We at NamWheels have had a slightly tumultuous time with Audis in the last few years but, perhaps in an effort to extend their very best olive branch, the brand from Ingolstadt sent us one of their most delicious products…
You should know: The Q5 is nothing new, it’s been around since the start of SUV madness in the late 2000’s. Now in its second (and facelifted) generation, the Germans recently realised that smoky turbo-diesels are bad for most people’s health, so most of their vehicles are now powered by petrol and/or electricity.
More info: This SQ5 TFSi Quattro is no exception, where before you could’ve even had it with a coarser (but brawnier) diesel motor, our market currently offers the sporty “S” derivative of this mid-size Audi SUV exclusively with a 3-litre turbo-petrol V6 developing 260kW or 500Nm for a 0-100 time of 5.4 seconds. We bested that by 0.1 seconds.
Its maker also claims that this 1,945kg svelte cruiser swallows between 550 and 1,550L of luggage, tows between 750 and 2,400kg (without or with brakes), turns in 11.7m, and uses an average of 9.2L/100km from the 70L tank. Our average was closer to 11 and I enjoyed every second of it.
What else? Quite obviously you get the best of what Audi has to offer, from dazzling LED headlights to fine leather and stitching, comprehensive media options and multiple modern driver aids. Our Ultra Blue Metallic test car also had the shoulder-sagging Black Pack, which replaces anything shiny with the colour of the devil’s soul.
Why you shouldn’t: Oh, other than the current price tag of about 1.54 million Rand, there’s the slight issue that Audi’s brand-new Q5 is already in the starting blocks overseas. However, with vicarious experience about buying run-out models, I can wholeheartedly recommend that you march down to your nearest dealer and order one immediately.
Why you should: Because you’ll get the very last (and hence, very best) of the Q5 range, powered by an established drive-train and peppered with goodies to get them out the door. To which I’d like to add my personal observations that this car rides beautifully (despite its 21-inch alloys), corners brilliantly, looks great and sounds like six trumpets from the angelic choir of divinity.
Each new Audi SQ5 is sold with a 1-year/unlimited-km warranty and 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.
FULL SPECLIST
| Engine: | 2,995cc V6 turbo-petrol |
| Transmission: | 7-speed DCT, AWD |
| Max. Power: | 260kW @ 5,400-6,400rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 500Nm @ 1,370-4,500rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | 11.1L/100km (claimed 9.2) |
| 0-100km/h: | 5.32 seconds (claimed 5.4) |
| Top Speed: | 250km/h (claimed) |
| List Price: | R1,541,000 |