It might sound like a bit of a cliché but ‘the Audi Q5 proved a big surprise!’ Reason being, that it in the scheme of things a new SUV is hardly the kind of vehicle you buy to stir the soul. Furthermore Audi’s new ‘Q5’ SUV looks, at first glance, like a scaled down Audi Q7. In practical terms it is indeed the latter, providing 5 rather than 7 seats – but this doesn’t do justice to what turned out to be an excellent practical family vehicle, that a keen driver will enjoy too!
‘Vorsprung durch Technik?
I put a lot of that down to the Audi brand. Whilst I beg to differ with Mr Kipling’s claim to make exceedingly good cakes, the Audi motor company do indeed make exceedingly good cars. What’s more, Audi are a very forward looking brand – their approach to the ‘credit crunch’ being to continue launching new cars that people will want to buy – even in these times.
So what of the new Audi Q5? Audi rightfully claim that this car has all the advantages of a roomy SUV with the road dynamics of a car, and boasts more advanced technology than any rival in the segment. The technological stuff is impressive – S tronic dual clutch gearbox for seamless smooth changes, and at extra cost there’s a driver warning system useful for motorways and dual carriageways to alert you when vehicles are approaching in your ‘blindspot’ on a motorway or dual carraigeway, and even a warning system to let you know if you’re drifting out of your lane. You can even opt for a thermal cup holder to keep your drinks warm!
For the active family
For the uninitiated, SUV stands for ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ – the car for families with active busy outgoing lifestyles. Segment competitors come in the form of BMW’s X3, Land Rover’s Freelander, and Volvo’s XC60. In 2.0 litre FSI form, Audi claim that the Q5 has the most torque, the highest maximum speed, the best acceleration, the lowest fuel consumption and the lowest CO2 emissions. Generally, it is also highly practical, versatile, comfortable, well made, and spacious. It’s also a very safe vehicle, being robust, and with four wheel drive and good off roading capability it makes a reassuring purchase for an active busy family.
all rounder
Buyers can opt for 2.0 litre petrol, 2.0 litre diesel or 3.0 litre TDI engines. Our favourite from the driver’s seat was the 2.0 litre TDI, which’ll be the most popular version, topping 77% of total sales. The Q5 ‘surprise’ is its car like driveability – a refined experience with reassuring driver feedback, a feel combination of luxury saloon and an engaging ‘drivers’ car which is quite a remarkable achievement for a vehicle of this kind. So you can have your cake and eat it then? The Q5 says so.
Prices start at a not inconsiderable £29,140 for the 2.0 litre FSI petrol rising to a hefty £37,540 for the 3.0 litre TDI Quattro S Line, but with strong predicted residual values, especially if it’s your own money you’re using and not the company’s, then it’s money well spent.
2.0 litre TDI data
Top speed in mph
126
Acceleration, 0-62mph in sec
9.5
Fuel type
Diesel, according to EN 590
Fuel consumption: urban / extra urban / combined, mpg
34.4 / 48.7 / 42.1
CO2 emissions, g/km
175
‘Vorsprung durch Technik?
I put a lot of that down to the Audi brand. Whilst I beg to differ with Mr Kipling’s claim to make exceedingly good cakes, the Audi motor company do indeed make exceedingly good cars. What’s more, Audi are a very forward looking brand – their approach to the ‘credit crunch’ being to continue launching new cars that people will want to buy – even in these times.
So what of the new Audi Q5? Audi rightfully claim that this car has all the advantages of a roomy SUV with the road dynamics of a car, and boasts more advanced technology than any rival in the segment. The technological stuff is impressive – S tronic dual clutch gearbox for seamless smooth changes, and at extra cost there’s a driver warning system useful for motorways and dual carriageways to alert you when vehicles are approaching in your ‘blindspot’ on a motorway or dual carraigeway, and even a warning system to let you know if you’re drifting out of your lane. You can even opt for a thermal cup holder to keep your drinks warm!
For the active family
For the uninitiated, SUV stands for ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ – the car for families with active busy outgoing lifestyles. Segment competitors come in the form of BMW’s X3, Land Rover’s Freelander, and Volvo’s XC60. In 2.0 litre FSI form, Audi claim that the Q5 has the most torque, the highest maximum speed, the best acceleration, the lowest fuel consumption and the lowest CO2 emissions. Generally, it is also highly practical, versatile, comfortable, well made, and spacious. It’s also a very safe vehicle, being robust, and with four wheel drive and good off roading capability it makes a reassuring purchase for an active busy family.
all rounder
Buyers can opt for 2.0 litre petrol, 2.0 litre diesel or 3.0 litre TDI engines. Our favourite from the driver’s seat was the 2.0 litre TDI, which’ll be the most popular version, topping 77% of total sales. The Q5 ‘surprise’ is its car like driveability – a refined experience with reassuring driver feedback, a feel combination of luxury saloon and an engaging ‘drivers’ car which is quite a remarkable achievement for a vehicle of this kind. So you can have your cake and eat it then? The Q5 says so.
Prices start at a not inconsiderable £29,140 for the 2.0 litre FSI petrol rising to a hefty £37,540 for the 3.0 litre TDI Quattro S Line, but with strong predicted residual values, especially if it’s your own money you’re using and not the company’s, then it’s money well spent.
2.0 litre TDI data
Top speed in mph
126
Acceleration, 0-62mph in sec
9.5
Fuel type
Diesel, according to EN 590
Fuel consumption: urban / extra urban / combined, mpg
34.4 / 48.7 / 42.1
CO2 emissions, g/km
175
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