Bucket Seat: Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 is a high-performance luxury SUV that combines athletic dynamics with everyday practicality. With most of the performance Range from Audi being headlines by the RS model, many wonder why with the Q5, Audi stopped with the S? Well, I think they took a smart approach to this, while there is a RSQ3 which we've seen is quite popular in the market, with the SQ5 coming with a 3.0-liter V6 delivering adequate power to this impressive SUV, making it a bit mot faster and louder might not appeal to the target market which it is aimed at, that is a family and recreational vehicle. I had the opportunity to spend some time with the Audi SQ5 on a recent trip to Cape Town, with my family so I got to put it through the test for what it's meant for, a practical family SUV with a big of oomph. So here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

The Audi SQ5 has a striking yet elegant design that reflects its performance-oriented nature. Its sporty stance is complemented by distinctive Audi styling cues and subtle S-specific details. The front fascia features a bold Singleframe grille with a honeycomb pattern and aluminum-look accents. Aggressive LED Matrix headlights (with optional laser lighting) and sharp air intakes further enhance the sporty aesthetic. The SQ5 sits on stylish 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim, with optional red brake calipers hinting at its performance potential. Subtle side skirts and chrome or black-out trims (available with the Black Optic package) add a sleek, purposeful look. Quad exhaust outlets, an integrated roof spoiler, and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals give the rear end a sporty yet refined appearance.

PERFORMANCE

The SQ5 delivers an exhilarating drive, powered by a robust engine and supported by advanced chassis technologies. The SQ5 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 260kW and 500Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the SQ5 accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds, making it one of the quicker SUVs in its segment. Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, offering excellent grip and handling in various road conditions. The torque vectoring system enhances cornering stability and agility. The adaptive air suspension is standard on higher trims and available as an option, allowing drivers to adjust ride height and firmness. This setup provides a perfect balance of comfort for daily commutes and stiffness for spirited driving. Audi Drive Select offers multiple driving modes (Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, Offroad) to tailor the vehicle’s performance characteristics. Given its performance, the SQ5 offers respectable efficiency with a combined fuel economy of 9.2L per 100km. With it being in dynamic driving mode for most of the time of my visit, that figure was slightly higher at 11.7L per 100km which wasn't that bad considering most of my driving was short distance routes. 

COMFORT

The SQ5’s cabin showcases Audi’s hallmark craftsmanship, blending premium materials, advanced technology, and sporty accents. Sport seats with fine Nappa leather upholstery and diamond stitching are standard. They're well-bolstered for spirited driving yet comfortable enough for long trips. Front seats are heated, ventilated, and offer massaging functions on higher trims. The interior feels spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats slide and recline for added comfort. Cargo capacity is practical for its class, offering 500 liters of space with the seats up, expandable to 1,520 liters with the rear seats folded. The SQ5 interior is sporty and luxurious, featuring brushed aluminum or optional carbon fiber inlays, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and ambient lighting with customizable colors. The SQ5 excels in delivering a refined and dynamic driving experience. The suspension absorbs road imperfections with ease in Comfort mode, while Dynamic mode tightens things up for more enthusiastic driving. The steering is precise and responsive, though it lacks some of the feedback purists might desire. Body roll is minimal, and the SQ5 feels planted during high-speed cornering. Audi equips the SQ5 with its latest MMI (Multi Media Interface) system, which is intuitive and feature-rich. A 10.1-inch touchscreen takes center stage, paired with the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Virtual Cockpit provides customizable displays, including navigation, performance metrics, and media information. Standard Apple CarPlay (wireless), Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Audi Connect services ensure seamless connectivity. A Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system is available for audiophiles. Physical buttons for climate control provide ease of use, while a rotary touchpad offers additional input options for the infotainment system. Some of the key safety features that is is included with the SQ5 are Audi pre sense basic and pre sense city (automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection), lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.  Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system enhance safety and convenience.

VERDICT

The Audi SQ5 is a near-perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and performance. It’s ideal for those who want a sporty driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. Whether you're navigating city streets, tackling a mountain road, or cruising on the highway, the SQ5 delivers with poise and confidence. For buyers seeking a versatile luxury SUV that’s as thrilling to drive as it is comfortable to live with, the Audi SQ5 is a compelling choice. When compared to its rivals, the Audi SQ5 might seem a bit dated but seeing that the new Q5 has broken cover, the new one should be hot on the heels of that as well but for that, we will have to probably wait a year or two for it to reach our shores. 

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L Turbo Petrol V6
Gear Box	8-speed TipTronic
Torque	500Nm
Power	260kW
Fuel Consumption	9.2L per 100km
Price	R1,541,000

 

Bucket Seat: Audi RS 3 - First Impressions

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend the local media launch of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan in South Africa. As you can imagine, the day was action packed with us, the media getting to experience the latest performance model from Four Rings German manufacturer both on the road and on track! I think the term "feeling like a kid on Christmas morning" is pretty appropriate because it isn't often OEM's allow us to have fun on a closed off circuit with high-end models like this. 

But before I go into the details of the day and my experience with the car, let me give you some facts and figures you'll be finding in the brochure for the latest variation of the baby RS model. As mentioned it is offered in both, the Sportback (hatch) and Sedan with a variety of extras and colours that you can customize it in, standout options include for the first time, RS ceramic brakes and the option of semi-slick P Zero Trofeo R tyres from Pirelli. What's under the hood you ask? Well, none other that Audi's award winning 5-cyclinder 2.5-litre turbo-charged motor that produces 294kW and 500Nm of torque. Engaged launch control and the RS 3 propels you from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds! With the Quattro S Tronic gearbox, it fires through the gears giving you optimum performance as you accelerate. The RS 3 has an electronically governed top-speed of 250km/h which can be pushed up should you opt for the RS Performance package. 

On the road, the car when driving in comfort mode is very easy to drive, almost as good as the normal A3, the only difference is that the cabin is more sportier and the ride is slightly more stiff, the eco mode does a good job in masking the noise from the performance tail-pipes giving you a smooth and quiet journey but I wasn't here for a long time with the car, just a good time so when the road allowed for it, it was into Dynamic mode and pedal to the metal, the firing sequence in the 5-pot engine is more addictive than any drug in the world, making you just want more and more of it. I had to contain my excitement as I was driving on public roads and knew I would get my opportunity on track a little later but it was great to see that in the real world, the car can be calm and composed when required. 

On the track it was time to learn about the driving performance driving modes which can be accessed via the toggle on the middle cluster or a short-cut on the steering wheel via the "RS Performance" button. After doing a few hot laps in RS Dynamic, it was clear to see what a monster they've created. The car was mental as we tore around the tarmac at Zwartkops Raceway, with the back wanted to come out but the Quattro keeping it planted, steering felt very direct and the car I had, came fitted with the ceramic brakes and Pirelli option tyres, it made gripping the apexes like knocked a nail in the corner and turning. Next it was time to test our "RS Performance" driving mode, the more track focused setting that makes the car more stiff and rigid but planted for track use, this was the mode used when setting its lap-time around Nurburgring, that lap time which I might add is exactly the same as set by the first Bugatti Veyron which has a W16 engine with a 1000bhp! So it's just mind-blowing what Audi have managed to achieve with this little 2.5L motor in comparison. Like the description says, for the RS Performance, the car is more settled on the track, you don't get that sway motion and its almost like point and shoot, this is the setting that I felt more settled with while going around a track I had very little knowledge off. 

Before the day was over, there was one more party trick the RS 3 had up its wheel arches for us, that was "RS Torque Rear" or "Drift Mode" as everyone seems to call it. Yes, you read right, a four-wheel drive car that can now drift. No, I am not pulling your leg, the RS 3 comes fitted with a torque splitter than enables the car to not only be rear biased but sending almost all its power to either one of the rear wheels, up-to 1750Nm of torque! The engineering behind this is still baffling to me but it works! Having 3-attempts to get it right, it was more challenging than I thought but when you get it right, boy what a feeling it is! 

Audi definitely have come up with an unbeatable package in the RS 3, setting the bar high for their rivals in the segment. With the pricing already announced starting at, R1,215,000 for the Sportback and R1,245,000 for the sedan. It really is looking quite attractive for the enthusiast and let me tell you straight after experiencing it properly, this car is worth the hype! With the amount of deliveries already taken over the past week, I can assure each owner has the biggest smile on their face and cannot wait till they're behind the wheel of their car. 

Bucket Seat: Audi E-tron is here!

Last night saw Audi South Africa launch it's electric arsenal to the country, in what is the biggest model launch of fully electric cars by any manufacturer in the world. The German giant launched 6 new cars at the glitzy event that took place at Cape Town's iconic Zeitz Mocaa Art Gallery in the Silo District, the event was attended by media, celebrities and VIP guests who not only got to witness these great machines entry but also get behind the wheel, getting to experience the future of motoring first hand. Audi's e-tron model line-up consists of the e-tron 55, all the way up to the range topping performance RS e-tron GT model. 

With this impressive variety that gives the consumer a choice of different types of vehicles with pricing starting form R1,745,000. With Audi's commitments towards e-mobility, they've already become the market leader in producing luxury electric cars by offering the largest number of models to its consumers around the globe. This has already yielded positive results for the e-tron model range and the brand hopes the same will be for South Africa. In June last year, Audi  announced that it would stop developing petrol and diesel combustion engines by the year 2026, with that bold statement, this is the first major step to achieving the goal. But a good point to note that while the e-tron range is carbon neutral, the facilities they're assembled is also environmentally friendly and carbon neutral too. With electricity being harvested by the sun, rain water used to service the plant, this is all part of Audi's global mission in transforming towards being sustainable mobility manufacturer, which only strengthens their commitments towards the Paris Climate Agreement. 

Audi's e-tron range will be available locally from the second quarter of the year starting with the 55 First edition, which will be in limited numbers for a limited time, from dealers across the country. As with all Audi e-tron models, they are supported by a five year/ 100,000km Audi Feeway Maintenance Plan and an 8 year/160,000km battery warranty. Pricing of the vehicles are as follows:

• e-tron 55 First Edition - R1,745,000
• e-tron 55 advanced - R1,990,000
• e-tron 55 S Line - R2,045,000
• e-tron 55 S Line Sportback - R2,115,000
• e-tron S Sportback - R2,425,000
• e-tron GT - R2,715,000
• RS e-tron GT - R3,300,000

Bucket Seat: Audi A5 Sportback 40TDI

There's not many cars that get me smitten, while I am a sucker for good looks, lots of tech and decent power, it takes something a little more special that has me wanted to hold off from handing the keys back after the specified test period. While I describe testing cars to many as having "no strings attached flings" on an ongoing basis, there are certain cars that make you sit and think about giving up this lifestyle and settling down with them but alas, my efforts fell on deaf ears and the press fleet agent managed to grabbed the keys out of my hand to take it back where it would be washed and prepped for its next fling. You already know which car I'm talking about because its in the heading and some of you might be thinking, hang on, this isn't even the top of the range model? Yes its not but the Audi A5 Sportback TDI is the perfect balance for me as you will soon find out it my love letter, I mean review to it below. Each of us are different and so is our taste in cars, apart from the obvious such as brand, model, engine, its the little things that the cars have or do that clutch to our hearts that makes us know, that's the one for me. 

DESIGN

There's nothing different in-terms of overall body change in design as this is a face-lift model but the sleek silhouette of the Audi A5 Sportback has lines that will have you memorized, this particular model came fitted out in the S-Line kit and covered in that gorgeous Nardo Grey paintwork, which in my opinion is the best colour that Audi has in its colour palette. The sporty S-Line kit means the cars front bumper has  high-gloss black accents around the grille and side intake vents, while these vents do have the honeycomb style meshwork, they are sealed and have sensors where we would normally see fog lamps. With the introduction of the Matrix LED system and the daytime running lights which are easily seen in thick misty conditions, we're seeing the need for additional fog lamps redundant and in my opinion makes the car look much better. The lines that travel from the front all the way following the curves of the wheel arches and body work tie up beautifully in the rear with the huge automated tail gate. The A5 came with 19" dual 5 spoke rims which are common in the S-Line range for most of the models but some how suits this car more than the A6 I had last year. The most noticeable difference in design comes in the lighting department with both the front and rear getting the new slotted style LED lights. This really does enhance the look of the and brings the model up-to-date in terms of the latest Audi styling. 

PERFORMANCE

The 40 TDI motor fitted in this A5 was sublime for the car, its a 2L Diesel Turbo engine, produces 140kW which is the same amount of power as the petrol version but with an added oomph in torque as this generates 400Nm forward thrust. The Sportback is a big car, but with its low center of gravity and sleek design, it glides through the air when driving. The coupe like nature of the car also gives you more confidence to attack corners with more menace and with the Quattro drive system, has the necessary grip to keep the car in place. The gearbox also is calibrated perfectly to the various drive options, while many will opt for Dynamic seeing that it is the Sports setting from the driving modes, I found that Comfort was also pretty good when it came to power delivery and feedback, the car is very composed in all driving modes but again it depends on user preferences. 

COMFORT

The Sportback being a sedan but based on a coupe format is not the easiest thing to get right but Audi have done this one brilliantly. While the car is quite low, there still is more than enough space for both the front and rear passengers. The tech and creature comforts that the car comes packed with will have all occupants very happy. The driver and front passenger enjoy dual climate control as well as heated seats as an optional extra, the rear passengers get a single zone climate control. While this particular model is still part of the old Audi design language, the interior still looks great and has the new updated large touch screen with Audi Connect and the new MMI interface, the car also has built-in mobile apps which has USB-C connections. This particular model came with Audi's virtual cockpit which I highly recommend, apart from it being super cool to see and use, the amount of information that can be viewed without causing distraction to the driver is immense. The car also had adaptive lighting which is another must have extra for me, as you get older and your eyes deteriorate, this will help in leaps and bounds. While the car is coupe based, with the huge hatch style tailgate, it allows you easier access to the luggage compartment which offers 465L of load space which is increased if needed by dropping the rear seats. 

VERDICT

Well, overall the Audi A5 Sportback really is a great all-rounder, it has a coupe like feel but with the space and same number of doors as a sedan. The frameless look of the doors give it that sporty character and the sleekness of the design will ensure it generates attention wherever it goes. While its not the range topping RS5 the diesel engine offers great response and power when required, with the added bonus of great fuel efficiency. Which is sort of why I enjoyed this model so much and made saying goodbye to it all that more difficult. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L TDI
Gear Box	7-Speed S Tronic
Torque	400Nm
Power	140kW
0-100km/h	7.6 seconds
Price	R897,000

Pictures by @dbn_spotter 

Bucket Seat: Audi Q3 Sportback 40TFSI

Audi's Q3 has been one of those vehicles that just seemed to be there, I mean it serves a purpose in the segment as a compact SUV but in essence it is a "soccer moms van". Perfect for school rounds and the odd weekend away but it lacked that cool aspect to it, while the new shape and interior has helped it in leaps and bounds, especially with their new design language and the matrix LED lights giving the car that much more character it needed something more. Luckily the designers at Audi felt the same and decided to make a coupe derivative of the Q3, aptly named the Q3 Sportback which features a sleeker design with a sloped roof line that gives it that coupe like shape and makes it look like a baby Q8. I spent some time with this new SUV crossover from the German manufacturer and here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

While the overall shape still remains pretty similar to the standard Q3, the Sportback's sleek roof line really morphs the vehicle into something more sportier and attractive to look at. It has presence and it feels like its ready to hit the road. The front end remains very much the same with big pronounced grille and new headlamps. The massive change comes from the roof with a lower line and it tapers off ever so slightly as you get to the rear where the gradient increases towards the boot lid. They obviously couldn't angle it that much since it would compromise the head room for the rear passengers but when looking at its side profile it does look great and symmetrical. The designers did try to enhance the gradient with the chrome work around the windows give that coupe like line. The rear end is also beefed up with a wider stance at the wheel arches. Moving to the rear, the LED headlamps follow the same style as the normal Q3 but blends well with the more slanted boot lid and the design of the rear difusser really accentuates the sporty look with a brushed aluminum tailgate border. This Q3 Sportback I had did come with the S-Line kit which I think is a must for this variant as it just adds that much more in terms of looks and stance to the car. 

PERFORMANCE

The Q3 Sportback which I had on test was the current range topping 40TFSI with S Tronic gearbox, it has the same 2.0L engine that is featured in all of Audi's 40TFSI models which delivers 132kW and 320Nm of torque, while these figures are decent for a car of this size, it does feel a bit laggy when you push your foot down. Probably has to do with the torque generated rather than time on the turbo. That being said, urban driving in it is a breeze and when on the highway it copes well, as I did a long distance drive with it through KZN, with a full cabin of passengers and some luggage, it coped well and didn't feel under strain when power was required, this did however hamper the fuel economy a bit but nothing too drastic to make any alarm bells ring, end of the day you are driving a 2.0L here. The drive itself is sublime, with Audi's Quattro on demand it does help driving dynamics of the car when blasting through winding roads. 

COMFORT

The cabin look and feel is class, its almost a mimic of what we're seeing in the higher end Audi models and its great to see this being transferred into the lower end models in the range. I love the new integrated dash with infotainment screen  that is angled ever so slightly towards the driver making the cockpit very driver centric. The seats which were finished off in leather are super comfy and the driver along with the front passenger enjoyed the heated function which came in handy in the KZN midlands. The passengers at the back didn't have any issues as well, with plenty USB's on hand to keep everyone's phone fully charged as well as 3-zone climate control to suit all's temperature preferences. The car comes with all the lovely features, some as standard and others as option extras like your park assist, lane departure warning as well as collision alert. The car came with built-in mobile apps as well as wireless charge mat which is part of the phone package option. 

VERDICT

Overall the Q3 Sportback does a lot to quell the "boring" label that its sibling the Q3 has, its great to look at, fun to drive and while the engine could be a bit more enthusiastic, I'm sure Audi were holing back on that front so that this model doesn't take away too much from what the RSQ3 Sportback will bring. I enjoyed my time with it, and while the luggage space is compromised slightly due to the swooping tailgate, I still managed to get my set of golf clubs in there which is the most important part for me! This particular model will definitely have a certain target market, and it's biggest rival might be one that is from its sister company VW, with the T-Roc. The both share the same platform and offer more of less the same in terms of engine and tech but the Audi definitely has a more luxury feel to it. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L TFSI
Gear Box	7-Speed S Tronic
Torque	320Nm
Power	132kW
0-100km/h	7.8 seconds
Price	R758,500