8 February 2011
Audi have seen huge growth in recent years. In 2008 Audi AG sold over 1 million vehicles worldwide and it's no coincidence they are now New Zealand's best selling luxury brand. New product released by Audi in recent years continues to lift the game.
Having been leaders in all-wheel drive technology for many years with their Quattro system, Audi only entered the luxury SUV sector in 2005 with the Q7. Downsizing a little with the Q5 launched this week, Audi add another string to an impressively strong bow.
Already an award winner in Europe having collected the Golden Steering Wheel Award in the SUV category, Audi becomes the most successful brand ever in the history of the Golden Steering Wheel Award with the Q5 being the 17th vehicle carrying the 4 ring logo to win.
The Q5 is a sporty, versatile SUV based on the A4 platform adapted for off-road application.
Two engines are offered, both diesel. Currently available is a 3.0 litre TDI, with a 2.0 litre TDI engine to be available in New Zealand from April 2009.
Both engines are mated to a magnificent new 7 Speed dual clutch transmission designed in-house. Gearshifts are astonishingly smooth and changes are completed in a few hundredths of a second.
The new transmission has been configured to increase the wheelbase so body overhang is reduced, providing outstanding on-road stability and excellent off-road performance. Climbing ability of 31 degrees and angles of approach and departure of 25 degrees are achieved.
The 40:60 power distribution between front and rear is delivered via a permanent Quattro system which produces a slightly rear biased sporty characteristic.
Audi have introduced the Bosche Plus stabilisation system for the first time in an off-road application and a number of new functions are incorporated.
The system can detect if a roof rack is fitted and can compensate for the higher centre of gravity. Trailer stabilisation will apply appropriate braking in the event a trailer become unstable and a brake drying function is incorporated.
For off road use, the ESP and ABS system operate in tandem, using special mapping characteristics allowing maximum traction. Hill descent is standard across the range and makes driving down steep slopes safer by holding the speed at below 30km/h.
The 3.0 TDI delivers 176kW at 4000rpm and 500Nm of torque at 1500 to 3000 rpm. The 2.0 litre TDI delivers 125kW and 350Nm at 1750 - 2500rpm. Both engines are turbocharged, direct injection units. An average fuel consumption of 7.5 litres per 100km is quoted for the 3.0 TDI.
Styling is typical Audi with an elegant low roof contour giving the Q5 the sportiest proportions in its category. A drag coefficient of just 0.33 also represents the best in its class. The tailgate and bonnet are made from lightweight aluminium.
The ride is comfortable, firm but not at all hard.
Performance for the 3.0 TDI we drove is outstanding, taking the Q5 from standstill to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 225km/h.
Crammed with creature comforts, there is an MP3 compatible 6 Stack CD player, ipod, iphone and USB stick connectivity.
Optional equipment includes an MMI navigation system with a 3D mapping feature. Although 3D is not yet offered by New Zealand mapping providers, Audi say they will supply the upgraded software once it is available here.
Also available as an option is adaptive cruise control, an excellent proactive system which maintains a safe following distance when slower traffic is encountered.
While both of these options are desirable, they each add around $5,500 to the price tag, so another $11,000 if you tick both boxes.
Audi claim that the Q5 creates a new market segment, which isn't strictly true as at least a couple of competitors offer luxury compact SUV's. But it does take the category to more sporty levels and as the new kid on the block the Q5 offers the most up to date, technically advanced, comfortable and stylish package and rewards the most discerning of drivers.
Pricing
- 2.0 TDI $79,500
- 2.0 TDI S Line $86,500
- 3.0 TDI $99,500
- 3.0 TDI S Line $106,500