2015 Audi Q5 Reviews

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI and Volvo XC60 D5 Teknik go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Another day, another SUV has popped up to give drivers the warm/fuzzy feeling they can get away from it all.Except in truth, there's every chance a 2WD utility with a limited-slip diff or a diff-lock could go as far off the beaten track - perhaps even further - than some of these prestige SUVs.I was prepared to be underwhelmed by the Q5, thinking it would be yet another Audi — and yet another compact SUV — with no real skills for either sealed or unsealed roads.Not that I doubt the efforts of the German marque, but the SUV brigade is becoming domesticated in the same way that service stations are now supermarkets that sometimes deign to sell fuel.We're in the 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol four-cylinder, with the S-tronic double-clutch gearbox.Design and packaging A shrunken Q7, the Q5 is handsome without being stunning but has a functional cabin full of features.As a family wagon there's much to like about the Q5 - for example, an automatic tailgate for the parent with arms full of child and/or groceries.The interior isn't hugely spacious but has enough room to accommodate parents, kids and trappings, and the driver has good vision (although the A-pillars are a little on the thick side).Equipment There’s a heap of equipment on offer, some of its even standard - a 6CD, 10-speaker sound system, climate control, dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, rain sensing wipers, an anti-glare centre rearvision mirror, stability and hill descent control and automatic headlights.The test car had plenty of options, including , 18in alloy wheels, adaptive dampers, hill holder, keyless access, powered front seats, satellite navigation system with 6CD chnager sound system and the Audi Music Interface (AMI) system, the electric tailgate, tri-zone climate control, tyre pressure monitoring system and Milano leather trim.Driving The double-clutch seven-speed gearbox has imperceptible cog changes - even when the car is in dynamic suspension mode, which alters the shift pattern as well as suspension - but the two-litre powerplant needs a proper prod of the sharp throttle pedal to get things underway.Low-speed work on inclines needs to be done carefully as the double-clutch gearboxes of Audi (and others) are as yet unable to read minds.Once up and well into the boost from the turbocharger, the two-litre engine keeps the Q5 humming along, without sucking large amounts of PULP in the process - we got 13.5 with some enthusiastic hill driving not doing it any favours.The other good news for the driver is the 40 front/60 rear torque split, something that's becoming more common in Audis, which helps counteract the nose-heavy nature of some of the models.The adaptive suspension, which offers acceptable ride quality in comfort mode, firms up considerably in auto mode, as does the steering effort.Dynamic mode takes the steering from heavy to very heavy, but the body control is good without completely destroying ride quality.Recent inclement weather through the Adelaide hills gave the Audi road conditions suited to showing off its handling and traction.Unsealed, rough back roads were dealt with easily - even with the ESP in off-road mode (it can't be turned completely off) the all-wheel drive wasn't phased by the conditions and the little wagon got from A to B in good time for dry conditions, let alone for the damp stormy weather it was enduring.Twisty bitumen - seasoned with moss, pine needles and the odd branch that succumbed to gales - was handled remarkably well, with dynamic mode keeping body roll in check and the willing engine providing decent pace.There's no shortage of choice in this segment and the Germans have ample representation - the Q5, even with the options list pushing the price up, is a talented machine that deserves consideration.Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI Price: from $59,900.Engine: two-litre DOHC 16-valve intercooled turbcharged direct-injection four-cylinder, requires 95RON.Transmission: dual-clutch seven-speed automated manual, quattro all-wheel drive, with self-locking centre differential.Power: 155kW between 4300 & 6000rpm.Torque: 350Nm between 1500 & 4200rpm.Performance: 0-100km/h 7.2 seconds. Top speed 222km/h.Fuel consumption: 8.5 litres/100km, on test 13.5 litres/100km, tank 75 litres.Emissions: 197g/km.Rivals BMW X3, from $62,200.Lexus RX350, from $82,900.Volkswagen Touareg, from $65,490.Volvo XC60, from $71,950. 

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.

These are expected to help it to cement an opening success for the model.The Q5 has topped compact SUV sales (against notable rivals like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60) in the two months since it arrived, with 150 per month driving out of showrooms, and “it will not take long before it is the leader in the segment,” says the Australian managing director Joerg Hofmann.DrivetrainsThe new arrivals are a smaller and more economical turbodiesel and a larger petrol unit.Slipping in under the current 176kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel, the 2.0-litre version develops substantially less output, with 25kW at 4200rpm and 350Nm between 1750-2500rpmbut makes up for that with an equally substantial improvement in fuel economy – 6.8L/100km claimed on a combined cycle compared to 7.5L/100 for the larger unit. However it takes 9.9 seconds to get to 100km/h, where the bigger oilburner (whose torque comes in a little lower at 1500rpm) manages it in a very respectable 6.5.Those concerned about bowser binge should pass over the new 3.2-litre V6 petrol, which asks a 9.3L/100km toll for its 199kW at 6500rpm and 330Nm between 3000-5000rpm, where the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder uses 8.5L to produce 155kW and 350Nm. However the V6 does give slightly better performance, with it reaching 100km/h in 6.9 seconds, compared to 7.2 for the smaller unit.All engines are mated to a twin-clutch seven-speed ‘S-tronic’ sequential transmission driving all four corners with Audi’s quattro system in a 40/60 split that can send up to 65 per cent of the torque to the front and up to 85 per cent to the rear. The double plate clutch allows preselection of the gears so there is no interruption to power in changes, which Audi says take place in 0.01 sec.Pricing and sales The Q5 starts with the 2.0 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI turbodiesel at $59,900, then there’s a jump to the $69,900 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol and a small hop to the 3.0 TDI at $71,900. However those are the basic prices without charges and duties, so check with your dealer for the accurate price.Audi is expecting to sell about 125 of the Q5 per month – or 1500 per year — with the four-cylinder petrol and diesel versions taking 70 per cent of the sales between them, and the 3.0-litre TDI grabbing 25 per cent of traffic with the V6 petrol appealing to just 5 per cent of buyers.Safety, fit-out and equipment There are six airbags, hill descent control among the safety list, but the highlightsis the stability program that can be switched from normal to off-road function, including a system that compensates for extra weight when it detects that the vehicle is carrying roof racks – although that compensation is automatic and adjustment is the same whether or not the racks are empty.Other standard goodies include leather seat trim, cruise control, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking alerts, automatic airconditiong, a multi-function steering wheel and 17” alloy footwear.However there is a substantial list of options to splash out on: adaptive suspension, panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, a 40GB multi-media entertainment and info system, power seat adjustment, a folding front seat to maximise space, even a heating and cooling double cupholder. But adding a couple of these will start blowing out the sticker price, and some of the features might have been expected as standard in a premium SUV.Driving There’s no doubt the direct-injected 3.2-litre V6 offers the better performance of the two new engines. It was nearly always a joy to play with, offering plenty of response as it crossed off every task on the list, with the seven-speed gearbox giving slick smooth changes from either the shifter or the F1-style steering wheel paddles, and great turn-in to encourage faster tossing around corners.The only time the combination failed to impress was launching off the line, which happened with a hesitation and lurch. This, coupled with oddly heavy steering, undermined an otherwise great report card.Car-like manners are helped by the better balance possible with the engine being placed a little further back in the chassis, and the behaviour is further tightened in the dynamic mode of the optional ‘Drive Select’ adjustable damper system. Putting the gadget into comfort mode lets a bit of wallow appear over bitumen swells. But even those who shell out the extra thousands for the system will probably end up settling for the middle automatic mode. And leaving it there.The 2.0-litre diesel, despite the help of a turbocharger, gave fairly competent performance that was at best unremarkable – and at worst had us burying our shoes in the carpet to encourage it up slopes.No surprise to find a superbly finished interior in the Q5 – it’s what you expect from Audi – but the wood accent in the V6 we tested was worth remarking on. We’re not big fans of dead tree trim, mostly because these days even the finest burl dies in vain to be lacquered to an extent that makes it indistinguishable from cheap plastic imitation. But the natural finish of the Q5’s ash inlays was a pleasure for eye and hand. Sure, it’s a minor feature, but it’s one that sums up the entire cabin finish: restrained, stylish and high quality.There’s plenty of space, and more to be had with rear seats that slide over 100mm in addition to folding 40:20:40, upping the Q5’s carrying versatility.The question becomes whether a fuel saving of 0.7L/100km is enough to drive you into the smaller diesel over the larger, and if a 0-100km/h gain of 0.3 seconds is enough to lure you into the larger petrol over the smaller one. Of the four, on paper it’s still looking like the 3.0-litre diesel, which is faster than the V6 petrol, should turn out to be the star.But despite doubt over those queries, there’s none about the question of whether or not the Q5 has the goods to challenge its rivals.Audi Q5 Price: from around $59,900 (check with your dealer for accurate final pricing)Engines: 2.0L/4-cylinder turbodiesel 125kW/350Nm; 2.0L/4-cylinder turbo petrol 155kW/350Nm; 3.0L/V6 turbodiesel 176kW/500Nm; 3.2L/V6 199kW/330Nm direct injected petrolTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic autoPerformance: 0-100km/h: 9.9 secs (2.0 TDI); 7.2 secs (2.0 TFSI); 6.5 secs (3.0 TDI); 6.9 secs (3.2 FSI)Economy: 6.8L/100km (2.0 TDI); 8.5L/100km (2.0 TFSI); 7.5L/100km (3.0 TDI); 9.3L/100km (3.2 FSI)

The kiddie down the street gets a new toy and the one closer to home wants one as well.It matters not a jot that they don't really need one — after all, the toy box is pretty full. Lots of shiny new toys in there already.Still, what can you do? Can't let the neighbours get away in the `who's got what’ stakes, so a new toy it is.Audi's is called the Q5 ... and you've got to say, it's pretty impressive.The little brother of the rather more imposing — and environmentally insensitive — Q7 is aimed squarely at BMW's X3, Volvo’s XC60 and, to some degree, even at its little cousin, the VW Tiguan.What is certain is that it is going to hit plenty of hot buttons, from size to styling to performance. If you can afford it, are married, aged around 45 and very internet savvy Audi is looking for you."The Q5 is an expansion of the product range to an area where we haven't been before," Audi Australia's general manager for marketing, Immo Buschman, says. "It is progressive and sporty with a lot of technology which has flowed down from the A6 and A8 (sedans)."It is a summary of a lot of different aspects — safety, design, performance, technology ..."Drivetrains and pricingThe Q5 arrives with an engine range of four — two petrol, two diesel, two four-cylinders, two V6s with a price spread from $59,900 to $71,900.Immediately available are the four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI at $59,900 (the similarly-priced 2.0 TDI will arrive in about a month) and the sweet 3.0 TDI at $71,900.The petrol 3.2-litre V6 FSI will be in showrooms around the same time as the 2.0-litre diesel and will start at $69,900.Audi is expecting to sell around 1500 Q5s in a full year with 70 per cent of the sales split between the two four-cylinder models while the 3.0-litre diesel is predicted to account for 25 per cent of traffic and the V6 petrol a mere 5 per cent.The pricing is purely indicative because if you want to add the extra bling to your new toy it is going to cost you. Even metallic paint is an eye-watering $1900.Optional featuresThe cars as tested on the launch driver were bristling with options. Our 3.0 TDI model was pumped with features like the $6200 Multi Media Interface with Audi Music Interface (that's a 40 gigabyte hard drive which will hold 10,000 songs as long as they aren't i-tunes or from a commercial CD because those files are protected and can't be downloaded), Xenon headlights at $2283, the adaptive suspension and steering package at $5215 ... that lifts the basic $71,900 car well into the $80,000-range and that's just for starters. Throw in some bigger wheels, adaptive cruise control, lane and side assist, reversing camera and a folding front seat and six-figures here we come.You can perform a similar inflation exercise with the four-cylinder models.The real shame is that while all the bells and whistles are nice there was no way of telling from the launch drive just how good a basic drive-away model may be.The suspicion is that with A4 underpinnings, quattro all-wheel drive and a cabin trim comparable to anything we have come to expect from Audi there wouldn't be a lot to dislike.Driving As to what we could experience ... well, BMW had best look to their laurels, this is no longer a one-horse race.Not only has the XC60 come out to play, the Q5 will lay seige to the high ground BMW's X3 has previously enjoyed almost unchallenged.Slip into the Q5's cabin — an easy task given the car's high ride and ample room — and it is immediately obvious that there is nothing nasty and SUV-ish lurking nearby.It is all very ... well, very Audi. All the necessaries are there, they are all nicely trimmed and well positioned and everything feels nice and rich.What the Q5 does do is make the most of the space there is. The rear-seats slide back and forward over a 100mm range for extra legroom or extra luggage space, the seats fold in a 40:20:40 split to meet almost any luggage-lugging requirements and even the front seat — for an optional $350 — will fold flat to allow an extra-long load.On the move the 3.0-litre diesel is the stand-out winner. The strong, silent type — great mid-range urge and as quiet as some less-refined petrol types.Ride on the adaptive suspension ranges from firm to really, really firm — sort of uncomfortable unless you are setting out to toss the car through some really twisty roads.Do that and the dynamic setting on the suspension makes a lot of sense. It not only focuses the attention of the dampers but sparks the seven-speed double-clutch auto into life as well.Body roll is minimal, the Q5 turns in happily with minimum disruption and a whole bag of grip — it will even allow for little mid-corner corrections with getting all fussy and unsettled.Steering feel is initially quite heavy, to an artificial degree, and while not particularly communicative there is enough feedback to instill confidence that where you point you will go.During the launch drive Audi set the cars over around 35kms of broken bush track strewn with loose rocks, moderate washouts and plenty of loose gravel. There was little that could be called real off-road driving but it was enough to show that the Q5 is not going to blush at the prospect of getting that out-of-the-way picnic spot or out to the farm.Traction and stability control are switchable to a more tolerant off-road setting which allows for a little necessary slip on softer surfaces.Our run over the rough surfaces, at a fairly descent clip, had little effect on the 3.0-litre diesel although on the previous day two of the cars had failed to proceed with what is believed to be hydraulic leaks in the steering.Audi is still investigating the cause.Price: from $59,900 to $71,900Engine: 2.0L/4-cylinder turbo diesel 125kW/350Nm; 2.0L/4-cylinder turbo 155kW/350Nm; 3.0L/V6 turbo diesel 176kW/500Nm; 3.2L/V6 199kW/330NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic autoEconomy: 6.8L/100km (2.0 TDI); 8.5L/100km (2.0 TFSI); 7.5L/100km (3.0 TDI); 9.3L/100km (3.2 FSI)

The eagerly awaited five-seater joins its larger sibling the Q7, looking not unexpectedly like a smaller version of that wagon.Following close on the heels of Volvo's new XC60, it will compete in the rapidly expanding, mid-sized, premium soft road segment — a segment until recently dominated by BMW's X3.Priced from $59,900, Q5 comes to market with a choice of four engines, all teamed with Audi's new 7-speed S tronic automated manual (the equivalent of VW's acclaimed DSG twin clutch box).Two engines will be available initially — a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four and 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, with a 2.0-litre diesel and 3.2-litre petrol V6 to come.With low fuel consumption, the 2.0-litre diesel avoids luxury car tax and will be priced the same as the four cylinder petrol model, with the 3.2-litre V6 $69,900 and 3.0-litre diesel $71,900.Audi launched the Q5 this week in the dry but beautiful Snowy Mountains where we were able to drive the cars over a combination of dirt and bitumen roads, with some light off road stuff thrown in.Originally, it had been planned to drive the cars across continent, as the company did with Q7, but in the current financial climate the plans were reluctantly shelved.The Q5 came though with flying colours, with ride and handling that is more like a car than a four-wheel drive.It is aimed at well heeled buyers who like to get out and about but have no need for a third row of seats.Q5 is 4.63m long, 1.88m wide and 1.65m high, with the longest wheelbase in the segment.With 200mm of ground clearance, it is underpinned by Audi's trademark Quattro all-wheel drive system, which is a fulltime system with a 60 per cent bias towards the rear wheels.Considering its 1740kg bulk, performance even from the entry level four cylinder petrol engine was surprisingly strong.It's the same turbocharged four that will power VW's new GTI, with power up from 147 to 155kW, but torque pegged at 350Nm.With direct fuel injection, it features Audi's new valvelift system (AVS) which varies valve lift for increased power output and optimum fuel economy.The dash from 0 to 100km/h takes 7.2 seconds with fuel economy a claimed 8.5 litres/100km.The 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel features third generation common rail technology, delivering 176kW and 500Nm of torque from 1500rpm.The diesel feels heavier in the front but can still dispatch the dash in just 6.5 seconds, at a rate of 7.5 litres/100km.The cars we drove were equipped with variable suspension and some with variable steering too — both of which are optional.The steering is responsive and handling is sharp, with plenty of grip from the 18in 235/60 Bridgestone rubber, allowing the car to be pushed hard with confidence.It's a PR nightmare when something goes wrong on a launch and as Murphy's law would have it the power steering failed on two vehicles within minutes of each other after a section of off road.Audi is yet to identify the cause of the failure, but the two vehicles were immediately shipped back to base for a thorough inspection.Other than that, the Q5 performed impeccably.The stability control system cannot be turned off entirely, but has a special off road setting that attenuates braking and engine intervention to provide maximum traction.The stability system can even compensate for the weight of a luggage pod fitted to the roof bars.Inside the car is finished to the usual high Audi standard, with a rear seat that slides 100mm and splits 40:20:40, with a front passenger seat that folds down to accept longer loads.With 540 litres of luggage space, it has the largest load carrying capacity in its class.It is equipped with a space saver spare wheel.The Q5 can be optioned with a host of accessories including a sophisticated entertainment and navigation system complete with 40Gb hard drive.Standard equipment includes a 180 watt 10- speaker sound system, but Bluetooth and iPod connectivity remain optional.

It may be a latecomer, but Audi is taking no prisoners when it launches its mid-sized luxury soft-roader here next year. The stylish five-seat Q5, baby brother of the seven-seat Q7, will tackle the BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Land Rover Freelander in the premium SUV market.Audi is confident it can garner 1000 sales a year for its new coupe-styled quattro SUV. If it succeeds, that will make the Q5 the fourth best-selling model in the brand's Australian line-up behind the A4, A3, and Q7.Audi makes no apologies for the Q5's late timing which, until now, had given BMW a free hit at the premium market, saying it wanted to establish its core vehicles such as the A3, A4, A6 and TT before concentrating on niche models.Should BMW be unduly worried about this newcomer? Based on our brief taste test the answer is clearly yes because it beats the X3 in several key areas, including value for money.Audi will initially launch the permanent all-wheel drive Q5 in April with one level of equipment, one automatic transmission and four fuel-efficient engines two diesels andtwo petrol. Final pricing hasn't been worked out but the start-up price is expected to be just over $60,000 and spread to about $80,000. Other versions of the Q5, such as the sporty S-Line, will come later next year.Standard equipment across the four variants will be comprehensive, including eight air bags, full leather upholstery, hill-descent control, airconditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear park assist, LED running lights, six-stack six-speaker premium sound system, central locking, an electromechanical parking brake, cruise control and alloy roof rails.But the options list is just as longand includes Audi's Dynamic Steering system (standard on the V6 petrol version) and Drive Select where you can change the suspension's damper settings from comfort to firmer dynamic. Tick all the boxes and the price of the Q5 will easily nudge $100,000. In what is thought to be a world first, the Q5 can sense if theroof rails are being used to carry extra cargo (limited to 100kg) such as bikes, canoe or storage pod on top of the wagon and will adjust the electronic stability control system to a more conservative setting to take into account the vehicle's higher centreof gravity. As with most SUVs, it also comes with a downhill assist system.This slows the vehicle on steep slopes. But Audi has calibrated its system for European ice and snow conditions and it is expected to be changed for Australia. At present it operates at 9-30km/h, speeds that are too high for off-road work.The coupe styling with its long nose, curved roof and short tail masks just how big the wagon is. Nose to tail it stretches 4.6m, is 1.8m wide and has a wheelbase of 2.8m. These dimensions make it longer and wider (and mean it stands lower) than its opposition.In standard form, cargo space is surprisingly roomy and big enough to swallow four sets of golf clubs and there's good under floor storage but at the cost of a full-sized spare wheel.All four models feature direct injection fuel motors and the latest versionof Audi's seven-speed S tronic, its version of VWs DSG dual clutch manual/automatic gearbox.The range will open with a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine (TFSi) with Audi's new fuel-saving valve lift system and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (TDi).Those wanting more power can have a 3.0-litre V6 TDi diesel or the 3.2-litre V6 turbo petrol range topper. Diesel is expected to be 60 per cent of sales.On first impression, there's much to like about the Q5. It's a competent, stylish and comfortable wagon with the quality of fit and finish expected from the innovative German brand.This is an easy wagon to live with in the urban jungle. It has good visibility, although the rear headrests and a narrow rear window make using the rear park assist a welcome additionto the equipment list.Good sound insulation largely cocoons the cabin from outside noise.The A4-styled interior is plush and workable thanks to a flexible seating layout — including rear seats that can be folded and adjusted fore and aft and a flat-folding front passengerseat that is a first for Audi.As for its dynamics, we will leave the final verdict on the Q5s rideuntil we get a chance to drive iton Australian roads. It handles Spain's dead-flat sealed secondary roads with aplomb but we couldn't test the Q5's performance off-road because the Spanish government refused Audi permission to go bush.This was allegedly because of the summer fire hazard. But a narrow, corrugated dirt road we did find similar to what we have in rural Australia — and it showed that Audi may still have some recalibrating to do on the softish suspension.Left in auto mode, the wagon produced an uneasy loping ride with plenty of suspension travel.To be fair, however, the gravel road was too short to make any objective judgment. On sealed country roads the Q5 was just the opposite — agile and comfortable at normal speeds, but bit ragged beyond the envelope.The 3.0-litre diesel with its seven-speed S tronic transmission from the Audi TT is clearly the pick of the engines, overcoming the wagon's 1.8 tonne weight which takes the edgeoff both 2.0-litre motors.The 3.0-litre diesel uses just 7.5 litres per 100km and a sprint time of 6.5 seconds for 0-100km/h.Peak torque of 500Nm from 1500rpm to 3000rpm gives it almost instant acceleration across the normal speed ranges.The dual clutch S tronic transmission is a beauty but you do need to work at getting the Q5 off the line.