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By Ben Pulman
First Drives
10 July 2008 18:23
The Audi Q5 is here – and we've driven it. Finally Ingolstadt has a medium-sized SUV with which to battle the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK. But in the war of the small, premium Germans 4x4s, the X3 is ageing fast and the GLK won’t be in the UK until 2010 at the earliest. That leaves the Q5 with an easy run at the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and Volvo XC60, if it can deliver on its promise. We’ve just driven the Q5 so read on for our first drive.So what makes the Audi Q5 stand out from its rivals?Not its styling. The Q5’s design is safe and secure, with obvious links to other Audi products like the A3 (front lights) and Q7 (taillamps). The front grille is seemingly even bigger than before and the chrome trim around it even thicker, but it’s the only shiny highlight on an otherwise straightforward design.The Q5 goes on sale in the UK in September 2008 and all cars will initially come in SE spec, which means leather, electric doors and mirrors, rear parking sensors and 18-inch alloys. Pity they look so puny on the Q5. In fact, unlike its big brother the Q7, we would go as far as to recommend an S-line spec car, if only for the 19-inch wheels and bodykit to butch it up.Click ‘Next’ below to read more of our Audi Q5 first drive review
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Audi Q5 2.0 TDI (2008) CAR review
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moffmeister says
RE: Audi Q5 2.0 TDI CAR review
This car isnt too bad, sure, elements of the design are a bit out of place and the drive may not be especially involving but so what? People who buy these cars want comfort, luxury and image from a presige mark, the Q5 ticks all of those boxes. The cabin is a highlight of all modern Audis, aswell as the refinement and comfort, the cabin is always a winner and is prepared to trump Beemer and Merc in terms of cabin quality any day of the week.
05 August 2008 08:08
JohnnyBimmer says
It's fine not liking Audis for their character traits but that needs 'prespective'. The perpective for this Q5 as mentioned is the BMW X3 which looks a Bangle mangle and drives like a jittery dog (rather like my 335 coupe until I get it off its damn run-flats!). I'm no fan of Audis dead-pan steering feel either but Q5 v X3 my monies on the Audi - for once!
22 July 2008 20:00
VISO says
"In summary we dont like these mini Suv's, and many Audi's. Car is usually spot on with driving characteristics, probably because of this they occasionally miss other de-merit (e.g the interior of a Porsche being anything other than basic). Unlike some of the exotica in this mag we have all driven Audi's and don't like the drive, the rest is a case of Audi catch-up. If you can afford the £30+ big ones someone else can tow your digger." Huh? You sound stupid.
20 July 2008 02:44
Some comments here rating this Audi being "boring" or SUV's are a formula that's past its sell-by-date demonstrate a lack of appreciation for the art, variety and practicality of our transport machines as a species. The 4x4 and SUV format was lossed on me too even if I couldn't help but admire the Range Rover and that crisp brick called the Discovery. But the Freelander Concept and the BMW X6 drew me in more over the last year and I kinda like them now I'm thinking about kids and don't give a fig for this CO2, tax-us-to-death behaviour change, recycling our waste nonesense. You can safely assume the Car Co's know what they're doing producing these SUV's and the politicians forcing green issues and taxes down our throats haven't a f**king clue. In fact if you need clues to how clueless the politicians are just look how they manage anything (health service, education, banking, roads, trains, any public project). You think they've just 'happened' to got it right on global green issues? Dream on guys! Back to the Audi Q5. A huge improvement on that dogs breath Q7. And nobodies mentioned the other competitors except the X3. There's a VW based on the Q5 chassis and... wait for it.. a new baby Porsche Cayenne coming too. I like the Q5 alot for its soft curves inside and out. Having seen the baby Porsche design renderings though the Porsche might get my vote.
17 July 2008 03:58
jer says
In summary we dont like these mini Suv's, and many Audi's. Car is usually spot on with driving characteristics, probably because of this they occasionally miss other de-merit (e.g the interior of a Porsche being anything other than basic). Unlike some of the exotica in this mag we have all driven Audi's and don't like the drive, the rest is a case of Audi catch-up. If you can afford the £30+ big ones someone else can tow your digger.
14 July 2008 08:55
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