Diesel stormer

 

To some, the concept of a premium four-wheel-drive SUV with a high-performance engine and sporty dynamics is as strange as Malcolm Fraser running off with Lara Bingle.
But there is demand for these machines. Car makers are jumping into the genre. Mercedes-Benz (AMG M-Class) has done it, as have BMW (X6 M) and Range Rover (Sport).
The latest is Audi with the SQ5, a mid-size SUV based on the popular Q5, currently the best-selling model in its Australian catalogue.
It does 0 to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds - that's Porsche 911 pace - even though it's a diesel.

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The Audi SQ5 TDI will launch in Europe early next year with Australia getting the breakthrough sporty SUV soon after.
It's the first S model with a diesel engine in the history of Audi and the bi-turbo V6 is a bottler. Dynamically, too, the SQ5, with quattro permanent all-wheel-drive, appeases those who expect sharp steering, fluent direction changes, high grip and traction, and brakes that do their fine tasks with no loss of composure.
As with all S models, the SQ5 is offered with standard quattro all-wheel-drive and powerful engines, along with larger, bigger brakes, sportier suspensions, some subtle exterior body styling and carbon-fibre interior trims, setting it apart from the regular Q5 line-up.
(The Audi S models should not be confused with the Audi S Line variants, which feature leather trim, S Line badging, sports steering wheel and sports suspension, but a regular-issue engine.)
Boosted by two different-size turbochargers, the 3.0-litre TDI engine produces 230kW of power and delivers an impressive 650Nm of torque between 1450rpm and 2800rpm. With such a fat torque figure low in the rev range, it's not necessary to get the engine spinning near the red line of 5000rpm.
Driving the SQ5 is a revelation because it doesn't even sound like a diesel, except when chugging at low revs at walking pace. The bi-turbo V6 is intended for hard, sporty duties. The cylinder heads, camshafts and pistons have been adapted for high performance.
A sound actuator in the exhaust system gives the V6 TDI its attractive deep, sonorous sound.
Claimed performance figures confirm the SQ5's right to inhabit the premium-performance category. With a splendidly efficient eight-speed tiptronic transmission with paddle shifting, it is capable of accelerating its 1920-kilogram mass to a top speed of 250km/h. It's not as satisfying as a true high-performance sports sedan, but is still difficult to unsettle when pushed hard.
And it has the added benefit of SUV practicality.
Audi's standard Drive Select system gives the owner choices of a handful of modes offering different characteristics for the accelerator pedal, transmission shifts, and the new electromechanical power steering.
The driver can select the Dynamic mode if the roads promise some fun driving, or choose the Efficiency mode and chase good fuel economy via a less-responsive throttle and taller gears at lower revs.
The chassis is lowered 30 millimetres and it rides on standard 20-inch alloys, with the option of 21-inch wheels for those who put glamour ahead of a comfortable ride. The firmer sporty suspension admirably controls all that mass, a higher-than-normal centre of gravity and loads of torque. Even in swift changes of direction, body roll is not uncomfortable.
The electromechanical steering making its way into the Audi model line-up works beautifully in unison with the optional ADS, or Audi Dynamic Steering, system.
The indifferent steering and vibration over corrugations that marred past Audis are not present. The new set-up has a more direct feel and better weight.
For the performance available, the Audi delivers gratifying fuel economy. The SQ5 TDI's combined diesel consumption is only 7.2 litres per 100 kilometre on average - helped by the new efficient steering, energy-recovery systems and start-stop system.
The SQ5 looks the real deal, with a platinum grey single-frame radiator grille, roof spoiler and modified bumpers.
The side mirror housings have an aluminium look, while the daytime running lights at the front and quad exhaust pipes at the back complete the sporty look.
The electrically adjustable sport seats are trimmed in pearl nappa leather and Alcantara.
The full local specification and pricing are still to be settled, but Audi is expecting to sell the SQ5 in Australia priced below the $120,000 S4. Maybe even $10,000 below.