Page 44 - RR-Issue-One

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You get a lot for your money with the new Audi Q5
THE new Audi Q5, in true Audi fashion, doesn’t
look a great deal different from the old Audi Q5
which I’m sure doesn’t worry the Audi accountants
very much as the Q5 has always sold well for Audi.
It is different though – for a start it’s lighter than
the older version by around 90kg, is a little more
accommodating inside, has uprated engines and
suspension and is now packed with more tech than
before meaning you get better toys to play with –
but again, in true Audi fashion, you’ll pay for them. and Individual), LED rear lights, side skirts and
Where you’ll really notice the difference is the
interior which, like the new A4 model, is clean,
functional and has a premium feel that rivals, like
Mercedes and Jaguar, struggle to better. It’s solidly
built and so easy to use you may wonder why all
interiors are not designed this way.
All Q5 models – with the exception of the 3.0-litre
diesel and range-topping S Q5 - come with Quat-
tro-on-demand which will instantly switch be-
tween two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive when
needed. The two-litre petrol and diesel models
also come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox,
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Driver Assistance systems that come as standard There is also a rear spoiler and privacy glass. The
include: Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, Park- sporty front seats are embossed with the ‘S’ logo
ing Assist, Keyless Go, Pre-sense City which uses and come in leather with Alcantara inserts.
a front-facing camera to warn the driver of any
imminent collision and can initiate emergency The steering wheel is badged and is also per-
braking if needed. Impressively, there is also Hill forated, as is the gear-lever knob. There is also
Descent Control – although I can’t see the major- contrasting stitching on the seats, steering wheel
ity of Q5 users taking advantage of this. and gear-lever gaiter while the pedals are in stain-
less steel. Prices are £41,085 for the diesel and
Step up to the Sport spec (from £39,135 OTR) and £42,150 for the petrol.
as well as some cosmetic enhancements to the ex-
terior you’ll get front Sports Seats in twin leather You get a lot for your money with the Audi but if
with four-way electric lumbar support, ambient you want more toys you can easily ramp up the
lighting, MMI Navigation and a three-month trial price – my model came with a staggering £11,000
of the Audi Connect Infotainment Services which worth of extras, but looking through the list I could
include 4G internet access, Google Earth and easily live without most of them and would only be
Google Street View, access to Google and Twitter, tempted by the £900 20in alloys which look fab.
weather, news and travel information. If you don’t get carried away with the long options
list, the new Audi Q5 takes some beating.
The S Line model (which I have been driving in its
TFSI form) adds 19in wheels, LED headlights, S VERDICT: *****
Line body enhancements such as front and rear
bumpers, side air inlets and diffuser.
so even in basic SE specification you’re already
ahead of some of the competition.
On the road prices start at £38,038 for the SE
with a 190 PS, 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, or you
can go with the 252 PS TFSI petrol for £39,100 if
you wish.
Either way, the list of standard kit is impres-
sive and includes: 18in alloys, Audi Drive Select
(Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency, Off-road
rear spoiler, aluminium roof rails, windscreen with
acoustic glazing, twin leather seats – front heated,
three-zone climate control, multi-function leather
steering wheel with paddles, 7in. Colour Driver’s
Information System and Smartphone Interface
which will allow you to use your smartphone’s
music, telephone and navigation apps through the
MMI display.
You also get a 10-speaker sound system which
includes a sub-woofer and six-channel amp with
a total output of 180 watts as well as Bluetooth,
USB, Aux, SD card interfaces and a voice-control
system.