The Audi Q5 was launched on Thursday. The baby Q has all the making of a winner, especially in the Indian Car Market.
The Q5 follows the legacy of its bigger sibling the Q7, which has been well received by Indian car buyers. However, the Q5 is better packaged and well suited for Indian conditions. It can be driven in narrow roads and can be parked in tight parking sports easily. The Q5 is easier to be driven in congested traffic than its bigger sibiling. It has the essential Audi build and attitude in full measure on the road to command respect wherever it goes.
The Audi Q5 is a practical and a fun to drive vehicle. The new compact SUV is available in two engine options- the 2.0litre TFSI(petrol) and the 3.0LItre TDI V6 diesel engine, which is installed in Q7 as well. While the turbocharged 4 cylinder petrol engine churns out 211 bhp and delivers 350Nm torque, the V6 diesel engine generates a massive 240 bhp and a gut wrenching 500Nm of torque.
Regardless of the engine, the Q5 gets a quick shifting 7-speed DSG S-tronic dual clutch transmission which changes points within a hundredth of a second to offer seamless gear change. It is equipped with the full time Quattro drive system which gives the vehicle its smooth performance. The Audi Drive Select System which allows the driver to change the suspension set up and dynamic steering response with the switch of a button. The driver can choose from three driving dynamics – Comfort, Auto and Dynamic, engineered to suit individual driving needs. It is available in six colours- Stratosa Blue, Garnet Red, Ice Silver, Meteor Grey, Phantom Black and Ibis White.
When it comes to cruising on urban roads or going off roads, the Q5 feels at ease everywhere. It cute looks belie the fact that it is a tough off-roader and it can handle mud and sludge easily. The Q5 measures 4.63 meters in length, 1.88 meters in width and 1.65 meters in height, which makes it extremely well suit for Indian conditions. Compared to its big brother the Q7, it can handle peak traffic very well and this is going to win hearts among urban buyers.
When Q5 is parked alone, the Q5 still looks pretty huge, larger than it actually is. The clever design mimics the bigger Q7, giving it a much bigger look. It has the characteristic gaping front grille and the stylish xenon headlamps with jeweled LED daytime running lights.
In the interiors, it sports the typical Audi design –refined and luxurious- The top notch quality material is used all around the interiors to wrap passengers in luxury. The gizmos include the 3-zone automatic air conditioning system, Audi driver information system, the multi-media interface, Bang & Olufsen surround sound, the rear set entertainment system and acoustic parking technology with rearview camera and many additional features.
Apart from these, the Audi Q5 is equipped with all the top quality safety systems like Anti-lock Braking system, Electronic Braking Differential and Electronic Stability Program. The Q5 petrol is available with a starting price of Rs 38.29 Lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) and Rs 44.19 Lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
The Q series brand is already well-known among SUVS in India. The fact that Q5 does everything that an urban car buyer will want makes it a sure winner. Considering that it will priced below the Q7 and the serious off road quality, it has the makings of a winner.