NEW WHEELS and it is tasteful and not overdone. The front sport seats, upholstered in Nappa leather with contrasting stitching, not only look luxurious, but they are multi-adjustable and very supportive. Making them perfect for this taller person was the pull-out under-thigh support. You’ll never want to drive a car without this after experiencing this level of comfort. Continuing with the major ‘points of contact’ for the driver, the steering wheel is a thing of beauty and a joy to use, with its thick rim and perfect shape for ‘9-and-3’ hand position, small diameter, and flat bottom for a little more thigh space. And, the gear shift, thankfully a traditional linear ‘PRND’ type, has a nice big knob to use.
The most expensive option on the car ($3,200), Audi MMI® Navigation plus, features a seven-inch screen, CD and DVD compatibility, voice recognition, and Bluetooth® streaming audio, along with a rear-vision camera with proximity sensors. Our tester also had the optional ($1,000) Bang & Olufsen 505-watt audio system with 14 speakers. Not killer in volume or bass, but just a very clear, high-quality sound. Like most optional audio systems in cars, this one is well worth it. Our tester was the so-called Technik model, the higher-end one that has a bit more technology included, such as adaptive xenon plus headlights, heated rear seats, advanced key with start button, side assist, plus the optional availability of several other goodies. Both this and the lesser Progressiv model feature a large panoramic sliding glass sunroof.
SPECIFICATIONS: MSRP (Technik): ...........................................................$59,600 Price as tested: .............................................................$66,700 Vehicle Layout: ...................................Front engine, AWD CUV Engine: . .......................3.0L DOHC 24-Valve supercharged V6 Transmission: . ......................................................8-speed auto Power: . ...........................................................................354 hp Torque: ..........................................347 lb-ft @ 4,000-4,500 rpm Brakes: . ..............................4-wheel ventilated disc, ABS, EBD Curb Weight: ................................................................ 2,000 kg Fuel Efficiency: (L/100 km, city/hwy) ............................13.2/8.5 Being as how the SQ5 is a utility vehicle, after all, one assumes that the owner would want to avail him- or herself of the area behind the front seats, which, like most of these vehicles, is the same size as a compact station wagon (think the S4 Avant wagon, which the SQ5 replaces) except for greater height. The fairly-flat rear seats will accommodate three people (the smaller the better), there is a fold-down centre armrest with pass-thru for skis, and they fold down completely in 40-20-40 fashion for maximum versatility. The resulting load floor is flat, but not quite as horizontal as the rear cargo deck. The cargo compartment is probably not the biggest in the class, but it is usefully shaped and well-appointed, and the rear hatch opens and closes electrically. Thankfully, Audi has not tried to cram a third-row seat back there. As a lover of high-performance station wagons, especially German ones, I find it hard to come up with reasons that I’d rather have a taller, heavier crossover with the same engine and technology. Yes, it is vertically more roomy, and there is a certain ‘truck-like’ look to it. There is even an element of stealth with a fast CUV. Certainly, if you can only have one vehicle, and high-performance, all-weather capability, a luxury brand, room for the family and their gear, just the right size, and an overall sense of balance are all high priorities, then the Audi SQ5 should be right up your alley – and moving fast.
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APR / MAY 2014
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