Jamaica Gleaner

Audi Q5 TDI

Audi Jamaica presents the all-new

- Vehicle provided by ATL Automotive Ltd, 1876-754-0013. Email: sales@atlautomot­ive.com.

THE Q5, which is in the premium category, combines the sportiness of an Audi Saloon with a multifacet­ed character and the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine. The brand is trying to add as much versatilit­y as possible for its customers. Given that this mid-size SUV bracket is loaded with formidable contenders like the BMW X5 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Audi Jamaica is pricing the Q5 competitiv­ely at a starting price of $8.4 million.

It’s being launched in Jamaica for the first time with the powerful 2.0 TDI S-tronic (190bph) engine, with fuel consumptio­n being significan­tly less than its petrol competitor­s.

The new diesel SUV from Audi takes a sporty and taut stance on the street. A sculptural­ly flared single-frame grille dominates its aerodynami­cally flat front end. Plus, it’s available with headlights that are either in Xenon, LED or highresolu­tion Matrix LED technology with dynamic turn lights.

TYPICAL AUDI: REFERENCE TO THE QUATTRO DRIVE

Visually, it looks elegant and classy as a distinctiv­ely curved and strongly undercut shoulder line gives structure to the side view. The strongly emphasised wheel arches are a reference to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, and the low greenhouse tapers back down early.

Just as at the front, horizontal lines at the rear convey an image of width and presence. The tail lights are also available with optional dynamic turn signals. The tailgate wraps around the C-pillars, a typical feature of the Q models from Audi. At the base, a diffuser insert integrates the exhaust tailpipes.

SPACIOUS AND WIDE: THE INTERIOR

The horizontal­ly oriented lines of the interior underscore the impression of width and comfort, and a three-dimensiona­l trim strip runs across the entire width of the instrument panel. To further personalis­e things, the new interior offers customers a broad selection of colours and materials.

There is also, three-zone climate

control, allowing driver and front and rear passengers to adjust the temperatur­e of the AC to their specific liking.

A three-spoke multifunct­ion steering wheel is standard with accented chrome finish. It also comes with mounted controls, which take a little while to get used to. However, they are quite effective as they give access to the infotainme­nt system and fuel consumptio­n informatio­n, among other things.

When it is dark, the optional ambient lighting, standard with design selection, creates an attractive atmosphere in 30 different colours.

The rear seat of the new Audi Q5 TDI is split into three segments and can be put down from a lever in the trunk for expanded storage space. Depending on the rear-seat position, the basic volume of the luggage compartmen­t ranges from 550 to 610 litres (19.4 to 21.5 cu ft), which is 10 litres more than in the previous model. SIMPLY COHERENT: CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS

Operation of the Audi SUV is intuitive and is marked by three great new features. The optional Audi virtual cockpit presents brilliant graphics on its high-resolution 12.3-inch screen. The driver can choose from two views, a classic view with large, round instrument­s and a mode in which the navigation map or lists dominate.

The Multi Media Interface (MMI) terminal in the centre console acts as the main control element. In the top infotainme­nt system is the MMI navigation, plus an 8.3-inch display. All this can be controlled by a touchpad, which is also integrated into the rotary push button.

It recognises handwritte­n entries, as well as gestures such as pinching your fingers to zoom in. If the new Q5 has an automatic transmissi­on, it also has the larger MMI all-in-touch, including haptic feedback. HIGH-END OPTION:

THE INFOTAINME­NT MODULES

The optional Audi phone box connects smartphone­s to the vehicle’s antenna for optimal reception quality. It also charges smartphone­s inductivel­y according to the Qi standard.

The Bang and Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound introduces the spatial dimension of height. Something that’s a bit tricky to explain but it makes music sound crisp and powerful.

In addition, there is a smartphone interface

‘The Multi Media Interface (MMI) terminal in the centre console acts as the main control element. In the top infotainme­nt system is the MMI navigation, plus an 8.3-inch display.’

which incorporat­es Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

VERSATILE AND EFFICIENT: DRIVETRAIN

The drivetrain of the mid-size SUV has been redevelope­d from the ground up. This also applies to all transmissi­ons, including the sevenspeed S tronic. Additional­ly, the automatic transmissi­on integrates a fuel-saving freewheel function.

The driver can now control gear selection via the all-new gear lever or the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. In both cases, the control signals are transmitte­d electronic­ally.

The new Audi SUV comes from the factory with 17-inch alloy wheels. The design and sport equipment lines come with 18-inch wheels, and the full S line sport package and Audi design selection come with 19 to 20-inch wheels.

 ?? PHOTO BY KAREEM LATOUCHE ?? The Q5 competes with the BMW X5 and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
PHOTO BY KAREEM LATOUCHE The Q5 competes with the BMW X5 and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
 ??  ?? Audi’s signature flat-bottom steering wheel.
Audi’s signature flat-bottom steering wheel.
 ??  ?? Audi boast their all-wheel drive Quattro system.
Audi boast their all-wheel drive Quattro system.
 ??  ?? The new Audi Q5 TDI comes with an electronic park brake reflection located behind the gear lever.
The new Audi Q5 TDI comes with an electronic park brake reflection located behind the gear lever.
 ?? PHOTOS BY KAREEM LATOUCHE ?? The 8.3-inch Multi Media interface display.
PHOTOS BY KAREEM LATOUCHE The 8.3-inch Multi Media interface display.

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