Audi Q5 Review

It isn't just right, not with the gearbox that's average when you want a downshift, and a ride that is always twitchy on our uneven roads.  However, there's plenty of good stuff too. The performance is strong, the V6 is one of the most refined diesels around, and the Audi is pretty good on your favourite mountain road too. The cabin is delightfully detailed, you get a seven-speed DSG 'box and in many ways, this feels like a scaled-down Q7, greatly enhancing its appeal

DESIGN

Regardless of looking very much like the Q7, the Q5 shares nothing with it. It is based on a car platform - the new A4's modular chassis, which is suitable enough as it's more in tune with on-road performance than going off-road. There is no ladder frame chassis or dedicated four-wheel-drive transfer case and the suspension layout is more corner-carver than scenery-climber. It doesn't use a fancy air suspension system either; instead it relies on steel springs that are fully independent at each corner.

Thanks to the wide stance and high bonnet, the Q5 looks quite muscular and it also comes with the added advantage of a big boot. Despite being compact, it does however tip the scales on the wrong side of 1.5 tonnes. The Q5 weighs a considerable 1,865kg. It also comes with space saver wheels.

CABIN

The dashboard design is actually fascinating too. The red backlit buttons look like an aircraft cabin at night and, barring a few bits of erratic plastic, it is a cabin high on quality and expensive feel. It's well specced too - you get a reverse camera, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, Audi's MMI system and fully powered seats with seat memory.

However, we didn't like the optional panoramic sunroof - good as it is on a full moon night, it's the reason the car gets agonizingly hot when parked. The air-con takes longer to cool the cabin too. Save yourself some money and perspiration - leave this box unchecked. That said, the cabin is remarkably spacious, with plenty of leg- and headroom for four adults, five at a push.

The rear seats are comfortable enough to ensure longer journeys will pass without complaint. The deep 540-litre load bay is big and in tune with its activity vehicle tag; the boot has a useful selection of hooks, power sockets and fastenings to keep things tied down. The seats are comfy and the cushioning is almost perfect. However, people of bigger build might find the Audi's seat contours a bit too constricted.

ENGINE

The 3.0-litre V6 is essentially from the Q7. This 240bhp engine is potent and quiet, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission (DSG by another name). It's the first time this seven-speed twin-clutcher has been fitted to a longitudinal engine and it's as clinically efficient, if a little slow to kick-down. The Q5 is blisteringly fast for a vehicle of this size.

On the highway, the Audi manages to pull off some smooth overtaking moves and maintains high cruising speeds easily. Its super-tall seventh gear means the engine is spinning at a lazy 1600rpm at 100kph. In fact this is noticeable from the moment you start the engine. At idle, it's almost unfeasible to tell if the V6 is running. The engine is smooth, refined and relaxed.

However, the Q5's least endearing characteristic shows up the first time you go into a corner. You'll find the gearbox is slow-witted initially. It rarely selects the right gear for powering out of corners and by the time the 'box shifts down, the moment is long gone.

RIDE AND HANDLING

The amalgamation of stiff spring rates and damper settings doesn't allow enough suppleness over less extreme bumps. As a result, the Audi's ride is always squirmy over town roads. It gets better at speed, but never disappears - there's a hint of stiffness even at speeds that normally suit stiff suspension setups.

You get permanent all-wheel-drive Quattro on the Q5, with a 40/60 front/rear bias. There's also hill descent, where the SUV automatically does the braking on each wheel when it comes down a steep slope. Even with the regular tyres shod on the Q5, it handles dirt tracks with great aplomb.
Smooth surfaces will hardly ever unsettle the Q5, though it's never a truly relaxing ride. You will notice the stiff egde to the ride. Handling is good. The Q5 turns with little body roll and changes direction without objection. It steers accurately, too, although with a curious mix of weight.

FACT FILE  Fuel Diesel Type 2967 cc,6 cylinders Installation Front, longitudinal Valve Gear 4 valves per cyl, DOHC Power 240bhp Torque 51kgm