2017 Audi SQ5 TFSI revealed

Audi has unveiled the follow-up act to a model that carved a new performance niche.

The original SQ5 TDI was a surprise success story, blending a high-performance diesel engine with taut sports suspension and a practical SUV body in a way that captured the hearts - and wallets - of thousands of buyers around the globe.

A successor to the original SQ5 broke cover in Detroit on Monday, where the brand's US arm unveiled a sharpened version of Audi's second-generation Q5 SUV.

The car features a sportier look than the regular Q5, helped in part by more aggressive bumpers, LED lights and 20-inch alloy wheels, as a well as a cabin home to sports seats with Alcantara trim and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Optional equipment includes variable-height air suspension and a dynamic pack with a more aggressive rear differential.

While European and Australian versions of the original SQ5 were powered by a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6, American customers had their own version with a supercharged petrol V6 shared with the Audi S4 sedan.

America's new SQ5 TFSI follows a similar theme, sharing a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 with the S4 that sends 260kW and 500Nm to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The brand has confirmed that the petrol-powered SQ5 TFSI will be sold outside the US, arriving in Europe mid-year.

The petrol model is expected to be joined by a new SQ5 TDI powered by a more powerful development of the 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 used in the 200kW Q7 SUV.

It is not clear which models will be offered in Australia, which has a proven appetite for high-performance vehicles.

Audi says the new model can hit 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, which makes it slower than the outgoing SQ5 Plus.

That model, powered by a diesel V6 tuned to 250kW and 700Nm, reaches the same mark in 5.1 seconds.

While the original SQ5 was the only performance car in its class, the new model will have to contend with stiff competition from Mercedes-AMG's 270kW GLC 43 and BMW's range-topping X4 with 230kW of diesel power.

Audi Australia has been contacted for comment.

• For all the latest info, visit our Audi showroom