Test drive of the Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI quattro 341 CV, analysis in five key points

Diesel is not dead, surely some of you are thinking that they want to ban it from the market, and without getting into controversies that would fill many articles, it can be summed up as: it is not going through its best moment. But there are alternatives that get the most out of a diesel powertrain, and they make a lot of sense when we put their qualities black on white.

I am referring to this test of the Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI quattro with the powerful 341 CV diesel engine, an SUV with an ECO label, with outstanding performance and restrained consumption. Although this model is not new to the market, we want to get closer to it through the analysis of five key points of the SQ5 Sportback TDI.

1. Sporty design in SUV format

Outwardly it is clear that we are looking at a different version of the Audi Q5 Sportback. Its front features a sporty black grille where the SQ5 logo is inserted, while on the sides it is its -optional- Audi Sport wheels that provide the dynamic touch.

At the rear, the four exhaust outlets contribute to the sporty image. The only thing we don’t understand is that they are not real, since the exhaust pipes are beneath those trim pieces. Setting aside that curious detail, the exterior look is sporty and eye-catching.

2. Typical Q5 interior, spacious and comfortable

Inside, the design of this SQ5 differs from a conventional Q5 in its sport-style seats (or the S trim) in perforated leather with ventilation and heating function (a recommended extra when opting for leather), the carbon fibre inserts running across the dashboard, and the (S) logos on its sport steering wheel and gear lever.

Otherwise it is a spacious interior, highlighting the versatility of the rear seats, with more than enough space for feet and head, allowing both longitudinal and vertical adjustment, which gives us an extra dose of practicality (we can have more legroom or more boot space).

3. Decent quality, with two details to improve

The interior quality is more than decent; the finishes and fit are in line with the price of this SUV, although we have noticed one detail that could be improved when compared with Asian rivals in terms of fit.

The lower part of the dashboard uses a rather hard material, which is not in keeping with the rest of the finishes. The same material is used for the doors, an improvable detail which surely is not crucial, but is an aspect that other Asian-origin rivals take a little more care over.

4. Bipolarity built into a car: 341 CV that can be very calm

I have always been a fan of diesel engines, good diesel engines, and in this case the engine chosen to drive the SQ5 TDI is an old acquaintance of the German brand: it is the 3.0 TDI V6 with 341 CV of power.

This engine is simply sublime, the first thing you notice is the smoothness typical of a V6 block (a sensation we are gradually forgetting as this type of mechanics disappears and electric motors, with very different sensations, increase). The sound (adjustable depending on the driving mode) fills the cabin and draws the attention of everyone around us, and the feeling when pressing the accelerator pedal is one of forceful response.

It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds (for an SUV weighing two tonnes) and has a powerful torque of 700 Nm, which literally presses us into the seat.

Yet the most surprising thing is that, when we decide to tackle a mountain pass, we select “dynamic” mode and start tracing curve after curve, we forget that we are driving an SUV, that it is huge, that it weighs two tonnes, and the magic happens: the SQ5 responds faithfully to steering inputs, always under control and with outstanding composure.

On the other hand, if we want tranquillity, the most efficient mode offers a comfortable ride (thanks to the variable adjustment of its suspension) and an average consumption close to 7 litres per 100 km on country roads or motorways, rising to 8.5 litres per 100 km in mixed cycle (with some urban sections) and up to a maximum of 11 litres per 100 km if we drive dynamically and without worrying about efficiency.

5. From 88,720 euros, with reasonably complete equipment

The standard equipment on this SQ5 Sportback is quite complete, with sport seats included (ventilation must be added as an option), digital instrumentation, the Audi Sound System, rear-view camera, sport chassis with electronically adjustable suspension (optional and recommended is adaptive air suspension) and the complete multimedia system.

Among the extras I have already mentioned, also worth highlighting is the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System of 680 W or the “Tour” assistance package, which includes everything necessary.

In short, this Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI is one of those cars that has everything, or almost everything. Let me explain: it is spacious, has a powerful engine that gives us more than enough sportiness, reasonable consumption and even an ECO label. For anyone looking for a spacious, family car that can also become more radical, it is not an RS4, but it is a bit more sensible.

Photos | Test team