Grille test: Audi Q5 2.0 TDI DPF (130 kW) Quattro S-Tronic
Audi obviously expected the new year to be much less busy, as they are still doing quite well despite the crisis. Their prediction that they will become the most successful manufacturer of premium cars is not just one of those reckless promises, because they have good cards in their hands. Yes, you guessed it, Q5 is one of the trump cards.
Only the most avid automotive technophiles and Ingolstadt aficionados will notice that the Q5 has been updated. A few grille fixes, a few different touches on the bumpers and exhaust trim, a little more emphasis on the quality of the interior materials, of course the addition of chrome accessories and high-gloss black on the dashboard and that's it. If we had to write the text for these changes, we would finish it now.
But even kings have to (sometimes) comb their hair when they perform in front of objects, so we're not offended by discreet corrections. In fact, it would be very foolish to change the most coveted premium soft SUV so much that it is no longer there - yes, the most coveted one. The test drive also revealed some innovations that are hidden from view, but which are much more important than chrome elements or a different shape of the exhaust pipe.
First of all, it is electrically controlled power steering. In fact, it's an electromechanical system (um, we didn't know there was mechanics too) that saves a drop of fuel by itself and, above all, allows multiple auxiliary systems to be used. Of course, we are talking about the Line Assist system, which helps keep the car in the lane, and the Audi drive select system, which allows personal settings of the steel horse. Well, in order ...
I confess I got a ton of fun out of highway driving when Active Cruise Control (Adaptive Cruise Control) was activated along with the aforementioned Lane Departure Assist. Of course, you turn on the radar cruise control, set the distance to the front drivers (unfortunately, in Slovenia, only the shortest distance is possible, otherwise they all jump in front of the car and thereby slow down your driving), as well as gas and braking (below 30 kilometers per hour also with automatic full braking!) Leave it to the electronics. If you also have Line Assist, you can lower the steering wheel and the car will steer itself.
No, no, I don't have New Year's hallucinations, although there was much more alcohol in those days than before in the whole year: the car really controls the steering wheel, gas and brakes. In a nutshell: drive alone! What was science fiction a few years ago is now a reality. Of course, this is not about changing drivers, but simply driving assistance. After about a kilometer, the system realizes that the driver is not controlling the steering wheel, so he very politely asks if you can take control of the steering wheel again. Nice to see this Audi Q5.
S-line gear is eye friendly only, not your already slightly wobbly skeleton. We give the seats the perfect five: shell-shaped, electrically adjustable in all directions, leather. Once in them, you just get out of the car with a heavy heart. We have less enthusiasm for chassis or 20-inch wheels; Not only are the low 255/45 tires worth a fortune, but Audi's drive selection system with five options doesn't make much sense either.
Namely, the aforementioned premium system makes driving more comfortable, economical, dynamic, automatic or personalized. It is easy to adjust with a dedicated button on the center bump between the first seats, and the effect is immediate and noticeable. Although then there is a problem with comfort: if the rims are (too) large and the tires are (too) low, then no amount of suspension and damping will help you on the road with potholes, since the individually suspended spring bearings (front) and the multi-stage connecting axle with auxiliary frame) they simply do not know how to work miracles. And without electronic control.
The accessories in this car were really huge. The list contained 24 items and ended under the line with a figure of almost 26 thousand. This is the difference between the base Audi Q5 2.0 TDI 130 kW Quattro (which should have cost 46.130 72 euros) and the test, which cost XNUMX thousand with trifles. We'll add a lot and a flat rate: too much. But a closer look reveals that there are also technological pleasures such as the aforementioned Audi drive select, Audi assistance package (adaptive cruise control, Audi active line assist and parking sensors front and rear), leather package, electric tailgate control, xenon headlights , improved air conditioning, MMI plus navigation system with voice control and a panoramic glass roof, some of which are already offered by Korean manufacturers as standard.
For example, electrically adjustable front seats, front center armrest, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, heated front seats, etc. So don't worry, premium cars are prestigious and prestige pays off. This is why we also don't criticize the price too harshly, although most people cling to these numbers: if you don't, read Auto Magazine, if yes, it will be a breeze for you. We agree that goods in the world are not distributed fairly ...
Some unpleasant aftertaste remained even with average fuel consumption. Despite the stock start-stop system that works perfectly, small changes in the engine and the already mentioned electromechanical power steering, we consumed an average of 9,6 liters per 100 kilometers. We rent an all-wheel drive Quattro, a robotic gearbox (with seven gears!) And a huge power reserve (177 "horsepower") and, of course, our not the most economical trip, but still. It could have been less.
New Year's promises are over. Some of us will only vaguely remember them because of a heavy head, others are more likely to bring them to life. Audi is in full swing and my garage will obviously have to wait another year, two or ten for Audi.
Text: Aljosha Darkness
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI DPF (130 kW) Quattro S-Tronic
Basic data
| Sales: | Porsche Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 46.130 € |
| Test model cost: | 72.059 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,4 with |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 9,6l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1.968 cm3 - maximum power 130 kW (177 hp) at 4.200 rpm - maximum torque 380 Nm at 1.750-2.500 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | the engine drives all four wheels - 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission - tires 255/45 R 20 W (Goodyear Excellence). |
| Capacity: | 200 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9,0 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 6,8/5,6/6,0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 159 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.895 kg - permissible gross weight 2.430 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.629 mm – width 1.898 mm – height 1.655 mm – wheelbase 2.807 mm – trunk 540–1.560 75 l – fuel tank XNUMX l. |
Our measurements
| T = 15 ° C / p = 1.190 mbar / rel. vl. = 29% / Odometer Condition: 2.724 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 9,4s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 16,8 years ( 132 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 200km / h (VI./VII.) |
| test consumption: | 9,6 l / 100km |
evaluation
We'll just find out: whoever thinks about this much (extra) equipment in a premium car has no money problems and won't be bothered by the higher consumption of a turbodiesel. However, the only wish left to the plebeians is to ever have these problems...
We praise and reproach
appearance (S-line)
materials, workmanship
Quattro all-wheel drive, gearbox
sink seats
equipment
operation of the start-stop system
too rigid chassis
fuel consumption
price (accessories)
cut the steering wheel at the bottom
