This European gem can be had now at a lower price entry.
2009-2017 Audi Q5
History
Luxury brands would usually have SUV's that fills the following sizes: very small, small, medium, large, and novelty size (usually the very small size). Why fill up every niche where they end up cannibalizing sales and a waste of research and development money? But then, why would I mess with their way especially this is their affair and not mine.
Presented first at the Beijing Auto Show back in 2008, the Audi Q5 was built from Volkswagen's MLB platform. The advantage of this platform was that it saves on production costs and the flexibility of assembling models in one factory. It was the second member of the Q family with the Q7 being the senior and the Q3 the youngest.
January 2009 saw the local introduction of the Q5. Great timing, since it was the global financial crisis that crippled the world and the Philippines was not that much affected. Initially available with a gasoline motivator, a diesel was added four years later.
Presented first at the Beijing Auto Show back in 2008, the Audi Q5 was built from Volkswagen's MLB platform. The advantage of this platform was that it saves on production costs and the flexibility of assembling models in one factory. It was the second member of the Q family with the Q7 being the senior and the Q3 the youngest.
January 2009 saw the local introduction of the Q5. Great timing, since it was the global financial crisis that crippled the world and the Philippines was not that much affected. Initially available with a gasoline motivator, a diesel was added four years later.
Value and Costs
With the launch of the second generation, expect prices to dip down with the cheapest units being priced at P1,500,000. Best head to the pre-owned section since these vehicles are certified and inspected. It pays to have a peace of mind nowadays, you know.
Buying this vehicle would not give you maintenance costs similar to a high spec Hyundai Tucson. Rather, it is competitive enough with other European brands. It would be better to change all four tires together since this is an all wheel drive vehicle, and hunt for a diesel model for lower costs. Just like any high end European vehicle, inspecting the electronic gadgets is a must.
Buying this vehicle would not give you maintenance costs similar to a high spec Hyundai Tucson. Rather, it is competitive enough with other European brands. It would be better to change all four tires together since this is an all wheel drive vehicle, and hunt for a diesel model for lower costs. Just like any high end European vehicle, inspecting the electronic gadgets is a must.
Exterior and Interior
Just think of it as a shrunken Q7, the Q5 can be handsome or generic looking if you're to ask. LED lamps are standard in both front and back while the front grille is distinctively Audi.
Cabin room in the rear isn't that cavernous like other rivals, and the same goes with the cargo compartment. High quality controls abound the cabin and they are faced towards the driver. The buttons take time to get used to since they are tiny and the hazard button is situated at the right of the touch screen. For Premium variants, a moon roof comes standard for those airy nights.
Cabin room in the rear isn't that cavernous like other rivals, and the same goes with the cargo compartment. High quality controls abound the cabin and they are faced towards the driver. The buttons take time to get used to since they are tiny and the hazard button is situated at the right of the touch screen. For Premium variants, a moon roof comes standard for those airy nights.
Engine
Both gasoline and diesel engines are offered; but the former is the most common one in the name of the TFSI Quattro turbo 1,984cc with 208hp at 4,300rpm (upgraded to 222hp at 4,500rpm in 2013) and 350Nm at 1,500rpm. Only made available in 2013 is the TDi that has 175hp at 4,200rpm and 380Nm at 1,750rpm. So, how do these engines perform? The gasoline, thanks to the standard turbo, is ferociously fast but control the pedal to get decent figures.
Driving Impressions
It may have quick engines that is complemented with sharp steering and fun handling. Thanks to the A4 underpinnings, driving this compact SUV is never a dull moment. Paired with either the gasoline or diesel engine, this is one energetic vehicle. Ride is supple when the standard tire size is used, large sizes can contribute to a firm ride.
Verdict
Who says that SUV's need not be sporty? If you're in the market for a premium compact that is fun to drive and with punchy engines, the Q5 is the one for you. Besides, this one can balance both driver's and passenger's needs.
The Good:
- Quality is tops
- A hoot to drive
- Powerful engines
The Bad:
- Less rear space
- Rear visibility
- Expensive
The Pick: 2.0 TDI
THE SPECS
Engines: 1,984cc TFSI quattro turbo I4 gasoline and 1,968 TDi quattro I4 diesel
Power: 208hp @ 4,300rpm (2.0 gasoline, 2009-2012), 222hp @ 4,500rpm (2.0 gasoline, 2013-2017), 175hp @ 4,200rpm (2.0 diesel)
Torque: 350Nm @ 1,500rpm (2.0 gasoline, 2009-current), 380Nm @ 1,750rpm (2.0 diesel, 2013-2017)
Fuel Consumption: 5-8km/L (city), 7-9km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Suspension: Front 5-link, rear trapezoidal link
MORE INFO
Price (New): P3,500,000-P4,500,000
Price (Now): P1,500,000-P2,000,000
Rivals: BMW X3, Mercedes Benz GLK Class, Land Rover Freelander, Volvo XC60
On Sale: 2009-2017
Resources:
http://forums.audiworld.com/forumdisplay.php?f=129
Contacts:
PGA Cars Mandaluyong - (02) 727-0145
Power: 208hp @ 4,300rpm (2.0 gasoline, 2009-2012), 222hp @ 4,500rpm (2.0 gasoline, 2013-2017), 175hp @ 4,200rpm (2.0 diesel)
Torque: 350Nm @ 1,500rpm (2.0 gasoline, 2009-current), 380Nm @ 1,750rpm (2.0 diesel, 2013-2017)
Fuel Consumption: 5-8km/L (city), 7-9km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Suspension: Front 5-link, rear trapezoidal link
MORE INFO
Price (New): P3,500,000-P4,500,000
Price (Now): P1,500,000-P2,000,000
Rivals: BMW X3, Mercedes Benz GLK Class, Land Rover Freelander, Volvo XC60
On Sale: 2009-2017
Resources:
http://forums.audiworld.com/forumdisplay.php?f=129
Contacts:
PGA Cars Mandaluyong - (02) 727-0145
