Quattro versus
Audi's Q5 has become one of the German brand's bestsellers locally, and due to this, there are many derivatives of this model. From entry-level base options through luxury diesel offerings and then their performance versions, the Q5 represents a solid middle road in premium SUV ownership.
Related: Facelifted Audi Q5 and new Q5 Sportback launch in SA
We had a spot of luck recently and were able to test two of these derivatives back to back, and although they seem very similar they couldn't be any more different. We decided to pit these two models, the 40 TDI in District Green Metallic paint and the SQ5 V6 TFSi in Quantum Grey coloring against each other to establish what you get from each.
Styling
If one were to remove the badges and park these two, side-by-side you, would be hard-pressed to spot any difference. They are virtually identical in appearance but on closer inspection reveal small giveaways. The SQ sports 20-inch wheels while the Q makes do with 19's,
A quick peek behind those wheels reveals the red calipers on the SQ but standard units for the Q. The SQ has color-coded garnishes such as side skirts and mirror caps while the Q gets gloss black pieces.
Around the back, it is really only the quad exit exhausts that give away the SQ model as the TDI has a neatly hidden downturned piece that is not visible.
Interior & Space
The interior is really where the differences can be seen. Although having near-identical fitment in terms of layout, The Q5 has been fitted with a combination of cloth and leather material covering the seats. It is soft and supple and very comfortable while the SQ5 gets a black leather interior with a quilted design on the seats. Space is identical with plenty of legroom and space for 5 adults. The boot space is also identical at 550ll expandable to 1550l with the rear seats down.
Comfort & Convenience
Both vehicles have zone climate control, wireless charging, and USB-C ports Both feature an upgraded MIB3 MMI infotainment system touchscreen that makes use of wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto and a super crisp driver's interface. In the boot, you get a switch that can lower the rear air suspension to allow easier loading of goods into the boot and yet another switch that deploys the automatic electrically operated towbar
Performance
The biggest difference here has to be the power plants. The TDi is equipped with a 2.0l inline 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine that develops 140kW and 400Nm, the SQ5 gets a turbo petrol V6 pushing out 260kW and 500Nm. Both engines are mated to a 7 speed S tonic dual-clutch transmission putting power to all four wheels through Audi's Quattro system.
Fuel Economy
Naturally the diesel will give you more range. Audi claims 6.2l /100km meaning that from the 65l tank you could get 1048km, we averaged low 8's bringing our test range down to 850km's. With all the power underfoot from the V6, Audi says that conservative driving should deliver 9.2l /100km meaning from the 70l tank you could get 761km, our driving returned high 11's delivering just 685km's from a full tank
Safety
Both vehicles are equipped with the same driver safety systems. ABS, EBA, and TSC. You get PDC's front and rear, rearview camera as standard with the option for a 360 camera. ISO Fix in the rear for the kiddos and 6 airbags as standard with the option of having 8 installed.
Price
| Audi Q5 40 TDi Quattro S Line | R 957 000 |
| Audi SQ5 TFSi Quattro | R1 251 500 |
Both models are subject to Audi's 1 Year / Unlimted km warranty and 5 year / 100 000 km maintenance plan
* Prices are from base starting grade and correct at time of publishing.
Competitors
Verdict
What this really boils down to is what you are looking for from your SUV, do you want a quiet, serene ride with plenty of space and convenience and don't care about performance or do you want the same but with a package that can attack the streets? Both have their place in a garage somewhere but if we were forced to choose, the smart money would be on the 40 TDi
Personally, I could live with both, and the V6 does have that extra bit of punch that I do so love, but the significant price difference may deter people smarter than me and that is why the TDI is the way to go.
