Six cylinders, all-wheel drive, and a claimed 7.1L/100km. The S5 is the current answer to a question that used to have no good answer: how do you get genuine V6 pace without paying for it every time you fill up?
Overview
The S5 replaced the S4 and improved on it in the way that matters most for a hire car: it's faster and it uses less fuel. The engine is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing 270kW and 550Nm, with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance that allows brief periods of electric-only running at low speed. The combined claim is 7.1L/100km from a 58-litre tank — a theoretical range over 800km. For a six-cylinder performance car, that's remarkable, and it means the drive to Albany or Esperance doesn't turn into a series of fuel stops. Power goes through quattro all-wheel drive with a sport differential, which distributes torque across the rear axle for traction and stability. On a wet Perth winter morning it simply grips and goes, which is the practical advantage of all-wheel drive over a rear-drive alternative. The other half of the appeal is what it doesn't ask you to give up. If the fleet car is the Sedan, it's a five-door liftback rather than a traditional boot — a much larger opening and far more usable for anything bulky. If it's the Avant, it's a wagon with 448 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to nearly 1,400 litres folded. Either way, this is a fast car you can put luggage, a pram or a bike in. Inside, the cabin uses Audi's panoramic display setup with a digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen, and it's quiet and comfortable enough for a full working week. Practical notes. It runs 19-inch wheels on very low-profile tyres, so take care on speed humps and car park ramps. It takes premium unleaded. Track, circuit and competitive driving are excluded under the rental agreement, and it's sealed roads only. WA's anti-hoon laws apply and police can impound a vehicle on the spot.
Benefits of choosing Suzuki
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Premium Damage Waiver ($500 Excess)
Reduces your damage liability from $3,500 to $500. Available for drivers aged 21+.
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STANDARD Young Driver Damage Waiver ($1,000 Excess)
Reduces your damage liability from $3,500 to $1,000. Compulsory for drivers aged 18-20.
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PRESTIGE Premium Damage Waiver ($1,500 Excess)
Reduces your damage liability from $5,000 to $1,500. Available for drivers aged 25+.
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STANDARD Compact SUV Tyre, Rims & Glass Cover
Reduces your liability to $0 for damage to the windscreen, windows, rims and tyres.
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PRESTIGE Tyre, Rims & Glass Cover
Reduces your liability to $0 for damage to the windscreen, windows, rims and tyres.
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125kms/Day Free
125km included free per day. Extra kilometres charged at $0.50 per km.
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Unlimited Kilometres
Unlimited kilometres within a 500km radius of Perth CBD only. $12/day standard, $20/day MU-X, $30/day Prestige vehicles.
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Extended Area of Use
Required for travel into regional WA including Esperance, Kalgoorlie and Exmouth.
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Additional Driver Fee
Add an extra approved driver. Capped at $50 per driver.
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Child Seat
Various sizes available - choose on collection. Capped at $100 per seat.