Audi Q5

Synopsis

Finding a car that features a minivan and an SUV in one can be tough especially if you are a first time car buyer. You may be fascinated by the advertisements on your television but it can be difficult to decide particularly if you are unsure of the features that you need. If you are looking for a sleek crossover sports utility vehicle, you may want to take a look at Audi Q5, one of the hottest compact SUVs in India today.

Exterior and Interior

Like most designs from Audi, the Q5 offers spade shaped headlights which also feature LED running lights. There is also some elegant detailing and boldness among the lamps together with a wing-shaped curve and sophisticated Q5 logos over the gauges. Its corporate single-frame grille is emphasized as more attention to detail is given in Q5 to its perpendicular elements to highlight its height. Aside from its lavish external appearance, the Audi Q5 has a bigger back compartment which makes it the perfect car for travelling. The bigger seating capacity can also accommodate 4-5 adult passengers which make it a good choice for group travellers.

Dashboard and Storage

Unlike other cars, Audi Q5 offers a lot of practical storage sections. It has bottle holders, drink holders and on-board power outlets. On request, the Audi Q5 can be customized to have a climate-controlled drink holder; a special feature to keep drinks hot or cold. Another optional storage package includes a foot well which can be attached in the passenger-side and allows the installation of other various storage fixtures. The backrests for the rear seats are easy to fold down and are angle-adjustable. They can easily be accustomed by actuating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. This compartment offers access to a second storage area beneath the floor which expands from 540 to 1,560 litres, equivalent to 19.07 to 55.09 cubic feet in volume. Other extras comprise a rail mounting kit which can be used as storage for extra luggage, a luggage compartment liner and a net partition.

Engine

Audi Q5 comes with three engine option: 1 petrol and 2 diesels. The 2.0 TFSi generates maximum power of 211 bhp with maximum torque of 350 nm. The 2.0 TDi develops maximum power of 170 bhp with maximum torque of 350 nm. The 3.0 TDi Diesel generates maximum power of 240 bhp with maximum torque of 500 nm.

Variants

Audi Q5 is available in three variants: 2.0 TFSi, 2.0 TDi and 3.0 TDi.

Safety Features

Safety is one of the top concerns when it comes to driving since most road accidents are unexpected. Audi Q5 has special safety features to address these needs. Each Audi Q5 is installed with ABS brakes or anti-lock brakes that can automatically detect when a tire has stopped spinning under extreme pressure or slamming on the brakes. It is designed to modulate the brake pressure to allow the tire to revolve. This feature gives the vehicles ability to turn while slowing down or braking. It also has a stability control which mechanically senses when the vehicle’s usage limits have been exceeded. It cuts out engine power and activates select brakes to avoid the driver from losing control of the vehicle.

Each Audi Q5 is installed with front-impact airbags for both the driver and passengers to protect severe head injuries during an anterior crash. The side impact airbags installed for the front seats are designed to keep the torso in place in case there is a side impact collision. Overhead airbags have also been put in place to protect the passengers’ heads in the event of a rollover or side crash. Aside from airbags, the vehicle has been programmed to automatically tighten seatbelts using pretensioners to keep the occupant in place during a collision. As part of its safety features, the Audi Q5 has been installed with a security system which detects unwanted vehicle intrusion. It is equipped with a device which disables ignition that will stop the engine from starting if the original Audi manufacturer key is not used.

Accessories

Accessories can be bought through legitimate Audi dealers. There are other dealers in the market who may offer lower rates but it would be better to buy from licensed stores to avoid problems in the future. Accessories can either be purchased at Audi outlets throughout India or online. Accessories include tools for in-car entertainment, child seats, sporty alloy wheels, Bluetooth hands-free system and other stuff to make your Audi environment more comfortable.

Value for Money

In 2009, Audi Q5 was introduced as one of the best cars with very desirable machinery but priced lesser than most of the larger 4x4 vehicles. When talking about fuel consumption and maintenance, Audi Q5 is definitely passable. As mentioned earlier, V6 diesel engine is the most dominant engine yet consumes less fuel and leaves a cleaner engine so you do not have to worry about fuel malfunction and emission problems most of the time. Fewer engine drawbacks means less spending and more value for your money.

Verdict

Overall, Audi Q5 is certainly a good choice if you are looking for a good car that can get you to places fast minus the noise. Compared to the Q7, Audi Q5 can easily fit into most parking lots which makes it hassle-free than driving bigger minivans or SUVs. If you are looking into a sporty type of car, then Audi Q5 may be an option but would most likely land at 3 stars. Audi Q5 is more of a crossover type, compact vehicle than a sport utility so it would be best to weigh options before purchasing one.