New Audi Q5 in India; Price Starts @ Rs. 39 Lakhs

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer has announced the launch of the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro, the most recent addition to the highly successful luxury SUV in India. The new Audi Q5 2.0 TDI q is priced at Rs3,905,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra). Deliveries to customers will begin in April 2011.

“We are confident that the addition of the powerful 2.0 TDI q engine to the Audi Q5 range in India will strengthen and sustain our leadership position in the luxury SUV segment. The all new Audi Q5 2.0 TDI q, resonates higher efficiency and dynamic performance with its new engine and refreshed array of characteristics, that reflect our core brand essence of „Vorsprung durch Technik‟,” said Michael Perschke, Head – Audi India.

The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI q with 125kW / 170 hp reaches a maximum torque of 350 Nm 1,750 rpm and develops its power evenly, leading to a fascinating driving experience. It is equipped with the dynamic 7–speed automatic S tronic transmission, which is impressive for its short, sporty shift times and smooth gearshift across the entire spread between the shortest and the longest ratios. 2/3

The Audi Q5 range is also powered by a petrol engine – the 2.0 TFSI q and a diesel engine – the 3.0 TDI q. The new 2.0 TDI q engine would be available as CKD.

Audi India sold 3003 cars in 2010, exceeding targets yet again to achieve record growth of 81%. “This encouraging performance reinforces the increased aspiration for technical finesse and progressive sophistication among luxury automotive customers in India. Audi India will continue to expand its product line up and deliver path breaking and award winning cars to cater to this rising need,” added Michael Perschke.

Audi India is also focused at strengthening its dealer network across India. This year, the brand with the four rings has already opened showrooms in Delhi and Chennai with Ludhiana to follow soon. Last year, the company inaugurated showrooms in Mumbai West, Kolkata, Jaipur and Bengaluru.

The Audi model range in India includes Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi TT, the super sports car Audi R8 and the recently launched Audi R8 Spyder available across the country: in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai West and Pune. Further developments include Surat, Mumbai South, Coimbatore, Indore, Lucknow and Delhi West.

Source: Audi India

Audi Starts Assembly of Q5 Car in India

Audi has started assembly of the Q5 model in Aurangabad, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. In the future, up to 1,500 units of the Q5 will run off the assembly line there each year for the Indian market.

The sporty SUV is the third Audi model after the A4 and A6 to be produced in India, increasing the production volume of the company with the four rings in India this year to more than 2,400 units, compared with 732 vehicles in the preceding year. Altogether Audi has produced around 2,000 cars in India since the start of production in September 2007. By 2015 up to 6,000 units will be rolling off the line each year.

" production of the Q5 is part of our long-term growth strategy in India," says Frank Dreves, Audi Board Member for Production: “The Indian market for automobiles will grow very rapidly, and the Q5 is the right automobile at the right time.” Final assembly of the Audi Q5 takes place in five work cycles on two assembly lines alongside the A4 and A6 at the Volkswagen Group’s Aurangabad plant.

Last year also saw Audi significantly expand its line-up of engines for the models produced at the Aurangabad site: The Audi A6 sedan has been available with a 3.0 TFSI gasoline engine since March 2009, and before then customers could already choose between the 2.8 FSI, the 2.7 TDI and the 3.0 TDI. In July, an entry-level version of the A4 sedan with a 1.8 liter TFSI engine was introduced. It rounds out the previous engine line-up, which for the A4 also includes a 2.0 TDI and a 2.0 TFSI unit. Audi is currently offering the Q5 with a 2.0 TFSI and the 3.0 TDI engines. Further efficient engines will follow shortly.

Audi has been represented in the Indian market for four years now. In the spring of 2007, a separate sales company based in Mumbai was opened to manage all Indian market activities. In addition to the locally produced Q5, A4 and A6 models, Audi also offers its Indian customers the Audi A8, Q7 and TT, as well as the R8 supercar.

Courtesy: Audi India

Volkswagen Golf Club Malaysia TT at Warung Belly

Went for the VGCM TT weekly TT (teh tarik / meet up) at Warung Belly last night, with the two modyourfast duo - k3v and R32.

Was a strong turnout (at least 10 plus cars) and supposedly, this is a normal occurrence (sometimes even more). There was even a stock blue VR6 2.9 Corrado, one of only two in the country. Talk about semangat'ness'. 350Z weekly get-togethers pale in comparison hehe. It reminded me of my Melbourne Golf GTI Club meet ups.

Needless to say, having owned a 2007 VW MK5 Golf GTI and a 2008 Golf R32, it was great meeting these guys. It was also good to finally put faces to names since I often frequent the VGCM forums. The conversation naturally was about cars, aftermarket parts (BBS RS-GT rims, OSIR carbon fiber rear valence), tuning (S3 engine components) etc - thoroughly enjoyable topics in my book!

Anyway, some of the guys have modded their cars to the extent of fitting in a bigger turbo i.e. Stage III K04 (roughly producing 245hp+ and 300lb-ft+ of torque : note that these are conservative figures). A stock GTI only puts out 197 bhp and 207lb-ft, so thats a big jump.

Was invited to have a ride in one K04 with a Unitronic remap (the car had stock intake haha!) and the power is pretty good (slams you back into your seat). 0-100 in under 6 seconds easy. The GTI's chassis is still stable and pliable (handling wise) but with all that power going through the front wheels, there was some chirping (the tyres couldn't find traction). In the wet, I imagine it would be a very scary affair.

Stayed till about 12 midnight before everyone decided to do a run on the highway but I opted out. Sounds like they had a good time though. 350Z for next week!

Volkswagen Golf Club Malaysia TT at Warung Belly

Went for the VGCM TT weekly TT (teh tarik / meet up) at Warung Belly last night, with the two modyourfast duo - k3v and R32.

Was a strong turnout (at least 10 plus cars) and supposedly, this is a normal occurrence (sometimes even more). There was even a stock blue VR6 2.9 Corrado, one of only two in the country. Talk about semangat'ness'. 350Z weekly get-togethers pale in comparison hehe. It reminded me of my Melbourne Golf GTI Club meet ups.

Needless to say, having owned a 2007 VW MK5 Golf GTI and a 2008 Golf R32, it was great meeting these guys. It was also good to finally put faces to names since I often frequent the VGCM forums. The conversation naturally was about cars, aftermarket parts (BBS RS-GT rims, OSIR carbon fiber rear valence), tuning (S3 engine components) etc - thoroughly enjoyable topics in my book!

Anyway, some of the guys have modded their cars to the extent of fitting in a bigger turbo i.e. Stage III K04 (roughly producing 245hp+ and 300lb-ft+ of torque : note that these are conservative figures). A stock GTI only puts out 197 bhp and 207lb-ft, so thats a big jump.

Was invited to have a ride in one K04 with a Unitronic remap (the car had stock intake haha!) and the power is pretty good (slams you back into your seat). 0-100 in under 6 seconds easy. The GTI's chassis is still stable and pliable (handling wise) but with all that power going through the front wheels, there was some chirping (the tyres couldn't find traction). In the wet, I imagine it would be a very scary affair.

Stayed till about 12 midnight before everyone decided to do a run on the highway but I opted out. Sounds like they had a good time though. 350Z for next week!

Stormtrooper: Enco's bodykit for the Q5

Enco Exclusive, a German tuner, have developed a new bodykit for the Audi Q5. Although parts can be purchased separately, the full kit retails at €11,568 (hm, ouch, about 50 grand).

This new package is similar to the Enco Q7, though there are clear differences between the two bumpers. LED daytime running lights have been incorporated alongside enlarged air inlets, and a new hood sits above it all (not feeling the hood that much with the chrome bits). New sidesills complimented a remodeled rear that houses a distinctive rear spoiler and dual oval exhaust pipes seen on the Q7 (this, to me, the most standout feature of the kit).

As you can see from the last few pics, carbon fiber has been liberally used throughout the interior. Also thrown into the mix are 10 x 22-inch monoblock wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires (probably cost a bomb to replace once treadwear is gone). Wheels come standard in silver and can be painted if desired.

I wish Techart would wave their magic wand over the Q5 but this entry is a hit and miss affair.

Source: I Am Audi

Stormtrooper: Enco's bodykit for the Q5

Enco Exclusive, a German tuner, have developed a new bodykit for the Audi Q5. Although parts can be purchased separately, the full kit retails at €11,568 (hm, ouch, about 50 grand).

This new package is similar to the Enco Q7, though there are clear differences between the two bumpers. LED daytime running lights have been incorporated alongside enlarged air inlets, and a new hood sits above it all (not feeling the hood that much with the chrome bits). New sidesills complimented a remodeled rear that houses a distinctive rear spoiler and dual oval exhaust pipes seen on the Q7 (this, to me, the most standout feature of the kit).

As you can see from the last few pics, carbon fiber has been liberally used throughout the interior. Also thrown into the mix are 10 x 22-inch monoblock wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires (probably cost a bomb to replace once treadwear is gone). Wheels come standard in silver and can be painted if desired.

I wish Techart would wave their magic wand over the Q5 but this entry is a hit and miss affair.

Source: I Am Audi

Nismo LM-GT4 19" rims for the 350Z?

I've always been a fan of Nismo's LM-GT4 rims.

A set of these lovely rims are available for purchase but there is a catch - the set comes in bronze... I personally prefer them in silver but I guess I could always respray the rims (which would mean losing the original Nismo sticker and what not).

Anyway, this pic shows a Silver 350Z with bronze LM-GT4 rims. Ahhhhh! Decisions decisions.

Here is one with silver LM-GT4s (looks better in my book)

If only we could get Volk Racing GTS (Black Painted) rims ...

Nismo LM-GT4 19" rims for the 350Z?

I've always been a fan of Nismo's LM-GT4 rims.

A set of these lovely rims are available for purchase but there is a catch - the set comes in bronze... I personally prefer them in silver but I guess I could always respray the rims (which would mean losing the original Nismo sticker and what not).

Anyway, this pic shows a Silver 350Z with bronze LM-GT4 rims. Ahhhhh! Decisions decisions.

Here is one with silver LM-GT4s (looks better in my book)

If only we could get Volk Racing GTS (Black Painted) rims ...

Audi Q5 Launched in India Starting Price at 38.29 lakh

- The performance SUV from Audi raises the bar in its segment
- Innovative technology, elegant design and spacious interior
- Awards for Audi Q5 include the Golden Steering Wheel and the Best Off-Roader in Europe in 2009
- The sporty, versatile SUV comes to India with two powerful engines: 2.0 TFSI (petrol) and 3.0 TDI (diesel)
- Available at Audi dealerships from today, June 4th onwards, price starting at INR 3,829,000

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today launched the much awaited Audi Q5 - the sportiest and most elegant SUV in its class. Audi Q5 is a marvel of precision engineering, luxurious interiors, with dynamic and innovative features and progressive design. Voted the Best Off-Roader in Europe by auto motor und sport and awarded the Golden Steering Wheel in Germany, the Audi Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with Audi’s legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving. The Audi Q5 with two engine options - 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI - will be available at Audi dealerships across India from June 4th, 2009 onwards.

“The Audi Q5 stands testament to Audi’s commitment to innovation and sophistication. We introduce now another excellent product of the Audi model range to our Indian customers. The market for the SUV segment has seen tremendous growth in this country during the last years. Driven by our philosophy of 'Vorsprung durch Technik', the Audi Q5 will become a benchmark for style, performance, safety, comfort and driving dynamics in its segment. It joins its ‘big brother’ Audi Q7 in creating a new market for the smaller luxury SUV admirer in the country,” said Mr. Benoit Tiers, Managing Director Audi India.

The Audi Q5’s design is elegant and sculptural – typically for Audi, which is the leading brand in this domain. The large single-frame grill dominates the front-end, the headlamps have xenon plus bulbs and LED running lights as standard, and the rear lights also feature LED technology. The Audi Q5 is 4.63 meters (15.19 feet) long, 1.88 meters (6.17 feet) wide and 1.65 meters (5.41 feet) high, giving it the sportiest proportions in the segment.

The Audi Q5 comes to the Indian market with two powerful engines – one petrol (2.0 TFSI) and one diesel (3.0 TDI). Both of them are direct injection units with turbocharging, beefy pulling power and impressive fuel efficiency. The new 2.0 TFSI with Audi valvelift system has a maximum power output of 155 kW (211 hp) and speeds up to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The 3.0 TDI is the most powerful engine in the range with 176 kW (240 hp) and 500Nm of torque. It speeds up from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 225 km/h.

For these engines Audi has developed a new generation of the dynamic S tronic - the innovative dual-clutch transmission now has seven gears. Being a performance SUV, the Audi Q5 drives with sporty precision and unwavering stability, with a climbing performance of a staggering 31 degrees.

The Audi Q5 combines technology with luxury. The standard and optional equipment includes the Audi driver information system, the MMI (Multi Media Interface), xenon plus headlights with LED technology, Bang & Olufsen surround sound, a DVD player, Rear Seat Entertainment, 3-Zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control, an acoustic parking system with rearview camera and many additional features.

The Audi Q5 range starts at INR 3,829,000 for the 2.0 TFSI and INR 4,419,000 for the 3.0 TDI (ex-showroom Mumbai) and will be offered in six exciting colors: Stratos Blue, Garnet Red, Ice Silver, Meteor Grey, Phantom Black and Ibis White.

The new Audi Q5 will be available along with the entire Audi model range comprising the new Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q7, Audi A4, Audi TT and the super sports car Audi R8 from June 4th, 2009 onwards at 11 dealerships across the country: in Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi.

Source: Audi India

Audi Q5 Test Drive

Actual Malaysian Base Model Q5 (Picture Courtesy of Motor Trader Malaysia)

I had the pleasure of test driving Audi's brand new Q5 this week, courtesy of the friendly people at Euromobil Glenmarie.

Cost

Standard Spec

Nett selling price RM 297,916.40 Registration & Inspection fees RM 650.00
Road Tax RM 433.60
OTR Retail Price without insurance RM 299,000.00

S-Line Spec (adds 19 inch five spoke rims, Milano full leather sport seats, sports steering wheel with S-Line badging & headlining in black cloth)

Nett selling price RM 323,916.40
Registration & Inspection fees RM 650.00
Road Tax RM 433.60
OTR Retail Price without insurance RM 325,000.00

Colors Available at Launch:
Base model - Ibis White, Ice Silver, Phantom Black (by opting for the S-Line package, buyers will have more color options)

Optional Accessories
Bang & Olufsen sound system RM 6,000.00
Panaromic glass roof RM 10,000.00
Electronically opening & closing tailgate RM 6,500.00

Technical Information

The Q5 shares the same platform as the B8 A4 and is powered by a 155kw two-litre turbo engine (211 hps / 350 Nm of torque). The car does 0-100 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. This engine is not an updated version of Volkswagen’s popular MKV Golf GTI 2.0 TFSI (147kw). It is actually a new power plant of the "EA888" generation of engines which powered the GTI Edition 30, a special model released to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the GTI. Also, unlike the front wheel drive Golf, the Q7's little brother comes with Audi's signature quattro permanent four wheel drive system. Another interesting titbit is that the Q5’s front suspension is borrowed from the A4 and its rear from the A6/A8 line. Lastly, the Q5's engine is mated to Audi's 7-speed S-Tronic twin clutch transmission.

Exterior

Ever since I saw the car in the flesh at this year’s Melbourne International Motor Show, I always thought that the Q5 was a handsome car. This perception was only reinforced when I walked up to my test unit which was parked outside Euromobil's Audi hanger. From the car's futuristic LED headlight cluster, to the rakish design of its tail lights - the car just oozes masculinity. I did notice though that when looking at the Q5 side on, it looked a bit 'tubby' but this was probably due to the solid white color (Ibis White). I'm sure the S-Line version with 19 inch rims and a darker metallic paint option will sort this problem out!

Bottomline, I personally think that Audi's baby SUV looks much better than BMW's X3 (both the current & future model) and Volkwagen's Tiguan.

The Q5's LED Headlight Cluster & Rear Tail Lights (Picture courtesy of Motor Trader Malaysia)

Ibis White Audi Q5 at test launch - base model with 19 inch rims (Photo Courtesy of www.oneshift.com)

Interior

The interior was bedecked with supple black leather and I was able to find a comfortable driving position, thanks to the Q5's electronic seats (complete with lumbar support). The red dials on the speedometer, a Audi trademark, is clear and quite pleasing to look at. Like most Volkswagen AG cars, the driver's information screen is sited between the rev-counter and speedometer. It always shows the current selected gear and the driver is able to access information about the car by utilizing the steering wheel buttons.

The Audi sales rep gave a brief demonstration of the MMI system by slotting a SD Card into the centre dash and played some music tracks at the touch of a button. The Malaysian model is equipped with Audi’s Symphony radio and sound quality was pretty darn good. The Euromobil employee also connected his mobile phone via the Bluetooth prep system and it was all rather simple and easy to use.

My previous ride was a Volkswagen and there is a marked difference in terms of cabin quality. The Audi felt more upmarket. This should be the case anyway since even though VW and Audi are under the same corporate umbrella, they target different segments of the driving public. Overall the cabin was just about right - airy and well built. The car's luggage capacity is 540 litres and spacious enough for the needs of a young family. The rear seats are comfortable as well, according to a friend of mine who came along for the ride. As for those people who love being in a position of control or authority - not to worry, the Q5's SUV height gives you a throne from which you can lord over other road users!

On The Road

Before leaving Euromobil, I had already begun to fiddle with Audi's Drive Select system. While making my way out of the tight small lanes of Kawasan Perindustrian Temasya, the Q5 in Comfort mode was supple and the light steering wheel setting, made for easy manoeuvring. There was little body roll, even during sharp turns. Pot holes and road irregularities were soaked up by the cosseting ride. Upon reaching Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang Jaya, I switched to Auto mode and you could already feel a difference in terms of power delivery and ride - pick up had improved and the car felt more planted. The steering wheel began to feel 'meatier' too.

As I passed Saujana Golf & Country Club, I swapped to Dynamic and after making sure that there weren't any other road users near me, began to move the car from side to side while at cruising speed and the Q5 felt unbelievably solid. The steering wheel felt so direct and meaty yet never too heavy. You just had to point at where you wanted the car to go and it went! The ride was slightly more on the firm side, so some people might find it a bit too harsh for daily driving (but that’s what Comfort mode is for isn't it?). I reckon that Dynamic is just perfect for a blast down the highway or for some spirited driving on nice stretch of winding road. Prior to returning the car to Euromobil, I couldn't resist doing a standstill launch to see if the 7.2 seconds figure was accurate. Needless to say, thanks to the engine, the quattro four wheel drive system and the lovely gearbox, the car is capable of doing just that (not to mention making me smile with the sudden rush of unadulterated speed!).

Conclusion

Try to imagine the Q5 as a large hot hatch and you would probably have a good idea of what the car is all about. It definitely isn't an A4 on stilts. Despite weighing in at a hefty 1730kg (unladen), the car is fast, handles well (for a SUV - feels more like a premium sports sedan) and isn't so large as to make the task of driving it around town a chore (try parking a Q7 on a weekend and you'll see what I mean). Some people might argue that buyers are better off purchasing Volkswagen's Tiguan rather than spending RM50,000 more on the Q5. Having driven the Tiguan (which is based on the MKV Golf chassis - meaning its smaller than the Q5), I would say that if you could afford to spend fifty grand more, you might as well get the Audi. By doing so, you get the S-Tronic / DSG gearbox (Tiguan has a regular 6 speed transmission), a much more powerful engine (the VW's powerplant puts out 147kw and does 0-100 in 8.5 seconds) and the Q5 will have a longer shelf life since its European launch was in November 2008 (the Tiguan was launched in Europe in November 2007).

Audi Q5 Test Drive

Actual Malaysian Base Model Q5 (Picture Courtesy of Motor Trader Malaysia)

I had the pleasure of test driving Audi's brand new Q5 this week, courtesy of the friendly people at Euromobil Glenmarie.

Cost

Standard Spec

Nett selling price RM 297,916.40 Registration & Inspection fees RM 650.00
Road Tax RM 433.60
OTR Retail Price without insurance RM 299,000.00

S-Line Spec (adds 19 inch five spoke rims, Milano full leather sport seats, sports steering wheel with S-Line badging & headlining in black cloth)

Nett selling price RM 323,916.40
Registration & Inspection fees RM 650.00
Road Tax RM 433.60
OTR Retail Price without insurance RM 325,000.00

Colors Available at Launch:
Base model - Ibis White, Ice Silver, Phantom Black (by opting for the S-Line package, buyers will have more color options)

Optional Accessories
Bang & Olufsen sound system RM 6,000.00
Panaromic glass roof RM 10,000.00
Electronically opening & closing tailgate RM 6,500.00

Technical Information

The Q5 shares the same platform as the B8 A4 and is powered by a 155kw two-litre turbo engine (211 hps / 350 Nm of torque). The car does 0-100 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. This engine is not an updated version of Volkswagen’s popular MKV Golf GTI 2.0 TFSI (147kw). It is actually a new power plant of the "EA888" generation of engines which powered the GTI Edition 30, a special model released to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the GTI. Also, unlike the front wheel drive Golf, the Q7's little brother comes with Audi's signature quattro permanent four wheel drive system. Another interesting titbit is that the Q5’s front suspension is borrowed from the A4 and its rear from the A6/A8 line. Lastly, the Q5's engine is mated to Audi's 7-speed S-Tronic twin clutch transmission.

Exterior

Ever since I saw the car in the flesh at this year’s Melbourne International Motor Show, I always thought that the Q5 was a handsome car. This perception was only reinforced when I walked up to my test unit which was parked outside Euromobil's Audi hanger. From the car's futuristic LED headlight cluster, to the rakish design of its tail lights - the car just oozes masculinity. I did notice though that when looking at the Q5 side on, it looked a bit 'tubby' but this was probably due to the solid white color (Ibis White). I'm sure the S-Line version with 19 inch rims and a darker metallic paint option will sort this problem out!

Bottomline, I personally think that Audi's baby SUV looks much better than BMW's X3 (both the current & future model) and Volkwagen's Tiguan.

The Q5's LED Headlight Cluster & Rear Tail Lights (Picture courtesy of Motor Trader Malaysia)

Ibis White Audi Q5 at test launch - base model with 19 inch rims (Photo Courtesy of www.oneshift.com)

Interior

The interior was bedecked with supple black leather and I was able to find a comfortable driving position, thanks to the Q5's electronic seats (complete with lumbar support). The red dials on the speedometer, a Audi trademark, is clear and quite pleasing to look at. Like most Volkswagen AG cars, the driver's information screen is sited between the rev-counter and speedometer. It always shows the current selected gear and the driver is able to access information about the car by utilizing the steering wheel buttons.

The Audi sales rep gave a brief demonstration of the MMI system by slotting a SD Card into the centre dash and played some music tracks at the touch of a button. The Malaysian model is equipped with Audi’s Symphony radio and sound quality was pretty darn good. The Euromobil employee also connected his mobile phone via the Bluetooth prep system and it was all rather simple and easy to use.

My previous ride was a Volkswagen and there is a marked difference in terms of cabin quality. The Audi felt more upmarket. This should be the case anyway since even though VW and Audi are under the same corporate umbrella, they target different segments of the driving public. Overall the cabin was just about right - airy and well built. The car's luggage capacity is 540 litres and spacious enough for the needs of a young family. The rear seats are comfortable as well, according to a friend of mine who came along for the ride. As for those people who love being in a position of control or authority - not to worry, the Q5's SUV height gives you a throne from which you can lord over other road users!

On The Road

Before leaving Euromobil, I had already begun to fiddle with Audi's Drive Select system. While making my way out of the tight small lanes of Kawasan Perindustrian Temasya, the Q5 in Comfort mode was supple and the light steering wheel setting, made for easy manoeuvring. There was little body roll, even during sharp turns. Pot holes and road irregularities were soaked up by the cosseting ride. Upon reaching Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang Jaya, I switched to Auto mode and you could already feel a difference in terms of power delivery and ride - pick up had improved and the car felt more planted. The steering wheel began to feel 'meatier' too.

As I passed Saujana Golf & Country Club, I swapped to Dynamic and after making sure that there weren't any other road users near me, began to move the car from side to side while at cruising speed and the Q5 felt unbelievably solid. The steering wheel felt so direct and meaty yet never too heavy. You just had to point at where you wanted the car to go and it went! The ride was slightly more on the firm side, so some people might find it a bit too harsh for daily driving (but that’s what Comfort mode is for isn't it?). I reckon that Dynamic is just perfect for a blast down the highway or for some spirited driving on nice stretch of winding road. Prior to returning the car to Euromobil, I couldn't resist doing a standstill launch to see if the 7.2 seconds figure was accurate. Needless to say, thanks to the engine, the quattro four wheel drive system and the lovely gearbox, the car is capable of doing just that (not to mention making me smile with the sudden rush of unadulterated speed!).

Conclusion

Try to imagine the Q5 as a large hot hatch and you would probably have a good idea of what the car is all about. It definitely isn't an A4 on stilts. Despite weighing in at a hefty 1730kg (unladen), the car is fast, handles well (for a SUV - feels more like a premium sports sedan) and isn't so large as to make the task of driving it around town a chore (try parking a Q7 on a weekend and you'll see what I mean). Some people might argue that buyers are better off purchasing Volkswagen's Tiguan rather than spending RM50,000 more on the Q5. Having driven the Tiguan (which is based on the MKV Golf chassis - meaning its smaller than the Q5), I would say that if you could afford to spend fifty grand more, you might as well get the Audi. By doing so, you get the S-Tronic / DSG gearbox (Tiguan has a regular 6 speed transmission), a much more powerful engine (the VW's powerplant puts out 147kw and does 0-100 in 8.5 seconds) and the Q5 will have a longer shelf life since its European launch was in November 2008 (the Tiguan was launched in Europe in November 2007).