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Audi Q5 loses 'pretty' label?

Audi has launched an update to its Q5 SUV range that includes new and revised engines, a cleaner look and a number of fresh equipment options.

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Five engine options are offered at launch in Europe, although the South African line-up of two TDI and two FSI engines is likely to continue. The engines have direct fuel-injection and start-stop technology.

REVISIONS INSIDE AND OUT


Power is up across the range: the 2.0 TDI now develops 130kW/380Nm, the 3.0 TDI 180kW/580Nm, while the two-litre TFSI engine generates 165kW/350Nm. Audi’s supercharged three-litre V6, with 200kW and 400Nm on tap, replaces the non-turbo 3.2 FSI.

The four-cylinder engines comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard and an eight-speed Tiptronic is available as an option on the 2.0 TFSI  and standard on the 3.0 TFSI. The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission is standard on the 3.0 TDI and optional on the 130kW 3.0 TDI.

All-wheel drive, with a rear:front axle ratio of 60:40, is standard on all models but can split the power between the axles when necessary.

The chassis is said to be more refined and comfortable with uprated springs, shocks and stabilisers and a new electro-mechanical power steering system which doesn’t consume any energy while driving in a straight line is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by about 0.2 litres/100km.

S LINE


For those less concerned with ride comfort and more focused on performance, the S line sports suspension is an option, along with wheel rims up to 20”.

Audi’s four-mode drive select system comes with an efficiency mode, a user-programmable fifth mode (where the system is linked to navigation) and three optional components – adaptive cruise control, damping control for the chassis, and dynamic steering. The electronic stability control is able to adapt to different road surfaces although, with approach and departure angles of 25 degrees, a 20cm ground clearance and a maximum climbing angle of 31 degrees, the Q5 is also useful on rugged terrain.

Regarding its appearance, the Q5’s facelift includes a new headlight housing with LED daytime running lights and optional xenon units, bevelled edges for the high-gloss black single-frame grille with chrome vertical struts, modified bumpers and chrome rings for the fog lights.

The Q5’s interior sees many of the user controls finished with chrome trim while the control stalks, ignition key and instruments have also been given a gentle upgrade. Ergonomics have also been adjusted, Audi says, with four buttons incorporated into the MMI navigation plus system and new controls for a number of convenience features.

According to Audi SA, the revised Q5 range will be available in South Africa from the fourth quarter of 2012.
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