CR5 Issue 143 April 2017

WHAT’S UNDER THE
BONNET?
There are three engine options
to pick from – but the best
seller, and our pick of the
bunch, is the 187bhp, 400Nm,
2.0-litre TDI, which will account
for 60 per cent of sales in the
UK. This comes as standard
with a clever new Quattro
Ultra all-wheel drive system
that can switch seamlessly
between two and four-wheel
drive automatically. This makes
the car more efficient without
losing out on traction. Fuel
economy is 56.5mpg with
emissions of 132g/km. It’s the
quickest SUV in its class too,
hitting 60mph in 7.7 seconds
and going on to a top speed of
135mph.
A 2.0-litre TFSI petrol option
with 250bhp is also available.
It’s capable of returning
40.9mpg and emits 157g/km. A
feisty 3.0-litre V6 TDi completes
the line-up, producing 284bhp
and a stonking 620Nm of
torque.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
The new Q5 is quite simply
brilliant to drive. We tested
the car on a variety of terrain,
from motorways to cities and
beaches to dirt tracks; it took
them all in its stride. On the
road it’s quiet, refined and
accomplished, while in the grit
it was surefooted and secure.
The revised 2.0-litre diesel
engine is punchy enough for
a car of this size and works
brilliantly when combined with
the 7-speed S-tronic gearbox.
We did find the automatic
tripped itself up on a couple of
occasions, stuttering a little as
it looked for a gear, but overall
it’s by far and away the best
choice of transmission.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Audi has packed the Q5 with
plenty of standard goodies
including leather seats, a selfparking
system, powered boot
and a drive select system that
lets you switch between sporty
and more comfortable settings.
VERDICT
Audi has moved the game
on with its new Q5 but not
ruined a recipe that has won
it so many admirers. Stylish,
comfortable and great to drive,
it’s now packed with even more
clever technology and features.
With best in class performance
and economy, and some highly
tempting optional extras, we’d
be very surprised if any of its
rivals managed to usurp it at
the top of the sales charts any
time soon.
To advertise call Lucy on 01737 557888 or 07703 209292
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