Used Audi Q5 review: 2009-2010

Audi has been the mover in the local prestige market for the past few years, steadily increasing its footprint by moving into every corner of the market frequented by the well-heeled among us. It began with a range of passenger cars, but it was only a matter of time before it sunk its teeth into the SUV market.

NEW

Audi has been the mover in the local prestige market for the past few years, steadily increasing its footprint by moving into every corner of the market frequented by the well-heeled among us. It began with a range of passenger cars, but it was only a matter of time before it sunk its teeth into the SUV market. The Q5 was its main strike SUV weapon.

It was a medium-sized SUV that was nicely priced to appeal to 'burb dwellers looking for a wagon with style and road presence. Under the four-door SUV wagon laid Audi's renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a choice of four petrol and diesel engines.

Apart from the aggressive Audi grille the styling was rather plain; the lines were clean, the shapes boxy. Open the door and you entered a roomy cabin with comfortable accommodation for five with heaps of creature comforts like compartments for wet of dirty items and drink holders for heating and cooling, as well as the usual things like air, cruise, power windows and mirrors, and great sound systems. There was also neat flexibility built into the cabin to make it more useful.

Not only was the cabin spacious, with great luggage space, you could fold the rear seat flat to create an even more sizable space for carrying stuff. With four engines in the range there was one for everyone, whatever your priority. For economy there was the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines, for performance there was the 3.2-litre V6 petrol, and for a combination of performance and economy there was the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel that would sprint to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and deliver 7.5 L/100 km between fuel stops.

There was just one transmission offered, that was a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, and the final drive was through all four wheels with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system. On the road the Q5 accelerated briskly, was smooth and flexible, and quiet and comfortable to ride in.

NOW

Now three years old the Q5 is coming off lease and moving into the sphere of the second hand buyers looking to own a prestige car at a discount price. A used Q5 can be had for the price of a new model from less prestige brands, like Honda, Nissan, Toyota etc., which can be an appealing prospect for many buyers.

The build quality of the Q5 is such that there is little to show for three years or so on the road, unless they've been hammered mercilessly for the first years of ownership will still be showing near new as they move into their new owners hands. While it's unlikely that they will have been mistreated it's still wise to make the usual checks for regular servicing and crook panel work.

When test driving a car for possible purchase drive it in as many situations as possible, low-speed crawl, high-speed freeway, fast acceleration, manoeuvring at walking speed etc. Listen for knocks and clunks from the suspension, also thoroughly check out the operation of the rather complex seven-speed auto transmission.

Walk away if you observe any glitch in its function. Drive around congestion areas, like schools, parking lots etc. and local roads and check for blind spots. Large pillars can often restrict your vision and block your view of pedestrians, cyclists and children. It should also be noted that the petrol versions of the Q5 require premium unleaded petrol, they also have large low-profile tyres that can be expensive to replace, and parts and servicing are relatively expensive.

SMITHY SAYS

As good as an SUV gets the Q5 is a first class choice for second hand buyers with cash to splash.

AUDI Q5 - 2009-2010

Price new: $59,990 to $71,990 
Engines: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 125 kW/ 350 Nm; 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, 155 kW/350 Nm; 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, 176 kW/500 Nm; 3.2-litre V6, 199 kW/330 Nm. 
Transmissions: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, AWD 
Economy: 6.8 L/100 km (2.0 TD), 8.5 L/100 km (2.0T), 7.5 L/100 km  (3.0TD), 9.3 L/100 km (3.2) 
Body: 4-door wagon Variants: 2.0 TDi, 2.0 TFSi, 3.0 TDi, 3.2 FSi 
Safety: 5-star ANCAP