (the latter available at 2,500-3,100rpm) that moves from the previous twin-turbo layout to a single turbocharger combined with an electrically driven compressor (EPC) . .

It's the electric supercharger we saw on the larger V7 SQ8 that adds 7kW while the turbo still creates boost to improve response and even out power delivery - both traditional diesel compromises.

In fact, this is the first Audi model to use a 255 kW/700 Nm engine.

The EPC is made possible by the fact that the SQ5 TDI uses a 48-volt mild hybrid system from several new Audis released since the current Q5. This integrates the starter and alternator into a single unit for smooth operation of the start/stop system, and also provides a coast mode that can turn off the engine when the throttle is not applied while the vehicle is moving. Overall, Audi claims that the mild hybrid system can save up to 0.4 l/100 km in fuel consumption.

Nothing new, however, other than the engine, with the venerable but excellent ZF eight-speed automatic torque converter paired with a Quattro all-wheel drive system that can send up to 85 percent of the drive to the rear wheels. 

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How much fuel does it consume? 9/10

A 1980kg SUV with a 3.0L V6 capable of 0-100kph in 5.1 seconds shouldn't be a recipe for good fuel economy, but the SQ5 TDI's official combined fuel consumption figure is an impressive 6.8L/100km. a significant improvement over the XNUMX petrol version. Thanks to all the aforementioned smart diesel technology for that.

This gives the SQ5 TDI a theoretical range of around 1030 km between refills of its 70-litre fuel tank. Sorry kids, you'll be holding it for a while until the next fuel stop.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

The entire existing Q5 range received the maximum five-star rating when it was rated by the ANCAP in 2017, which extends to the SQ5 TDI. 

The number of airbags is eight, with two front airbags, as well as side airbags and curtain airbags covering the front and rear.

The entire existing Q5 range received the maximum five-star rating when it was rated by the ANCAP in 2017.

Other safety features include front AEB operating at speeds up to 85 km/h, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane keeping and collision avoidance assistance that can prevent the door from opening towards an oncoming vehicle or cyclist, and also a rear warning sensor that can detect an impending rear collision and prepare seat belts and windows for maximum protection.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

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

Audi continues to offer a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is in line with BMW but falls short of the five years offered by Mercedes-Benz these days. It also contrasts with the five-year norm among major brands, which is underscored by Kia and SsangYong's seven-year warranty.  

However, service intervals are a convenient 12 months/15,000 km and the same five-year "Audi Genuine Care Service Plan" offers limited-price service for the same $2940 over five years as the petrol SQ5. That's only $220 more than the plan offered for the regular Q5 variants, by the way, so you're unlikely to be stung by the thoroughbred version.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

It's still pretty novel to think that a car with this kind of performance can achieve what it does with a diesel engine, and it gives the SQ5 TDI much of the unique character that the petrol version has always lacked. 

The driver is informed by the digital Audi Virtual Cockpit and the head-up display.

The key to this is the relaxed manner in which the engine delivers its power. All 255kW is only available at 3850rpm, while the petrol version needs 5400rpm to deliver its 260kW. As such, it makes much less noise when working hard, which should be welcomed by anyone traveling with nervous passengers. 

Power aside, the SQ5 TDI's extra 200Nm is a key measure that reduces the petrol's 0-100km/h acceleration figure by three tenths to 5.1s, also in line with the original SQ5 diesel's claim.  

It's incredibly fast for an SUV weighing just under two tons, and the overall driving experience is what you'd expect from an Audi S model. expensive.

It's still pretty new to think that such a performance car can achieve what it does with a diesel engine.

The SQ5 has always reminded me of a slightly upscale version of the Golf GTI, with its tall body and short overhangs giving it a fun feel, which is quite an achievement considering it shares the same wheelbase as the A4 and S4 models. It shares a lot of elements with the S4 and S5 models, but also has a lot hidden from the Porsche Macan. 

The example I drove was equipped with air suspension that can adjust the ride height in the range of 60mm, and it didn't seem to detract from the SQ5's performance characteristics in the slightest. I find most air suspension systems slip a bit over bumps, but this one (like the RS6) is well-controlled yet comfortable.

Now, as for the sound drive and the “exhaust” noise it produces. As before, the actual result is pleasure with guilt. I shouldn't like it because it's synthetic, but it actually sounds good, bringing out the authentic note of the engine and giving it a muffled growl without making it sound like a Kenworth.

Verdict

We know diesel isn't the best solution for cars, but the SQ5 TDI does a great job of highlighting the positives, creating a family SUV that delivers good efficiency and great performance. 

The fact that it also has real character and a performance advantage over the petrol version is credit to Audi and suggests that the effort to bring it back was worth it.  

Should you jump at the chance to get one of those first 240 examples or wait for an updated version within six months? I'd be waiting for an update across the board, but if you need it now, you won't be disappointed.