MODEL TESTED SPORTBACK TDI QUATTRO
Price £61,945 Power 337bhp Torque 516lb ft 0-60mph 5.1sec 30-70mph in fourth 5.0sec Fuel economy 29.0mpg CO₂ emissions 215g/km 70-Omph 47.8m
We like .
- For the most part, it has a likeable, brisk but laid-back temperament
- It combines sporting pace with responsible touring economy cleverly
- Cabin is broadly practical, pleasant and easy to interact with
We don't like
- Audi's habitual luxury focus blunts the driver appeal somewhat
- Ride comfort isn't quite what you would expect
- Second-row passenger space is only just about adult-appropriate
Bring to mind one of Audi's S-model fast executive cars and you are likely to picture a more traditional example - an S8 limousine, perhaps, or an S4 Avant performance estate. Quite understandably, since they are among the ones we have known for the longest. But in 2022, Audi's more familiar go-faster options are being commercially outperformed by its newer-groove models, one of which is in our road test crosshairs this week.
The SQ5 Sportback entered Audi's UK showrooms in early 2021, along with the rest of the Q5 Sportback model line-up. It has since become one of the strongest selling of all Audi's modern S cars. Among the firm's classic, long ways front-engined, four-wheel-drive performance execs, only one outsold the SQ5 in the UK market in the first half of 2022 (if you combine volumes for the regular Q5 and the new Sportback) - and that was the SQ7.
This story is from the August 03, 2022 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 03, 2022 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Aston to keep ICE for as long as it can; goes all in on PHEV
*There's a lot more hype in EVs than demand, especially at our price,\" says chairman
UK keeps Porsches as EU cyber rules come in
Macan and 718 are just two models forced into European retirement by new tech regulations
US government cracks down on vehicle pollution
THE CAR INDUSTRY'S reaction to the UK's new zero-emission vehicle mandate hasn't been positive, not least as some makers are unable to comply - and here we can hear echoes from early-1970s America.
New face and more range for EQS
Electric luxury saloon gains fresh look and tech makeover that boosts range by 11%
FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION
The Mk3 ST packs a potent but usable hot hatch punch
SKODA KODIAQ
SUV becomes bigger and swisher, offering seven-seat petrols and diesels and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid
What future for Lotus?
Steve Cropley
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Capacious estate strives to keep pace with techy newcomers in its ninth generation
AUDI RS E-TRON GT
Claims of a broader operating window and improved EV stats for Taycan sibling
Qashqai follows way of the samurai
Popular crossover dons traditional military helmet and enhances its combat skills