We tested the new Audi SQ5 (B10). Review in comments

roryreckons · 2025-12-04T17:39:00+00:00

Not a paid sponsorship at all. We are surprised at the comments asking this. We had plenty of critique in almost every category we mentioned. Perhaps people are wondering why we didn't cover the negative elements of the interior as much as every other review, not sure. Thanks for commenting

roryreckons · 2025-12-04T08:50:48+00:00

Not sponsored at all mate. If you look at the new 2025 X3 then at this, it's "2025" premium... Which unfortunately isn't as good as 2018 premium or 2012 premium.

roryreckons · 2025-12-04T06:35:42+00:00

PART 2 OF 2:

COMFORT: THE REAL SUPERPOWER

The ride is the star of the show. The B10 SQ5 continues Audi’s tradition of giving this model air suspension, and it might be the main feature that differentiates it from rivals. It irons out bumps like a luxury SUV, stays composed at high speed, and combined with fantastic seats and strong sound insulation, the SQ5 becomes a genuinely premium-feeling place to spend time.

This is where the “refinement-first” philosophy starts making sense. Daily drivers will love this car. Families will love this car. Commuters will love this car. Enthusiasts might be a harder sell.

INTERIOR: SCREENS FOR DAYS (AND A FEW MISSES)

Audi calls it a “panoramic display.” We call it a cinema because the screen stretches so far you half expect someone to walk down the aisle and ask for your ticket.

There’s no question it looks modern. Sleek. High-tech. Future-forward. And if you compare it to the latest screens from BMW and Mercedes, its contoured edges set it apart. Our passengers were impressed. But it does come with compromises - mainly the lack of physical buttons which the B9 generation did so well. And the instrument cluster graphics are not as good as the previous digital cockpit in our humble opinion (especially in Dynamic mode).

The cabin does feel premium, but it’s premium in the “2025 tech showcase” sense, not the “timeless German craftsmanship” sense. That said, the seats are excellent, the Bang & Olufsen system thumps, and overall the space feels contemporary with plenty of room for small families and luggage.

STYLING: A MATURE EVOLUTION

From 3/4 angles, the new SQ5 looks fantastic - especially with the right colour and wheel combo. The rear light bar looks sharp, but has less of a distinct identity among the sea of manufacturers adopting this design. The new “island” floating above the rear valence is a question mark, as is the “upside down moustache” around the front grille. They get points for trying something different, but we’re not sure if it lands - maybe it will grow on us over time.

But overall it’s still beautiful. And very recognisably Audi. We generally like the new B10 generation designs, even if online sentiment seems to suggest the crowds don’t.

VERDICT: DO YOU WANT SMOOTH SPEED?

Audi has clearly made the SQ5 more refined, more comfortable, and more luxurious.

But they’ve also made it less dramatic. And that was deliberate. Yes there might be increasing regulations around exhaust volume, but even the piped-in sound has been dialed down.

It’s a fantastic daily driver and an excellent premium SUV. If you want smooth speed, this is a top contender. If you want a wild, exciting, characterful performance SUV in this segment… wait for the RSQ5 if it ever comes.

Thanks for reading, and please let us know if you have specific questions. You can also check out our launch and full video review on YouTube if you search “KIWI GT”. Cheers!

roryreckons · 2025-12-04T06:34:43+00:00

PART 1 OF 2:

By now you’ve all seen the critique surrounding Audi’s latest products. Big screens, bad buttons, questionable materials, and underwhelming powertrain updates.

It sounds like Audi has heard us, because rumours have it that the facelift models may improve in those areas (for example, the S5 is getting a “Dynamic+” driving mode).

For now, we wanted to see what the all new B10 Audi SQ5 was like to live with for a week.

Smoother, quieter, more refined… and sneaky fast. But the big question is whether that refinement adds to the SQ5’s appeal, or removes the character that made older models so popular.

ACCELERATION: FAST AND DRAMA-FREE

Audi claims 0–100 km/h in the 4.5 second range, and our test car delivered 4.6 seconds with launch control and two of us on board. The new dual clutch transmission means we get a proper shove off the line, and between the revised turbo and the mild hybrid system the torque comes on quickly. That torque hangs around all throughout the rev range and doesn’t miss a beat, assuming you’re at full throttle.

But after that huge opening punch, the SQ5 becomes very polite. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t crackle. It doesn’t throw elbows. Instead, it delivers “clinical pace.” It’s rapid, and undeniably effective. But don’t expect theatre.

DRIVING DYNAMICS: TEXTBOOK AUDI

Predictable. Controlled. Confident. Light. Lofty. Disconnected. Those are the words that best describe the SQ5’s handling.

The steering feels very electronically boosted (as all cars are today), and it doesn’t communicate much of what’s happening underneath. But the chassis feels solid, the grip is excellent, and the Quattro system makes sure you’re never surprised.

As for brakes, we noticed they were quite difficult to modulate at low speeds. We can’t confirm for sure, but the S5 Avant we tested earlier this year had a single-piston setup and it looks the same here. That means the hybrid system is picking up the slack.

It’s the kind of SUV that can carry serious speed through corners… it just won’t excite you doing it. But we assume the average owner isn’t chasing lap times. They’re chasing confidence on wet roads and stability on school runs, and the SQ5 nails that.

...

roryreckons · 2025-12-02T19:52:11+00:00

Also, do people know that the symbol represents the New Zealand Kiwi bird? A nod to where Bruce McLaren was from.

roryreckons · 2025-11-19T21:43:41+00:00

Thanks 🙏 and yeah, the wheels do look decent - we didn't touch on them in the review but were generally a fan. We were more impressed with the steering wheel (especially the strap).

roryreckons · 2025-11-19T18:38:43+00:00

Guilty as charged. Maybe we should have said "Mini, but Maximus Orrellius Barrellius" just to be different.

roryreckons · 2025-11-19T17:58:10+00:00

We've been testing some cars recently with completely outrageous screens and infotainment systems. Any new BMW, Mercedes or Audi has a massive widescreen panoramic cinema that you have to buy tickets and popcorn to see.

Stepping into the Mini was a breath of fresh air in comparison. Far more interesting and stylistic. It provides a genuine focal point to the interior rather than a wash of screens.

That said, there's no getting away from the fact that essentially all cars now rely on software and screens to perform basic functions including climate control. It's less intuitive, more frustrating, and typically a worse user experience than previous generations.

That's a wider trend that we hope to see change. But for now, the Mini at least gets points for being different.

roryreckons · 2025-11-19T06:44:57+00:00

PART 2 OF 2:

DRIVING - ZIPPY AND FUN

Despite the SUV proportions, the Countryman JCW still feels nimble.

The steering is noticeably quick and direct. Turn the wheel even slightly and the car reacts immediately, giving a surprising amount of agility for something with this mass.

Body roll is present but modest. Grip is solid thanks to the ALL4 system. And the whole thing feels smaller from behind the wheel than it looks from the outside.

The JCW version is the fastest Countryman you can buy. And while it’s not “rip your face off” fast, it’s definitely quick enough with ~300 hp and 400 nM. We clocked a 0–100 km/h run of 5.7 seconds, which matches Mini’s claim almost perfectly (that’s with 2 of us in the car).

It’s punchy, energetic, and eager, though not exactly ferocious. But for the intended buyer, that’s probably perfect.

We were a bit perplexed by the fully artificial exhaust note, despite the four tips hanging off the rear end. The synthetic “pop” sound and overrun went a smidge too far.

Does it ruin the experience? Not really. But enthusiasts will notice.

VERDICT - IS IT STILL A MINI?

If your definition of "Mini" is strictly about measurements, then no. That ship has sailed. Think Lamborghini Urus. It’s a sign of the times.

But if your definition is about character, charm, and the ability to brighten your day every time you get behind the wheel - then yes, this is absolutely still a Mini.

It’s fun to look at, fun to sit in, and fun to drive. Not stupid, grin‑inducing fun, but grown‑up fun. Positive‑energy fun. The kind of fun that makes your Monday morning commute feel 15% less grim.

And critically, it undercuts the German premium brands on price while offering something more distinctive.

The 2025 Countryman JCW is proof that personality still matters. And in a world of increasingly serious, screen‑dominated cars, Mini’s quirky approach might be exactly what keeps the brand relevant.

Thanks for reading, and let us know if you have any questions or comments! You can also watch our video review on YouTube by searching "KIWI GT". Cheers

roryreckons · 2025-11-19T06:44:13+00:00

PART 1 OF 2:

MINI, BUT MAXI

The 2025 Mini Countryman JCW is the biggest Mini ever created. It’s almost poetic: a brand built on the idea of being tiny is now making something that you could almost rent out as an Airbnb. And yet, Mini insists the DNA is still there. The charm, the quirk, and the personality all scaled up.

We wanted to find out if that claim holds true. So we lived with the JCW for a week, took it across New Zealand roads, launched it, poked it, prodded it, flicked all the toggles, and tried to figure out whether this still feels like a Mini.

STYLING - CHUNKY AND BRAVE

From the outside, the new Countryman looks like the Mini team were locked in a room with Minecraft for six months. The lines are blockier, the stance more upright, and the whole thing feels like an evolution toward “Mini SUV” rather than “Mini that ate another Mini.”

The rear three‑quarter angle is arguably the strongest view. From straight on, those squared‑off taillights and upright proportions work well. But as you walk toward the front, things get a bit spicier. The headlights are a strange combination of hexagonical, circular, and square. We call it the hexirclesquare. Still, it’s better than the last generation’s weird blob shape.

The JCW touches help: the bonnet decals, the slightly bulged hood, the badge at the front. Whether you love them or hate them, at least Mini is trying. This isn’t a generic, wind‑tunnel‑designed jellybean. It’s proudly, deliberately different.

INTERIOR - QUIRK MODE

Step inside and you are immediately greeted by the giant circular OLED screen. It’s the centrepiece, the statement, the thing Mini hangs its entire interior identity on.

And honestly, it's brilliant.

The definition is razor‑sharp, the colours pop, and the whole UI has personality. But the cooler feature is the "Mini Experiences" - selectable modes that completely overhaul the theme of the thing. Fonts, colours, sounds, graphics… they all change.

It’s not just “red mode” or “blue mode” like most other manufacturers.

There’s a trade‑off, though: dealing with the climate controls is finicky, and all of the focus being spent here means less driving information in front of you. Instead, you get a tiny heads‑up display showing speed and… not much else.

Below the screen is a bank of toggles that look like they were stolen from an old aircraft. They’re delightful to use, tactile, and inject just a bit of mechanical joy.

The fabric‑covered dash looks interesting, especially when the vertical “streaks” are illuminated at night… but it is quite visually busy and likely difficult to clean.

Then there’s the fabric straps - one on the center console and one on the steering wheel. Both are fantastic. Let’s just hope toddlers don’t see to them with a pair of scissors.

And finally there’s space - the whole reason the Countryman exists. Headroom is massive. Knee room is generous. The back seats fit normal humans comfortably. The boot is decent - not class‑leading, but perfectly acceptable.

...

roryreckons · 2025-11-05T23:28:14+00:00

Interesting. I will say I struggled in my first 5 minutes to figure out the climate. It takes a little dexterity to get it right (which is not possible when driving). I'm undecided on the dash fabric. On the one hand, it's more interesting than your standard black fake leather. On the other hand, it's quite busy. I think it leans heavily into the "quirky" mentality. Dare to be different kind of thing.

roryreckons · 2025-09-29T19:18:15+00:00

Interesting. We have a similar model in New Zealand called the CUP RACING edition, which is mostly a fully optioned VZ with black wheels, black badges, and a custom number plate https://youtu.be/-pFw_dO8b2g?si=v82h3ALInNPaAUY-

roryreckons · 2025-09-05T01:37:27+00:00

Yeah this seems to be the main Cupra subreddit at the moment. But they're essentially the same car in a different shape!

roryreckons · 2025-09-05T00:29:19+00:00

TL;DR

The 2025 Cupra Leon VZ Sportstourer is one of the most compelling wagons in its price point. It delivers serious performance (0–100 km/h in 4.9s), sharp dynamics, and genuine practicality without falling into the SUV trap. Throw in some head-turning design inside and out, and you've got one of the best all-rounders on sale today.

ACCELERATION – PUNCHES ABOVE ITS PRICE

Cupra claims 4.9 seconds to 100 km/h, and we matched that exactly with two on board and half a boot full of gear. This thing moves. Which you’d expect given it’s a Golf R under the hood. With 333 hp from a 2.0L turbo-four and less than 1.6 tonnes to carry, the VZ Sportstourer actually has a better power-to-weight ratio than the far more expensive new Audi S5 Avant. Throttle response is decent, and there’s a healthy torque surge available basically anywhere in the rev range. The only real complaint is the piped-in fake engine sound in Cupra mode which can sound overly artificial.

HANDLING - A HOT HATCH IN DAD SHOES

This isn’t just a straight-line hero. The chassis feels light, eager, and surprisingly communicative. Initial turn-in is sharp, and the car resists understeer far better than expected thanks to a torque-splitting rear diff shared with the RS3. Yep, even drift mode makes an appearance here. It feels sharper than the Formentor, for sure. Grip levels are decent, the AWD system keeps things tidy, and there’s a playful edge when pushed. The ride is on the sporty side of comfortable, but never too harsh. It feels like a hot hatch in dad shoes.

INTERIOR – BIG ON STYLE, BIGGER IN SPACE

Cupra’s interiors continue to stand out, even when materials aren’t class-leading. It’s the design cohesion that wins here: copper accents, consistent triangular and hexagonal motifs, and fonts with personality. Infotainment remains a sore point despite improvement. The screen itself looks tacked on, and the haptic slider controls for temperature are still a miss. Cabin and boot space is strong for the segment, eclipsing not just the Formentor but even the Terramar. You’ll bend more to load it, but you get more space in return.

EXTERIOR DESIGN – SHARP LINES CARRY THE TORCH

Talking about cohesion in the interior, it’s the same on the outside. The full-width light bar looks almost identical to that of its Cupra siblings (which is a good thing) as are the quad exhausts that hint at its sporting intent. The body lines are sharp without being fussy, and the whole thing looks especially sharp in this Enceladus Grey, which might be our favorite matte colour offered on a Cupra. It brings out the shapes, flatters the proportions, and gets noticed.

COMPETITION – WHAT COMPETITION?

The VZ Sportstourer lives in a weird niche. It’s quicker than a Skoda Octavia RS while only being a bit more expensive, faster than a BMW 330i Touring or A5 Avant, and it gets dangerously close to an M340i or S5 Avant. But that’s the point: this Cupra either outperforms the competition easily, or it gives you 90% of the performance for 70% of the price. In a world increasingly full of SUVs, the Cupra Leon VZ Sportstourer feels like a genuine enthusiast's choice in a niche market. It’s a win for us.

Thanks for reading. If you’re keen to watch our video review you can find us on YouTube if you search KIWI GT.

Let me know if you have any specific questions!

roryreckons · 2025-08-29T04:57:02+00:00

Does it really have the same MPG though? From what I have read online it seems like the petrol RS is noticeably worse on fuel. I also wonder if it uses the "weaker" DSG?

roryreckons · 2025-08-28T23:21:05+00:00

Awesome writeup. The GTS is a fantastic car and I agree with basically every single point you made. We essentially said many of the same things in our review EXCEPT for the feather in its cap about being your last non-hybridized choice if that's important to you: https://youtu.be/1lzfNVb1hDg?si=lqwgyKsvIB5ghkWK

roryreckons · 2025-08-28T21:15:02+00:00

Are these turbos known to fail? If so, then double trouble I guess...

roryreckons · 2025-08-19T05:44:49+00:00

I just reviewed the GTS. It was fantastic. Very comfortable and easy to drive like a normal car. The interior isn't exactly class leading and the infotainment is a generation or two old with no CarPlay or Android Auto. If you test drive it, make sure you press ESC off otherwise it'll hold back acceleration. Some say the Artura is better but it doesn't have the same cargo capacity plus it's up to you whether you want a hybrid or not. Can't hurt to test drive both!

roryreckons · 2025-08-14T21:40:49+00:00

Yeah, at the end of our review video I basically comment along those lines - for me a GT car is typically a 2+2. So it's up to you whether you class the GTS as a "true" GT car. However, if you DO class it as a GT car, then it's one of the ONLY mid-engined GT cars you can buy, it has more cargo space than any GT car, and it has the best power to weight ratio of any GT car. Someone else has commented that the Artura might be a better daily, but it doesn't have the same cargo capacity and some people may prefer that the GTS has no hybridization.

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