AUDI Q5 2.0 TDI QUATTRO 190PS S LINE by Tony Yates
I’ m not sure about you – but when I first set my eyes on the Q5, I thought‘ man that’ s big’ – but then, as you start to look around at what else is on the road, you begin to realise that actually, it’ s really not that big at all, compared to its competition.
When you finally get behind the wheel and start driving the Q5, it actually feels no bigger than a medium-sized saloon – which to be honestfor a large SUV is quite something. In reality, it is bigger- and you wouldn’ t have any problem fitting in mother-in-law’ s head. Plus, Last week my wife went to buy a new car and the salesman asked if us if we wanted a car with an additional airbag. I said:“ No thanks. I’ ve already got a mother-in-law.”
Power and Efficiency: The Q5 I had on test was fitted with a 190PS, 2.0-litre TDI direct injection diesel engine that has 400NM of torque and can accelerate from zero-to- 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and will reach a maximum top speed of around 135mph. The Q5 is also equipped with a Stop / Start system to enhance fuel economy which all helped the Q5 return a combined figure of around 50mpg using my normal driving route – plus a bit of motorway driving. My only problem though is I don’ t like‘ stop / start systems. Because they always seem to shut off when you don’ t want them too. Which is also why I’ m soooo glad my Abarth 500 doesn’ t have it. I understand we need to‘ save the planet’ but come on – if I wanted to be irritated every time the car stopped – I would buy Peugeot.
On the road: The steering is accurate in whatever situation unfolds itself on the road and the chassis and grip levels are epic thanks to that wonderful‘ Quattro’ system. The Q5 is also a very engaging drive, but you need to remember that this car is not a raw seat of your pants drive- even with the S Line & S Tronic badges nailed to the backdoor. When you do finally find the right road to get the hammer down, the Q5 fits in perfectly with the road ahead thanks to independent suspension and a five-link axle with a front track rod, aluminium link subframe and tubular anti-roll bar at the front & rear. As I said before, the Q5 comes with that wonderful Quattro on-demand system that is designed to switch between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive in a fraction of a second by monitoring driving dynamics, road
conditions and driver behaviour. Of course, if you want to take the Q5 to a place where speed limits don’ t matter – then the Quattro system will be ready and on-demand to help you engage your inner demon.
Design & Technology Equipment highlights include; Dual-circuit brake system, Antilock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution( EBD) Electronic Differential Lock( EDL) Traction Control( ASR) Electronic Stabilisation Control( ESC). Then we move onto the inside. For a start off, there is now more headroom, legroom and cabin space on the inside compared to the previous model. Plus, Audi has used premium materials on the inside of the Q5 and nothing looks cheaply made.
Then there are the controls that are set out to be as ergonomic as possible and have that quality feel to them throughout the interior. Some of the standard equipment includes; 19” x 8.0J‘ 5-twin-spoke star’ design, diamond cut finish alloy wheels, S line exterior body styling, LED headlights with Q signature design, LED rear lights and dynamic indicators, Front Sport seats with‘ S’ embossed logo in leather / Alcantara, Inlays in Matt brushed aluminium, high multi-function 3-spoke leather steering wheel with grips in perforated leather. Gear-lever knob in black perforated leather, Illuminated door sill trims with‘ S’ logo, privacy glass, contrast stitching on seats, steering wheel and gear lever gaiter. Plus, 4-way electric lumbar support, LED Interior Lighting Pack, MMI Navigation( SD card-based), Audi Connect Infotainment Services Plus( 3-month trial – then 36-month subscription is available to purchase as part of the Technology Pack) I could go on, but I have run out of space and my editor will be pulling his hair out if I don’ t stop writing.
To sum up: The new Q5 is a brilliant car – but what makes it stand out from the rest, is its ability to look good and drive even better. I wouldn’ t rule out taking a look at the Audi Q5 in the future because it has some great features along with a good chassis and a firm sense of reliability on its side.
Price from: £ 39,405 tony @ yatesmedia. co. uk
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