Q5 offers increased value
AUDI’S market-leading Q5 SUV underwent a significant product update, inside and out, as well as under the bonnet and was released to Australian buyers late last year.
The visual changes are subtle, yet important, sharpening the overall look of the popular Q5 so that the front end appears lower and wider, while the high-gloss black grille now takes on a revised singleframe design.
The entry-level four-cylinder models offer customers a substantial increase in equipment.
Despite the addition of more than $6500 worth of features, there is no price increase.
Electric front seats with lumbar support, 18-inch alloy wheels, convenience key, Audi drive select, tyre pressure monitor and hill-hold assist are just some of the additional features that now come standard with an entry-level Q5.
The six-cylinder models also benefit from an upgrade in standard equipment, with the addition of MMI navigation plus, rear reversing camera, electric passenger seat, the convenience of a memory package (seats and side mirrors), Audi drive select, tyre pressure monitor and hill-hold assist.
This represents more than $7000 in extra value for the customer.
The optional LED daytime running lights form an elegant trapezoidal around the contour of the headlight unit, and at the rear, the diffuser has been redesigned and the twin tailpipes have been flattened at the bottom.
Under the bonnet of the Audi Q5, the engineers have been hard at work.
The new electromechanical steering offers drivers greater precision, as well as fuel economy savings.
When driving along a straight road, the new system bears no load on the engine, which can save up to 0.3l/100km.
Showcasing technology from the Audi modular efficiency platform, all engines in the Audi Q5 range come fitted with start/stop technology as standard to save fuel.
All engines also utilise turbocharged or supercharged forced induction systems to deliver the kind of sporty performance expected of an Audi, along with efficiency gains of up to 15 per cent.
There are still two petrol and two diesel engines in the line up though.
These include the entry level 2.0-litre turbo diesel, the top of the range 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol.
Both TDI diesel engines are fitted with the sporty seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission, while both TFSI petrol engines are equipped with a smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission.
Suspension settings in the new Audi Q5 have also been revised to enhance ride comfort.
Subtle changes have also been made to the interior with the addition of more chrome and a restyled steering wheel the most noticeable.
The buttons surrounding the centre console mounted dial, which controls the dash mounted multimedia screen, are now silver.
Storage capabilities have been enhanced with the addition of shallow storage bins under the front seats.
For convenience the rear tailgate is now electrically operated.
Comfort has been thought of too with the entry level 2.0-litre TDI gaining electric adjustment and lumbar support in the driver’s seat.
The interior has retains the previous Q5’s clever touches, such as sliding rear seats to maximise space in the boot.
Safety remains at eight airbags, although a suite of electronic driver aids including lane-diversion warnings and active cruise control (that includes a low-speed collision avoidance system) are now available at a cost.