Reviews
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If the R8 or S8 are anything to go by Audi’s Plus treatment has been recipe for new ceramic brakes or a gargantuan V8.
The SQ5 TDI is the Plus formula’s most recent student, but its changes aren’t so dramatic.
Power for its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 oiler’s risen to 250kW/700Nm. Higher pressure injectors, a new fuel pump, an engine remap, and more boost are to thank for the extra herbs. But even with an extra 10kW and 50Nm, the SQ5 Plus isn’t any faster than the standard car – its mass needing a harder shove to improve its 5.1sec time to 100km/h.
Audi’s also added a rear active sports differential as part of the ‘Plus’ treatment, and as a result the SQ5 Plus uses its (optional) 255/40 R21 Dunlops to surge out of corners with hot-hatch like tenacity.
While the active rear-diff adds a lot of dynamic talent, this isn’t a car that suits driving that would justify such hardware. We wouldn’t take an SQ5 to a track day, and we’d prefer to pocket the cash for the diff instead.
The Plus certainly looks the part. And with a $16,300 premium over the base model it should. Red brake calipers peer through ‘special’ 20-inch wheels (optional 21s pictured), an interior leather design package surrounds real carbon-fibre inlays, and the seats feature diamond quilted blue stitching.
The SQ5 plus is a solid reminder of the base car’s unique appeal, a ‘decently’ priced luxury SUV with hot-hatch imitating performance– from a diesel. But while the Plus adds more power, safety, and luxury to this equation, we feel it might not add much sense.
3.5 STARS out of 5
SPECS Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, diesel, DOHC, 32v Power: 250kW @ 4100-4300rpm Torque: 700Nm @ 1500-2550rpm Transmission: 8-speed automatic 0-100km/h: 5.1sec Price: $108,900
