Under its pedestrian-looking hood, the SQ5 boasts a supercharged 3.0L V6 that cranks out 354hp at 6000rpm and a solid 347lb/ft of torque at 4000rpm. Audi advertises this bump in power by fitting “V6T” badges to each of the front fenders. Quite frankly, Audi, we don’t need no stinkin’ badges, and we certainly don’t need no badges that indicate an inability to spell the word “supercharged.” I believe Audi formerly tried to claim the T was for “turbosupercharging,” but that’s just the long-form version of turbocharging.
Like I said, a heat-gun would nix the niggles. Besides which, this is a lovely engine, possessed of a very flat torque curve and stupendous off the line grunt. It doesn’t sound quite as growly and burbly as the long-lost S4’s V8 once did, but the power delivery is far better as is the fuel economy. Peak torque at 4000rpm might not sound all that fierce, but there’s plenty of instant-on shove.
   2014 Audi SQ5. Click image to enlarge |
So much torque, in fact, that the 235-series Pirelli snowies with which this steed was shod would periodically throw in the towel. That’s right, wheelspin at all four corners. Let me play you the song of my people.
Not in a straight-line, obviously. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is as good here as it is elsewhere, and Audi’s Quattro system is great at getting the power down. From a stop when turning left or right, however, injudicious throttle application was capable of briefly overwhelming available traction.
Neat stuff, and certainly a barrel of laughs in what is, essentially, this decade’s version of the Griswold Family Truckster. While others might set the car up differently, I found the sweet spot in the Audi drive select to be transmission and chassis set to dynamic, and the adjustable exhaust set to comfort. No extra power is unlocked by cranking up the volume, so why not speak softly and be fleet of foot?
There are only two real dynamic complaints to bring to bear against this latest addition to Audi’s S-range. First, the steering provides almost no feedback, and even in sport mode feels overboosted. Sure, it’s light and easy to drive, fitting the nature of a crossover, but you’d think they’d allow the driver to dial in a bit more weight and involvement via the Drive Select system.
The second issue is weight, and at 2000+kgs, the SQ5 is considerably porky. What’s more, while the ride has been stiffened over the standard Q5, this top-heavy crossover isn’t a revelation in the curves. It’s great at blasting out of turns, but dive too hard into the corners and between the soft steering and high centre of gravity, it’s a trifle underwhelming. Doubtless the snowies are somewhat to blame here as well, but it’s more ho-hum than it should be.
After dropping my wife and daughter off at the Aquarium for a member’s event, I scurried across town in the SQ5 to catch the tail-end of the local Cars and Coffee gathering. The day was spring-like and warm, with cherry blossoms already dropping from the trees, and the city’s gearheads were obviously spurred on by the good weather – on the way there I saw a gleaming Ford GT, a spotless Volvo P1800, and a conga-line of air-cooled 911s.
   2014 Audi SQ5. Click image to enlarge |
The little parking lot was full, besides which the SQ5 had no business worming its way in amongst the Lamborghinis, ’60s muscle, and svelte European classics. The local dealership even showed up with a 911 RUF CTR of all things (while this one was red, you might remember it better as the 200+mph Yellowbird), and there were all manner of other rare sportscars to behold.
The SQ5 isn’t a sportscar, and nor is it a rarity to be preserved for future generations. It’s a consumer good, something to be purchased, enjoyed, traded-in or eventually discarded.
For all that, it was one of the best all-round vehicles I’ve driven yet this year. The high seating position gave a commanding view as I scooted back to the Aquarium, the long-travel suspension soaked up the rutted pavement without much fuss, and the ‘charged-six and eight-speed conspired together to give a little extra shove to make up for the fact that I was – as usual – running late.
When I got there, I loaded up the kid without stooping over to break my back, cracked open the panoramic roof, and dialled up the tunes. The SQ5 sailed on through Stanley Park in the sunshine while Goldilocks snoozed in her car seat.
Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right.
|
Related Articles: Manufacturer’s Website: Photo Gallery: |
Pricing: 2014 Audi SQ5
Base Price (Progresiv): $57,000
Base Price (Technik): $59,600
Options: $5500 [$800 – Estoril Blue Paint; $500 – Carbon Atlas inlays; $3200 – Navigation w/ park assist; $1000 – B&O Sound System]
Freight: $1995
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $67,195
Competitors:
BMW X3
Mercedes-Benz GLK
Acura MDX
Infiniti QX70
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
