Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro 2009 review
The Q5 rides and handles more like a car than a four-wheel drive.
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).
Explore the 2009 Audi Q5 range
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.
Pricing guides
$11,995
Based on 18 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$6,999
Highest Price
$14,999
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TFSI Quattro | 2.0L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO | $10,010 – 13,640 | 2009 Audi Q5 2009 2.0 TFSI Quattro Pricing and Specs |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro | 2.0L, Diesel, 7 SP AUTO | $10,010 – 13,640 | 2009 Audi Q5 2009 2.0 TDI Quattro Pricing and Specs |
| 3.0 TDI Quattro | 3.0L, Diesel, 7 SP AUTO | $10,230 – 13,970 | 2009 Audi Q5 2009 3.0 TDI Quattro Pricing and Specs |
| 3.2 FSI Quattro | 3.2L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO | $11,880 – 15,840 | 2009 Audi Q5 2009 3.2 FSI Quattro Pricing and Specs |
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Pricing Guide
$6,999
Lowest price, based on 13 car listings in the last 6 months
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
