First drive review: facelifted Audi Q5

[EXTRACT]#EANF# What‘s it? A facelifted version of the favored Audi Q5 boating a number of detailed visual, mechanical and equipment changes, all aimed at boosting its competitiveness against key four-wheel-drive rivals for example the second-generation BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC60. Audi's new SUV is placed to attain UK showrooms in October priced from £33, 430 to £42, 535. It hardly appears any different towards the existing model, but look closely and you may find that usually there are some subtle styling changes to assist distinguish the new Q5. Early on, there‘s a revised six-corner single-frame grille and also a re-profiled bumper with altered air ducts. The headlamps will also be new. It is requried to be made by the engine front where the most important changes are evident, with three new you revised engine among those initially planned to the UK, plus a further two to come before finished of 2012. Included is really a new, turbocharged 2. 0-litre version of Audi’s four-cylinder petrol unit which produces 222bhp and 258lb ft. The 3. 2-litre V6 petrol engine inside the Q5 3. 2 V6 has also made method for a brand new supercharged 3. 0-litre V6 inside the Q5 3. 0 TFSI successor model. It produces 268bhp and 295lb ft — a rise of 2bhp and 52lb ft. Coming from the outset of sales we’ll see an all-new 2. 0-litre common rail engine inside the Q5 2. 0 TDI. The unit, which recently made its world debut inside the third-generation A3, will initially are available high-power guise only, delivering 175bhp  and 280lb ft — some 2bhp and  22lb ft greater than the engine it replaces. Positioned further up-market is that the Q5 3. 0 TDI. It receives an updated 3. 0-litre V6 common-rail diesel engine developing 5bhp and 58lb ft greater than before, at 242bhp and 427lb ft. There’s also a brand new electro-mechanical steering system, which replaces the sooner hydraulic set-up. What‘s it like? The Audi Q5’s build quality continues to outshine the SUV competition on numerous fronts. The fit and finish on the first production examples we drove in Munich soon was exquisite. The engine upgrades Audi has brought to its mid-size SUV cause it to be more compelling than ever. The 2 new petrol engines inside the Q5 2. 0 TFSI and Q5 3. 0 TFSI are particularly noteworthy, both for their performance and refinement. However, it‘s the Q5 2. 0 TDI running the new 175bhp 2. 0-litre four-cylinder diesel that‘s the pick from the line-up. Its engine is clearly improved during the unit it replaces, boasting less start up chatter and also a generally smoother nature under load. Off-the-line acceleration and in-gear performance is totally acceptable ; it’s no rocket ship but neither will it feel wanting during city driving. Any insufficient outright pace far from the lights is much more than made up for from the flexible nature of their power delivery. The 0-62mph time is put at 9. 0sec, or almost another faster than before. Top speed also increases by 4mph to 124mph. It’s slightly more economical, too. Official figures provides it a combined  rating of 47. 1mpg, equating to average CO2 emissions of 159g / km using the optional seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox. Like the consumption figures reveal, the Q5 2. 0 TDI’s best work is achieved with a constant cruise, thanks partially to well matched gear ratios that make the foremost of their strong low-end torque, allowing you in order to make the a lot of the elevated driving position while you waft along at a bit more than 1500rpm at typical motorway speeds. Dynamically, the Q5 feels more resolved than ever. The new electro-mechanical steering system is much more responsive and boasts greater levels of weighting compared to the old hydraulic system. The ride is likewise more controlled over a number of road surfaces ; the springing is softer and also the rebound phase a lot more progressive, using the result that there‘s less high frequency vertical movement and greater levels of comfort. Among the many many options, you well worth considering, is Audi’s Drive Select feature, which enables the driver to change the steering characteristics, throttle response, gearbox shift points and damping firmness. Should I buy one? The Q5 has proven an enormous success, using more than 400, 000 sales worldwide since its addition towards the Audi line-up in 2008. This facelifted model might not represent a big transformation, however it brings numerous timely improvements, not least upon the engine front. Overall, the alterations are sufficient sufficient to suggest the Q5 will always enjoy strong showroom success against a backdrop of increased mid-size SUV competition. For people who have been tempted, the subtle approach Audi has brought to raising the appeal from the Q5 should ensure solid retained values for used examples, too. Audi Q5 2. 0 TDI S tronic Price : £33, 430 ;  0-62mph : 9. 0sec ;  Top speed : 120mph ;  Economy : 47. 1mpg ;  Co2 : 159g / km ;  Kerbweight : 1820kg ;  Engine : 4 cyls, 1968cc, turbocharged diesel ;  Installation : front, transverse ;  Power : 175bhp at 4200rpm ;  Torque : 280lb ft at 1750rpm ;  Gearbox : seven speed dual clutch EXTRACT#EANF# First drive review : facelifted Audi Q5