Insurance Group: 28
MPG: 34.9
CO2: 188
0-62 Mph: 8.5 secs
BHP: 178 BHP
Range: 576 miles
PROS: The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI (180ps) Quattro 5-door is very stylish, it has a real boot, handles well, its cabin space and sophistication.
CONS: Overly firm ride on some surfaces, limited off-road ability, expensive optional extras.
The cabin is typically Audi, clean, sharp and well laid out offering all the usual controls within easy reach. There’s no problem accommodating four adults comfortably. Space in the rear is a bit less generous than upfront, as the transmission tunnel cuts down on legroom for any centrally-seated passengers.
The 4 cylinder, 16V 2.0L TFSI petrol engine is powerful and responsive producing maximum power of 177bhp and has good mid-range pulling power of 236lb-ft of torque. It’s potent and responsive and pulls the Q5 with ease from 0-62mph in only 8.7 seconds and will carry you on to a respectable 130mph top speed in the same way; but it’s certainly not the most economical offering only 34.9mpg. You may well want to consider one of turbo diesel options. The 2.0-litre TDI for example offers a better balance of power and economy.
On the road is where the Q5 will impress you most with its car-like behaviour. It is solid and poised when cornering, with only slight body roll. Overall, it provides a compliant and supple ride, not too firm as is the case with some Audis. It has enough dynamism to give you lots of driving entertainment on twisting B-roads, and still be a comfortable and sophisticated motorway cruising companion. Hardly any noise from the engine, road or wind is evident at speed thanks to the Audi’s excellent build and finish quality.
The trade off comes when you go off-road. Here the Q5 won't impress you in the same way, its low ground clearance puts it at a distinct disadvantage off-road, however better traction and an electronic hill descent control system make its off-road skills respectable for its class.
The Q5 is eye-catching and sleek in its form thanks to a coupe-like styling by Audi. Its front grille and its low stance give it serious road presence. Slightly longer and narrower than its rivals the X3 and Freelander, you’d hardly notice, and the interior space is exceptional for a smaller 4X4.
The Q5 2.0 TFSI (180ps) Quattro 5-door comes kitted out as standard with central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control and electric windows and doors and CD player with MP3 connectivity. The SE pack gets you in addition: leather upholstery, automatic windscreen wipers, and a 3-zone climate-control. If you opt for the S line then you’ll get even bigger alloy wheels, interior and exterior sports styling, and xenon headlamps as well.
Further options include: metallic paint (£615), cruise control (£225), rear parking sensors (£340, leather seats (£1,635), Bluetooth (£250), satellite navigation system (£1,990).
For its class the Q5 doses up plenty of practical space, an excellent on-road driving experience and respectable off-road manners. The excellent fuel tank capacity of 75 litres will mean you don’t spend a lot of time topping it up on longer drives. The boot space of 540 litres with the seats up, and 1,560 litres with the seats down, gives you plenty of room for most needs.
Audi have built a solid reputation for safety in their cars and the Q5 is no exception. Euro NCAP gave it the maximum rating of 5 overall. It comes fitted as standard with front and side airbags for driver and passenger.
The cabin is fitted out with quality materials throughout, and the build quality of the car cannot be doubted. Reliability for Audis has improved greatly in recent years so you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
The Q5 doesn’t come cheap at £28,000. However, it does boast decent equipment levels and the performance and handling make it a pleasure to drive. It’s a stylish package; combining a sporty drive and space you can really use. Resell values should be good because of its prestige name and increasing appeal for smaller 4X4s.
Fuel economy is not the best on this particular model, and the 2.0 TDI diesel unit would be a better choice for economy. CO2 emissions of 188g/km put the Q5 2.0 TFSI (180ps) Quattro 5-door in VED band J, while insurance is in group 28. Regular servicing costs are expected to be less than its rival BMWX3 or Freelander from Land Rover.
The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI (180ps) Quattro 5-door really is a serious alternative to its rivals and offers a distinctive package and all round pleasing experience.
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