Audi Cars – Audi Q5
Audi’s latest edition to its luxury 4WD line-up is the new classy Q5 off-roader. Giving Audi Fan’s a nice midway between an A3 and a Q7.
Rivalling BMW X3, the Q5 is a sleek five-seater mid-size luxury 4WD with the best aerodynamics in its class and a wheelbase identical to that of the A4 (2.81m). Although based on the A4 sedan and A5 coupe, the new 4WD has been given its own interior design and a choice of three body-trims, comprising black (standard), two-tone, and full body colour.
The Q5 comes standard with 17 inch allow wheels, and the quattro all-wheel-drive system, with a choice of three engines.
Under the Hood
Two diesel options 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre TDI and 176kW/500Nm 3.0-litre TDI According to Audi, the Q5 2.0 TDI sprints from 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds and consumes 6.7 litres of fuel per 100km. The 3.0 TDI’s respective figures are 6.5sec and 7.7L/100km.
The sole petrol engine is a major upgrade of the 2.0-litre turbo that first came to prominence in VW’s current Golf GTI. The new 2.0 TFSI delivers 155kW and 350Nm to propel the Q5 from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, with a fuel economy of 8.5L/100km.
Although many Q5s may not spend a lot of their time off-road there is also some off road features including hill descent control electronic braking assistance, and an optional off-road-style body package that includes front and rear under body protection and 19-inch alloy wheels, will make it all that more fun for those that do.
The Q5’s Body
In addition to the off-road body, there is also an S-line body kit which is available for customers wanting a sportier-looking Q5.
The Q5s cargo capacity ranges from 540 to 1560 litres with the rear seats folded down. It can handle a towing capacity of up to two tonnes, and has an impressive stability control system that detects whether a roof rack is fitted and compensates for the higher centre of gravity by lowering the threshold of cornering slip before it reacts by braking individual wheels.
Optional Extra’s
Q5’s options list includes the Audi Drive Select (adjustable suspension, steering and throttle), rear-view camera, blind-spot alert, Bang & Olufsen audio, lane-departure warning system, and LED and daytime running lights. An optional sliding rear seat which extends the Q5’s loading length is also available.
