Australia has a seemingly unquenchable thirst for high-performance versions of everyday hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs. Just ask local representatives for BMW’s M division, Mercedes-AMG, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Hyundai N, and particularly Audi Sport (i.e.
S/RS). Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Only a few weeks ago, Audi Australia product planning manager Peter Strudwicke told CarExpert “we’re very strong in S as well as RS. We have quite a high mix of S models, and I think that will definitely continue.
” Our performance model sales splits are among the highest in the world, making it a lucrative market for manufacturers with a sporty side. More lucrative yet is the mid-sized SUV market. And that’s how you end up with something like this – the Audi SQ5 .
Combining the practicality of an SUV with sports car speed, the SQ5 first came onto the scene in 2012 and has remained a regular fixture in Audi’s catalogue ever since. Positioned to rival the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 , Porsche Macan , and BMW X3 M50 , this third-generation SQ5 is unique in that it still offers six-cylinder power in the face of tightening emissions regulations. That’s not to say it’s a big, thirsty barge – the third-generation SQ5 features Audi’s 48-volt MHEV Plus technology, which makes it a more eco-friendly option than its predecessor.
Ahead of a local launch later this year, we headed to Malaga, Spain for the global press launch to find out if the new SQ5 has what it takes to be .