THE SMART ONE OF THE FAMILY
The all-purpose Q5 and its sporty SQ5 sibling pack clever engineering that future Audis will share
The cavalry has arrived for Audi with the appearance in dealerships this month of its second-generation Q5.
The mid-sized SUV has been a star performer for the brand since its launch in 2009, outselling the opposition until the recent arrival of newer, shinier metal in the form of Mercedes-Benz’s GLC, Porsche’s Macan, BMW’s X3 and even its own smaller Q3.
We sampled the diesel version of the Q5 back in April, but the two petrol-powered variants — including the sporty SQ5 — have just arrived.
Entry prices have risen by $2300 to $65,900 before on-roads, although Audi values the extra kit at $4000. Most buyers are expected to stump up an extra $5000 to get the “Sport” trim — the only specification available on the petrol model which starts at $73,211.
Lighter and more efficient, the Q5 doesn’t look greatly different from its predecessor but product planner Peter Strudwicke says the SUV is the right size for most families.
In European crash testing, the Q5 earns five stars thanks to eight airbags, drowsy driver warning, cross traffic alert for reversing out of parking spaces, blind-spot warning and semiautomated parking. Upgrades include autonomous emergency braking up to 85km/h and an exit warning to prevent “dooring” cyclists or hitting other vehicles.
The cabin is generous with excellent rear legroom and ample space for shoulders and heads. Boot space expands by 10L to 550L, more than enough to swallow a week’s groceries or two large suitcases plus smaller bags.
Commonsense prevails with dual cupholders front and back plus bottle storage in each door. The console gives USB/auxiliary access and there are ample spots for phones, keys and other gear. The touch controls take some initial analysis but you soon find your way intuitively around them.
“Design” spec brings leather trim, 40-20-40 split-fold seats, 18-inch alloys, electric tailgate with gesture control ( just kick below the boot to open), seven-inch colour screen with satnav and three-zone climate control.
Spend the extra on “Sport” models and pick up 20-inch alloys, radar cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, larger infotainment screen and 10-speaker audio, plus Audi’s customisable digital driver display.
ON THE ROAD
The undoubted star of the range is the SQ5 (red example), which manages to fulfil family duties with little compromise in performance.
The new turbo V6 (260kW/500Nm) delivers plenty of punch, though it is marginally slower than the previous variant.
It still propels the car from rest to 0-100km/h in less than six seconds, though, and there’s a lovely burble from the engine at start-up and in dynamic mode.
Among the big gains are enhanced feel through the steering wheel. The SQ5 maintains its outstanding ability and, weighing in 130kg lighter than its predecessor, it grips, accelerates and corners like a passenger car.
Combine that with such lavish finishes as Nappa leather trim with diamond stitching on the seats, matt brushed aluminium cabin inlays, acoustic glass to reduce cabin noise, adaptive dampers, bigger brakes and sports suspension.
Engineering smarts are at the heart of the Q5. Operating predominantly in front-wheel drive, the Q5 uses two clutches (one in front of the prop shaft, another in the rear diff ) to ensure all-wheel drive is engaged only when the terrain, acceleration or slippage demand, in a process that takes milliseconds.
The driver needs to do nothing as up to 100 per cent of torque can be sent to either end to maintain grip. This set-up will become commonplace on nearly all future Audis.
On the open road the Q5 is whisper-quiet with only a hint of tyre rumble and wind intrusion on coarse-chip roads from Melbourne, through the Grampians and South Australia’s southeastern corner.
The Q5 shares underpinnings with the A4 and A5 and thanks to engineering that sheds up to 90kg, it feels more nimble and the engines are more efficient than the outgoing model.
Previous Audi generations had light steering, which had a tendency to lack feedback — but this new breed feels more dynamic and capable.