Audi SQ5 goes petrol - though not in Ireland

A petrol-powered Audi SQ5 has been revealed.

What's the news?
The new Audi SQ5 will be available, for the first time, with a petrol engine when it goes on sale later this year. However, the petrol-powered version has been developed exclusively for markets such as the US, Canada and China.

Exterior
As well as bigger alloys and other upgrades you'd expect on the SQ5, the petrol version also features 'V6 T' badges on the front wings. Two exclusive crystal paint finishes have also been developed: Estoril Blue and Panther Black.

Interior
The interior of the petrol-powered SQ5 mimics that of the diesel model. The seats come upholstered in a mix of leather and Alcantara, the dashboard features aluminium inserts and the headlining can be specified in Moon Silver. A variety of infotainment, assistance and connectivity options are also available.

Mechanicals
The petrol engine of choice for the Audi SQ5 comes in the form of a supercharged 3.0-litre V6, delivering 354hp and 470Nm of torque. Coupled to Audi's eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox, the SQ5 can go from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 250km/h.

An uprated chassis, brakes and suspension system should all help to make the SQ5 feel sportier in the bends too.

Anything else?
The latest Audi SQ5 is scheduled to hit US showrooms by the end of the summer. Audi Ireland has confirmed that only the TDI diesel version will be offered for sale here. Click here to read our first drive of that car.

Published on: January 8, 2013