Audi just has launched its latest SUV in South Africa, and as the smaller sibling to the Q7, this five-seater Q5 has its sights firmly set on BMW’s X3 and Volvo’s XC60.This new SUV shares a number of styling elements with the Q7, such as the familiar Audi single-frame grille and headlights that can be specified with xenon-plus bulbs and LED daytime running lights. The side view is dominated by large wheel arches, which can be filled with a range of alloy rims from 17- to 20-inches in diameter. The Q5 is 4,63 metres long, 1,88 metres wide and only 1,65 metres high.
The Q5 utilises the new A4/A5 platform, which means that it features a differential located ahead of the clutch, and immediately behind the engine. With Audi’s proven Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, power is distributed 40:60 between the front and rear wheels in normal conditions.
Among the technological highlights are the company’s S-tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, Audi’s drive select dynamics system and an advanced sat-nav system that utilizes a high resolution monitor with a 3D map display.
The Q5 is available with a choice of four derivatives. The entry-level 2,0 TDI powerplant is mated with a six-speed manual transmission and has an output of 125 kW at 4 200 r/min and 350 N.m between 1 750 and 2 500 r/min.
The re-designed four-cylinder 2,0 TFSI delivers 155 kW at 4 300 and 350 N.m starting at 1 500 r/min. With its seven-speed S-tronic transmission, this model completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in a claimed time of 7,22 seconds and reaches a top speed of 222 km/h.
With the new-generation V6 3,0-litre turbocharged diesel under the bonnet, the Q5 delivers 500 N.m torque between 1 500 and 3 000 r/min, and the maximum power output stands at 176 kW. This unit is mated with Audi’s seven-speed S-tronic transmission and helps the Q5 sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6,5 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 225 km/h.
The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 199 kW 3,2 FSI. The maximum torque of 330 N.m is available on tap form 3 000 to 5 000 r/min. Just under seven seconds is all that is needed for this model to reach the 100 km/h mark before hitting a top speed of 234 km/h
High-tech driver aids include Audi’s parking system with rearview camera, Audi lane assist, which alerts the driver to potential hazards when changing lane and adaptive cruise control.
Standard features include the automatic air conditioning and 8-speaker sound system. The optional extras list is made up of Audi’s MMI navigation plus with hard drive and DVD drive, a Bluetooth phone, a TV tuner, an intelligent speech control system, digital radio reception, iPod/MP3 USB connectivity, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Prices:
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI – R407000
Audi Q5 2.0T FSI S tronic – R460 500
Audi Q5 3.2 S tronic – R515000
Audi Q5 3.0 TDI S tronic – R533 500
Click here for wallpapers of the Q5, or view a video on Audi’s new SUV
