Deutsche delight
More stylish and powerful than before, the latest version of the Audi Q5 showcases the best of German engineering, says Joshua David Luther
The new Audi Q 5 has not only under gone a style transformation, but is also slightly more powerful than its predecessor. The designers have moved away from the straight line scheme and introduced ad ash of curves to lend more attitude to this SUV. The side profile features a prominent belt line that has a flowing and curvy design. The silhouette has a gradual and gentle slope backward and ends inane at and curve at the back. There ar LED lamps come with dynamic turn indicators accompanied by a sophisticated design.
The façade of the new Q5s ports mo dish LED head lamps with an eat-looking DR L design. The single-frame grille is reminiscent of theo neon the Q 7. The front also gets large air intake sand has ample plastic cl adding all around. Adding to the but ch appeal of the SUV are bold and pronounced wheel arch es with bulky 235/60 R 18 ty res, which enhance the vehicle’ s on-road presence.
Audi has also furnished the interiors with beige leather and leatherette upholstery. The beige colour scheme goes well with the wooden inlays that set all around the cabin. Some striking features that will set the Q5 apart from the herd include Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a threezone climate control with an individual zone for rear seat occupants, and the Audi phone box with inductive charging.
Other features include electric ally-adjustable driver( with memory function) and co-passenger seats, interior mirror with an auto dim ming function, MM I control with touch pad, voice control, navigation and multiple connectivity options. The Audi Q 5 also get san electric boot release and boot lid closing function. The new Q5 also features a 21.08- cm MM I monitor that is a fixed unit. It also doubles up as a parking camera.
The car comes with a massive panoramic sun roof that makes the cabin feel roomy. Rear seat occupants can also get a manual roll-up blind. The boot space offered on the Q5 starts at 550 litres and can be extended up to 1,550 litres with the rear seats down. The rear seat back also has a standardised three-way split.
The new Audi Q 5 is powered by a two-lit re, four-cylinder turbo diesel T DI mill that churns out a solid 400 Nm of torque and 190 hp of power. The engine is now 8 percent more powerfuland 20 percent more efficient with a claimed fuel efficiency of 17 km/ lit re. The engine renders it speak torque low in the range at 1,750 rpm. This goes up to 3,000 rpm and then caters to a peppy surge when you floor it. Peak power comes in at 3,800 rpm and goes up to 4,200 rpm.
Audi has claimed that the new Q5 can touch a top speed of 218 kmph, and that it can accelerate to 100 kmph from standstill in 7.9 seconds. The DCT is also quite smooth while ambling at lower speeds and is responsive when you want to get going.
The suspension leans to the softer side and takes care of most undulations quite well. The quattro setup ensures good control no matter what conditions you are driving in. Even at high speeds, the Q5 holds well to the road and displays the best of German engineering while tackling corners. Braking is facilitated with an all-disc brake set-up; the brakes are crisp and accurate.