AUDI AG has confirmed the existence and imminent market arrival of the SQ5 Sportback TDI, a automobile that may sit firmly atop the Q5 vary, not less than till the attainable emergence of the yet-to-be-confirmed RS Q5.
Because of arrive in Australia within the second half of 2021 together with the remainder of the Q5 Sportback vary, the precise specification and pricing of the brand new flagship is but to be introduced nevertheless we do know will probably be powered by the identical 251kW/700Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine because the wagon.
The brand new mannequin truly produces barely much less energy than its predecessor (255kW vs 251kW) however its 700Nm of torque has been made out there decrease within the rev vary because of a collection of engine modifications designed to make the efficiency extra accessible.
Such modifications embody new cast metal pistons (reasonably than aluminium) for elevated power whereas a brand new stepped recess permits for sooner and extra environment friendly combustion throughout the cylinders.
Different tweaks embody new piezo sensors for the gas injectors and a brand new water/air cooler situated throughout the V of the engine (to assist scale back turbo lag), whereas the turbocharger itself has scored a smaller and lighter compressor wheel.
Drive as ever is shipped to all 4 wheels utilizing Audi’s proprietary quattro all-wheel-drive system whereas an eight-speed ‘tiptronic’ computerized transmission takes care of substances shifting duties.
Given all of the similarities with the wagon, it come as no shock to seek out the Sportback shares the identical 5.1-second 0-100km/h time and can push on to the identical 250km/h electronically restricted high pace.
First rate gas financial system is ensured by the addition of a 48V delicate hybrid system which may permit the SQ5 TDI to coast with the engine off for as much as 40 seconds at a time.
The flipside of that is it may additionally mitigate turbo lag because of the ‘electrical powered compressor’ which helps spool the turbo up at low engine speeds.
Identical to the wagon, the brand new Sportback options up to date styling entrance and rear with the general look made to seem extra menacing and aggressive, combining properly with its swooping roofline which not solely seems sportier but in addition helps to scale back its drag coefficient.
It does nevertheless rob the Sportback of 40 litres price of cargo house with boot house rated at 510L, a determine that may develop to 1480L with the rear seats folded flat.
Below the pores and skin the SQ5 Sportback TDI rides on the identical multi-link sports activities suspension set-up because the wagon with adaptive damping, nevertheless it stays to be seen if it would observe the development set by its normal stablemates in being stiffer than the wagon.
Regardless, the experience top has been decreased by 30mm in comparison with the usual variations.
Rolling inventory is taken care of by 20-inch alloys shod with 255/45 tyres as normal – 21-inch items can be out there whereas stopping duties are dealt with by black six-pot (entrance) brake callipers appearing on 375mm discs.
Whereas native specs are but to be detailed, it could be secure to imagine the Sportback’s normal gear will principally mirror that of the wagon, which at this stage contains LED headlights, illuminated aluminium door sill trims, energy adjustable sports activities seats, electrically operated tailgate, chrome steel loading sill protector, aluminium roof rails, 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, 12.3-inch instrument cluster and Audi join.
Audi Australia has shifted 2393 new Q5s thus far this 12 months ending October, accounting for 10.9 per cent of the $60,0000-plus medium SUV section.
