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Vehicle Tests > First Drive - Audi Q5
First Drive - Audi Q5
Issue: May 2009
Report by Mathieu Raudonikis
Audi expands its SUV offerings with the biggish 'compact' the Q5.
Compact SUVs are growing rapidly, both in their popularity and their size. They are not the little 4WDs they once were but have become a true alternative to the family car and the choice of models is growing in line with this. In recent months the luxury end of the compact SUV segment has seen significant growth. Not long ago it was the sole domain of BMW's X3 wagon then Land Rover launched its Freelander 2, which stepped up a class and more recently Volvo has produced its XC60. Now Audi enters the fray with its Q5 - a smaller sibling to its huge Q7.
Like other modern 'compact' SUVs, the Q5, at 4.6-meters long and 1.8 wide, isn't really compact at all. It's only 500mm shorter and 200 narrower than the seven seat Q7 but it is on par with others in this market that also includes Lexus's new RX350. The size of the Q5 allows for a smaller SUV in the range and you don't have to think to hard to guess there will be a Q3 coming in the not to distant future.
Q5 QUARTET
Q5 arrives in four variants with a pair of turbo diesels and a pair of petrol engines although just the 2.0TFSI quattro and 3.0TDI quattro are available now: the 2.0TDI and 3.2FSI variants will be available from around April/May.
All Q5 variants are five-seat and feature leather or leatherette seats and trim, active stability and traction control, Audi's renowned quattro all wheel drive system with 40:60 front to rear axle bias, hill decent control, climate control airconditioning, and a full array of power convenience features. Both the ABS and stability control have an off road setting that tailors their calibration to suit loose surfaces.
Other clever features that are optional include side-view assist ($1998) with lane departure warning ($2300) that warns drivers of vehicle in their blind spot or if they are drifting out of their lane and active cruise control ($2230). A very clever feature that is standard on all Q5 is the roof bars. When the roof bars are mounted on the roof rails, they signal the vehicle control systems that there could be a load on the roof that would raise the vehicle's centre of gravity. The control systems then alter the calibration of the stability control system to take this into consideration. With the roof bars in place the stability control becomes more sensitive as a higher centre of gravity makes the vehicle less dynamic.
DYNAMIC DRIVELINES
All Q5 variants have a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) which Audi calls S tronic. It delivers seamless gear changes in smooth driving and swift, sharper shifting when pushed harder. Because DSG transmissions don't interrupt the flow of power when shifting they claim to be more fuel-efficient than both conventional manual and automatic gearboxes.
Speaking of efficiency, all the engine variants claim low fuel consumption numbers. The 155kW/320Nm four-cylinder petrol engine uses direct injection, turbocharging and a new variable valve lift system to deliver its power and torque while achieving a claimed 8.5L/100km.
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The 2.0-litre turbo diesel sips just 6.8 litres/100km putting it under the Luxury Car Tax threshold yet still produces 125kW and 350Nm between 1750rpm and 2500rpm. The naturally aspirated 3.2-litre petrol engine makes 199kW at 6,500rpm and 330Nm between 3,000 and 5,000rpm and is the thirstiest of the quartet yet still averages 9.3L/100km.
The range topping 3.0L turbo diesel is more impressive putting out 176kW and 500Nm while sipping just 7.5L/100km. A claimed 6.5 seconds zero to 100km/h also make the 3.0TDI the quickest Q5 in the line up.
The 2.0TFSI and 3.0TDI engines driven on the launch clearly show the driving benefits of engines that produce high torque figures. The addition of a turbocharger and the variable valve lift system to the 2.0-litre petrol engine give it a much wider band of driver friendly torque with peak figures between 1500 and 4200rpm. It pulls from down low like a little turbo diesel yet revs like a high performance petrol engine. A 7.2-second zero to 100km/h time shows its no slouch either in the 1740kg Q5.
500Nm make an SUV this size feel sporty even though they are produced by a diesel engine. The 3.0TDI is quiet, smooth and revs freely to change your perceptions on diesel engines. After also driving the 4.2TDI V8 in the big-brother Q7, we're of the opinion that Audi is producing some of the smoothest diesel engines in the luxury SUV segment these days.
The Q5 chassis offers a dynamic drive with independent suspension on coil springs at all corners. It can be further spruced up with options such as Drive Select ($3050) which gives adjustable dampeners for comfort, sports and auto settings, or Drive Select with Dynamic Steering ($5215) which adds a quicker, firmer feeling steering for more driver feedback and feel. Even without these features the Q5 steers neutrally and flat. Drive Select also alters throttle sensitivity, transmission shift style and chassis control calibrations to suit sportier driving styles.
The ride is firm without being choppy and as stated, this can be adjusted for comfort if equipped with Drive Select. The seats are flat yet comfortable and all the controls are easy to reach and use. The luggage area is large for a so-called compact and versatile with a sliding 40/60-split rear seat.
With such versatility and efficiency combined with luxury and performance, the Q5 certainly stacks up as a premium family wagon. The limited all road ability adds to its appeal although this is not an offroader. It just another choice in what is becoming a crowded segment but it a choice worth considering if you are in the market.
Range & prices
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro $59,900
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro $59,900
Audi Q5 3.2 FSI quattro $69,900
Audi Q5 3.0 TDI quattro $71,900
Report by Mathieu Raudonikis
Audi expands its SUV offerings with the biggish 'compact' the Q5.
Compact SUVs are growing rapidly, both in their popularity and their size. They are not the little 4WDs they once were but have become a true alternative to the family car and the choice of models is growing in line with this. In recent months the luxury end of the compact SUV segment has seen significant growth. Not long ago it was the sole domain of BMW's X3 wagon then Land Rover launched its Freelander 2, which stepped up a class and more recently Volvo has produced its XC60. Now Audi enters the fray with its Q5 - a smaller sibling to its huge Q7.
Like other modern 'compact' SUVs, the Q5, at 4.6-meters long and 1.8 wide, isn't really compact at all. It's only 500mm shorter and 200 narrower than the seven seat Q7 but it is on par with others in this market that also includes Lexus's new RX350. The size of the Q5 allows for a smaller SUV in the range and you don't have to think to hard to guess there will be a Q3 coming in the not to distant future.
Q5 QUARTET
Q5 arrives in four variants with a pair of turbo diesels and a pair of petrol engines although just the 2.0TFSI quattro and 3.0TDI quattro are available now: the 2.0TDI and 3.2FSI variants will be available from around April/May.
All Q5 variants are five-seat and feature leather or leatherette seats and trim, active stability and traction control, Audi's renowned quattro all wheel drive system with 40:60 front to rear axle bias, hill decent control, climate control airconditioning, and a full array of power convenience features. Both the ABS and stability control have an off road setting that tailors their calibration to suit loose surfaces.
Other clever features that are optional include side-view assist ($1998) with lane departure warning ($2300) that warns drivers of vehicle in their blind spot or if they are drifting out of their lane and active cruise control ($2230). A very clever feature that is standard on all Q5 is the roof bars. When the roof bars are mounted on the roof rails, they signal the vehicle control systems that there could be a load on the roof that would raise the vehicle's centre of gravity. The control systems then alter the calibration of the stability control system to take this into consideration. With the roof bars in place the stability control becomes more sensitive as a higher centre of gravity makes the vehicle less dynamic.
DYNAMIC DRIVELINES
All Q5 variants have a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) which Audi calls S tronic. It delivers seamless gear changes in smooth driving and swift, sharper shifting when pushed harder. Because DSG transmissions don't interrupt the flow of power when shifting they claim to be more fuel-efficient than both conventional manual and automatic gearboxes.
Speaking of efficiency, all the engine variants claim low fuel consumption numbers. The 155kW/320Nm four-cylinder petrol engine uses direct injection, turbocharging and a new variable valve lift system to deliver its power and torque while achieving a claimed 8.5L/100km.
read on below advertisement
The 2.0-litre turbo diesel sips just 6.8 litres/100km putting it under the Luxury Car Tax threshold yet still produces 125kW and 350Nm between 1750rpm and 2500rpm. The naturally aspirated 3.2-litre petrol engine makes 199kW at 6,500rpm and 330Nm between 3,000 and 5,000rpm and is the thirstiest of the quartet yet still averages 9.3L/100km.
The range topping 3.0L turbo diesel is more impressive putting out 176kW and 500Nm while sipping just 7.5L/100km. A claimed 6.5 seconds zero to 100km/h also make the 3.0TDI the quickest Q5 in the line up.
The 2.0TFSI and 3.0TDI engines driven on the launch clearly show the driving benefits of engines that produce high torque figures. The addition of a turbocharger and the variable valve lift system to the 2.0-litre petrol engine give it a much wider band of driver friendly torque with peak figures between 1500 and 4200rpm. It pulls from down low like a little turbo diesel yet revs like a high performance petrol engine. A 7.2-second zero to 100km/h time shows its no slouch either in the 1740kg Q5.
500Nm make an SUV this size feel sporty even though they are produced by a diesel engine. The 3.0TDI is quiet, smooth and revs freely to change your perceptions on diesel engines. After also driving the 4.2TDI V8 in the big-brother Q7, we're of the opinion that Audi is producing some of the smoothest diesel engines in the luxury SUV segment these days.
The Q5 chassis offers a dynamic drive with independent suspension on coil springs at all corners. It can be further spruced up with options such as Drive Select ($3050) which gives adjustable dampeners for comfort, sports and auto settings, or Drive Select with Dynamic Steering ($5215) which adds a quicker, firmer feeling steering for more driver feedback and feel. Even without these features the Q5 steers neutrally and flat. Drive Select also alters throttle sensitivity, transmission shift style and chassis control calibrations to suit sportier driving styles.
The ride is firm without being choppy and as stated, this can be adjusted for comfort if equipped with Drive Select. The seats are flat yet comfortable and all the controls are easy to reach and use. The luggage area is large for a so-called compact and versatile with a sliding 40/60-split rear seat.
With such versatility and efficiency combined with luxury and performance, the Q5 certainly stacks up as a premium family wagon. The limited all road ability adds to its appeal although this is not an offroader. It just another choice in what is becoming a crowded segment but it a choice worth considering if you are in the market.
Range & prices
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro $59,900
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro $59,900
Audi Q5 3.2 FSI quattro $69,900
Audi Q5 3.0 TDI quattro $71,900