When Audi renews a model is at least difficult to see the aesthetic differences between the two generations. And talk about a restyling, the line between the post prestyling version becomes very dim, so much that you might not see it.
Audi Q5 TDI 170 Quattro Interior [Dashboard] Photo
The Audi Q5 appeared in 2008, and was the answer of the brand with the four rings to success the BMW X3. What seemed at first glance a Audi Q7 scale (same aesthetic codes, like the headlights, the grille and rear slightly rounded) soon became a model that shone and continues to shine with its own light. While in Spain, at least until the arrival of the Range Rover Evoque, was in a perpetual struggle with the X3 for the leadership of the premium SUV. His logical restyling came in late 2012.
Aesthetically the changes are minor. Larger air intakes, new headlights (with LEDs that surround) and new LED taillights are the few changes seen in the body. Why change something if it works? At the end of the day, the Audi Q5 takes a few years with us, but his line na has aged. Moreover, it is noteworthy that with the arrival of new variants appeared restyling, as the 143 hp 2.0 TDI FWD or SQ5 TDI of 313 hp. The version before us today is the heart of the Q5 range, the 2.0 TDI 177 hp associated with S-Tronic shift.
With 4.63 meters long, the Audi Q5 is not exactly small model, but until the arrival of Audi Q3, was considered a compact SUV (compared to 5.09 m from the Q7, seems to compact, actually). In case I play, is a much more tailored to the streets of the old continent and the Spanish car parks close to the Audi Q7.
As we have seen, the cosmetic changes made to the exterior are minor and imperceptible to most audiences. Again, it is not that Audi is conservative because it does not want to risk or because, it is a well thought out strategy. If the new model is similar enough to the previous while brings something new, the residual value of the above down very slowly, in the secondary market above the price will remain high. Thus, Audi is further positioned as a premium brand and allows its dealers to increase the profit margin on sales of VO (Used cars).
“Cosmetic changes made abroad are lower and imperceptible to most audiences.”
On board, the changes from the previous Audi Q5 are even more difficult to find, so it can be difficult to differentiate within a Audi Q5 “phase 1″ of a “phase 2″. The display quality of the finishes and remains one of the industry benchmarks. Some changes are more quickly perhaps, as the simplified MMI or opt for the possibility of new materials in the finishes, although in this press unit, remain fixtures in the traditional aluminum. It also incorporates new equipment, such as Lane Assist or GPS with Google and even wifi hotspot function (optional elements in this unit).
“The Audi Q5 offers a MPV versatility inspired and impossible to find in a conventional break.”
Behind, the only change is the possibility to have the option of regulating the climate separately. Moreover, all the same. It keeps the sidewalk fractional length adjustable and reclining backrests. Allow to increase luggage capacity or that of legroom for rear passengers. In this aspect, the SUV body allows it to offer versatility MPV inspired and impossible to find in an A6 Avant, for example. Yet despite being a family car with generous space, the rear center seat is not recommended, both for its comfort (very relative) and the presence of the transmission tunnel.
The trunk is one of the strengths of the car. Cargo volume is 540 liters, as well as the BMW X3 and substantially more than the Mercedes GLK (450 liters). And if we opt for the adjustable bench, volume 570 liters goes forward the second-row seat as a whole to the maximum of 10 cm that allows (can be done separately, right-left). Of course, the backrests of the rear seats fold down and release a plan that provides smooth load a cargo volume of up to 1560 liters.
Driving
Occasion of restyling, the 2.0-liter TDI goes from 170 to 177 hp, while Audi announces an average consumption of 6 l/100 km (6.2 l/100 km previously). At the wheel, the Q5 benefits are correct (0-100 km / h in 9 seconds and 80-120 km / h in 6 seconds.)
Change S-Tronic is still a treat and house very well with this engine. As is usual in the VAG group cars with this change, the electronic management in normal mode, it seemed a bit slow, while in Sport mode (S) shows much faster and keeps the gears longer. Anyway, is inherent in the management and not the change itself, whose developments have seemed successful for this engine.
“Few changes to the chassis, the excellent commitment remains Audi Q5.”
Moreover, the engine is still noisy in hard acceleration, but in other circumstances is a very discreet block noise level. In general, the Audi Q5 is the soundproofing of the most successful in the market. Few changes to the chassis, excellent compromise between ride comfort and very relative firmness Audi Q5 remains.
It is a comfortable car with the poise enough to inspire confidence and whose suspension is not too firm. Of course, the balance is evident in tight corners, but it is still an SUV with a high center of gravity. Even with the optional tire test our model of 18 inches (about Bridgestone Dueller H / T 235/60R-18), the Q5 is very comfortable and the driving is more like that of a big break than to a clumsy SUV.
Taking the curve with too much momentum the ESP comes into action soon, helped by the center differential. Anyway, it’s not something that we too with this heavy car (just over 1.8 tons without options), as the new electric steering clear the little feedback we could have with the previous and the front shows quite heavy. The high weight bearing on the front axle makes it understeer and somewhat slow in their reactions. Still, the address is displayed directly and accurately. If you want to quickly bring this Q5 should be composed with the inertia. Point in its favor, the brakes are powerful and strong showing in a mountain pass drop.
Anyway, the Audi Q5 is not a car that we can describe as agile. outside the asphalt, the Audi Q5 does not ridicule despite its off-road equipment is limited to a well calibrated descent control, but soon reach the limit their means. The absence of protections and adequate headroom their toll on difficult terrain. The tires fitted to this unit mixed a little better that assessment, but they are still mixed, ie not excel in any section. While you can go for relatively broken tracks, neither can qualify SUV. Anyway, the “off-road arsenal” is enough to climb a snow ramp.
“While agility or performance are not the strong point of this Q5 TDI 177, their real asset is the versatility it offers.”
While agility or performance are not the strong point of this Audi Q5 TDI 177, their real asset is the versatility it offers. Not the most dynamic and the fastest, but it is the most comfortable and is good enough in the other sections to be among the leaders in the segment. Its main weakness is actually the engine. And that move almost 2 tons (driver, passenger, etc) is too much for their 177 hp. Its torque of 380 Nm is achieved from 1,750 rpm to 2,500 rpm, but his character does have some momentum coming out of the lights. Moreover, despite the balancing shafts, the turbo generates certain idle vibration. The high weight, is also paid at the pump. The 6 l/100 km announced by Audi are difficult to achieve in a typical driving (as with all brands). During testing we moved in around 8 l/100 km, a relatively low figure given the car’s mass.
Conclusion
This restyling gives no major modifications to the Audi Q5, but for the arrival of new engines. However, we welcomed the lowest consumption (albeit marginal) and new-technology equipment, almost mandatory elements for a high-end manufacturer must justify their high fees. And it is out of options, theAudi Q5 2.0 TDI 177 is slightly above the 45,000 euros and 50,000 euros reaches the finish Ambition like our test. If we take the hands of the options, the invoice can shoot. The fact is that some may regard as essential, rear side airbags (430 euros), for example, and others less so, as the “Audi side assist” (warning of vehicles in blind spots) XXL-sized view of the exterior mirrors, which do not help in the vision of 3/4 forward city. Come on, that luxury does have a price.
