The Audi Q5 3.0L TDi quattro S Tronic sits in a very competitive segment of the market. To keep up with newcomers and fresher offerings Audi revised the Q5 range in December 2012.
Step inside and the electrically adjustable leather seats (with a memory function for the driver), with four-way electric lumbar support are very comfortable. In front of the driver is a three spoke leather steering wheel with controls. The dash is typical Audi with two dials and multi function display in-between. Driving position is excellent.
Audi’s MMI navigation plus is the central media unit. Along with a DVD drive for entertainment, it contains a 60 GB hard drive for navigation, telephone and music data. A graphic processor from Audi joint venture partner Nvidia generates three-dimensional images in top quality.
The 7.0-inch monitor of the MMI navigation plus system is impressive with brilliant colours. The system’s voice control function lets the driver input city and street via voice commands and control telephone and music playback as well. The system is MP3 compatible and has a Bluetooth interface.
Rear seats are more suited for two people but have enough head, shoulder and knee room to be comfortable for most adults.
The luggage compartment of the Audi Q5 offers a basic capacity of 540 litres; its load sill height is only 69 cm, and as a result closes almost flush with the cargo floor. The extended cargo space offers 1,560 litres of capacity and a maximum load length of 170 cm. The rear bench seat offers up to 100 mm longitudinal adjustment, and it comes with a load-through hatch for cargo; it can be supplemented by an optional bag for skis and snowboards.
The Q5 V6 diesel produces 180 kW of power and 580 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. It accelerates the Q5 from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and to a top speed of 225 km/h. It has a combined fuel consumption of just 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 km, which is equivalent to 169 grams CO2 per km. This power is delivered through the sporty seven-speed dual-clutch Stronic transmission.
The quattro permanent four-wheel drive is standard. The central component in the drivetrain is the limited-slip center differential. In normal driving, it distributes 40 percent of engine power to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels. If wheel slip occurs, most of the power is shifted to the other axle – up to 70 percent can be shifted to the front and up to 85 percent to the rear.
Safety is provided by driver and front passenger airbags, seat occupancy detector for front passenger airbag; head airbags in the front and rear; side airbags for driver and front passenger, Dynamic Braking Lights, DSC incl. ABS, BA, CBC, DTC and HDC.
The Audi Q5 3.0L TDi is a stalwart in the market segment. The updates in December 2012 have helped keep the Q5 at the forefront. It certainly should be on your list as a AWD SUV with reasonable towing capacity.
What is good:
• Diesel’s power/economy
• Clever rear seats
• Safety
What’s not so good:
• Not suited to off road
• Expensive to buy and service
• Long and expensive options list
Model Audi Q5 3.0L TDi
Model Price $84,411 RDAP
Drivetrain quattro 7 Spd S Tronic
Power 180 Kw @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 580 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 169 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 3 ½ Star
Economy (ADR comb) 6.4 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 2400 kg
Tow Ball Rating 240 kg
Servicing TBC
Warranty 3yr/ unlimited km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 77/100
Behind the Wheel 7
Comfort 8
Equipment 8
Performance 8
Ride & Handling 9
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 8
Towing Ability 7
Off Road Ability 5
Value for Money 9
