Audi Q5. Replenishment

 

Audi Q5. Price: from €38,300*. On sale: since December 2008

The solid and large Audi Q7 has a younger relative — the Q5 crossover. Despite its very young age, this "little one" moves briskly through space and unquestioningly obeys its elders

Again, a loud premiere is in the spotlight. A completely new compact SUV, the Q5, appears in the Audi model range. It is noteworthy that this is already the fifth debut in this class recently. Marketing specialists find a simple explanation for this: demand for such cars is steadily increasing and will grow at least until 2015. This means the consumer will get a new SUV, and other models in the same segment will surely follow.

The wheelbase of the Audi Q5 is 2.81 m — this is the best indicator among classmates. Thanks to this solution, the crossover can boast a fairly spacious interior. For an additional fee, a sliding rear seat is offered for the five-seat car, which moves longitudinally by 100 mm. By the way, the front passenger seat, at the customer's request, can have a folding backrest, allowing you to transport fishing rods, skis, boards, and other long items. Even in the base version, the rear seat backrests are adjustable for angle and can also fold completely. For this, you won't have to look for hidden buttons or turn intricate handles. In the trunk, there is just one lever with a remote drive; one touch to it — and the backrests, as if by magic, lower onto the sofa cushion in a second. One — and done. This scheme, previously seen on Japanese cars, instantly increases the trunk volume from 540 to 1560 liters. Agree, this is both convenient and practical.

Even if you remove all Audi emblems and inscriptions from the interior, hiding the newcomer's origin still won't work. Signs of pedigree are visible everywhere: aluminum, wood, leather, and, of course, Alcantara. The ergonomics of the driver's seat deserve special praise. Just look at the instrument panel, turned toward the driver.

Unlike many mass brands, Audi offers several powertrains for its crossover at once. First, the two-liter four-cylinder TFSI deserves attention, combining such advanced solutions as turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and the innovative Audi valvelift valve control system. The power of this engine is 211 hp, which provides acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The crossover's maximum speed is a solid 222 km/h. The main feature is that with such outstanding dynamic characteristics, the average fuel consumption, which is not cheap nowadays, does not exceed 8.5 liters per 100 km. Those who are not afraid to break stereotypes will surely like the curious two-liter diesel with a Common Rail system. Its power is 170 hp. At a maximum speed of 204 km/h, acceleration to 100 km/h takes 9.5 seconds.

Those who want a more powerful diesel should take a closer look at the real "beast" — the 3.0 TDI V6 with 240 hp. This means that the coveted 100 km/h Q5 reaches in just 6.5 seconds, and the speed ceiling occurs at 225 km/h. And although diesel now costs like 95-octane gasoline, you will have to stop at the gas station infrequently. The average diesel fuel consumption is 7.7 liters.

The topic of fuel economy in Audi is one of the key ones. Technologies that seemed fantastic yesterday are imperceptibly entering our lives. For example, in the Q5, the engine warms up faster than in other cars. This is achieved by turning off part of the cooling system circuit in the first minutes after starting the engine. In addition, the crossover recovers energy during braking and coasting phases. The generator converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is stored in the battery. During acceleration, the battery gives the energy back.

In 2009, the most powerful gasoline version with a 3.2 FSI engine with a volume of 3197 cm3 will hit the market. This unit, producing 270 hp, accelerates the Q5 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. The maximum speed is 232 km/h. We honestly admit: we were unable to test the Q5 off-road. The route that the organizers laid out in the vicinity of Spanish Valencia did not include sections without asphalt. Therefore, we cannot judge the newcomer as an SUV. Well, we'll do that when the car appears in Russia. But we can fully tell about the debutant's behavior on the highway.

If you try to briefly characterize the new crossover, it should be called fast and perfectly controlled. We thank the 240-horsepower diesel for the speed. But it should not rest on its laurels alone. It is also worth noting the new seven-speed S tronic gearbox. In automatic mode, the transmission, as if at a low start, always keeps the Sport mode ready.

Not a copy, but an original
The exterior of the Q5 is made in the traditional restrained-aggressive style for Audi. Moreover, the newcomer is almost unlike its older brother Q7, for which we give it a special thanks. Recently, some manufacturers allow themselves to produce almost identical cars of different sizes. The only noticeable similarity can be considered the shape of the trunk lid, which extends onto the sides of the body. At the front, the branded Singleframe radiator grille immediately catches the eye, leaving no doubt about the relationship with other representatives of the Audi family.

Driving
The car pleases with excellent dynamics and handling. Rolls are practically absent even during sharp lane changes.
  
Interior
The debutant's interior with excellent sound insulation is made in the usual Audi style. There is a lot of leather, aluminum, and wood.
   
Comfort
Those who did not play in the Olympic basketball team will be comfortable and cozy inside.
   
Safety
The car has 4 airbags, ABS, and EBD. ESP is not yet available for the model.
   
Price
The Russian price is not determined.
   

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Excellent dynamics and superb handling are the main trump cards of the Audi Q5.
- The main drawback can be considered the absence of the 3.2-liter FSI engine in the Russian program.

Technical specifications

Make and model - Audi Q5
Dimensions - 4629x1880x1653 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1984 cm3, 211 hp/4300–6000 rpm
Transmission - automatic, 7-speed
Dynamics - max 222 km/h; 7.2 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Mercedes-Benz GLK, BMW X3

Our opinion

The Audi Q5 will surely become a familiar inhabitant of large Russian cities. The successful launch of the first crossover Q7 in the history of the German company showed that our consumer is not confused by the manufacturer's lack of extensive experience in producing such cars. The credit of trust in Audi today is practically inexhaustible. And if so, strike while the iron is hot.