There's no way of getting around it, the fact that the Audi Q5 is immensely popular. At the time of the launch of the latest B9 (Typ 80A) Q5, more than 1.6-million examples of the Audi Q5 had been sold globally. No mean feat when you consider that it was only launched as a model range in 2008.
Related: 2017 Audi Q5 2.0TFSI Quattro Sport - car review
It may rest on the higher end of the price spectrum for most but Audi has ensured that you get the most value for your money. The Audi Q5 strikes an excellent balance between size, spaciousness, comfort, convenience and sportiness. It's all bundled into a package that will slot into your lifestyle with minimum fuss.
Before you head out to go test drive a new Audi Q5, take a look at these pointers below to help ensure that you get the most out of the experience. Some of these features will be optional extras but most demo models will have them fitted. If you're unsure, feel free to ask the sales assistant to help explain the benefit of such options.
1. Matrix LED Headlights
I know what you're saying, test drives generally only happen during the day, so how are you supposed to test the headlights? It's a fair question and unless you arrange for a night drive, you won't grasp the full scope of the Matrix LED headlights. You'll have to trust that these lights offer amazing illumination and greatly improve visibility at night. They will allow you to drive on your high beams and not blind oncoming traffic, thus ensuring that you have all the light you need for safer nighttime driving.
2. Virtual Cockpit
The Audi Virtual Cockpit system is a unit that replaces the traditional analogue gauges in the driver's binnacle with a 12.5-inch LCD screen. The gauges are displayed digitally and this allows for their designs to be changed as needed. It also allows for more flexibility in terms of what information is displayed. You will be able to scroll through vehicle settings menus, navigation maps, audio controls and vehicle performance statistics and settings all from the multifunction steering wheel. You will also be able to prioritize what information is displayed.
3. Pre-Sense City
Pre-Sense City is a standard feature on all Audi Q5s. This system will monitor the road ahead of you and warn you of pedestrians, cyclists and slower moving traffic. Should you fail to respond to a situation where you may strike one of these, the Audi Q5 will automatically brake to help avoid a collision. Ask the salesperson to help you test this in their parking lot.
4. Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist
One of the last things you want on a test drive is traffic, but in the Audi Q5 it will give you the opportunity to test out the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). If you're a little confused right now, don't worry. The Audi has Traffic Jam Assist as part of the ACC which will assist with some of the steering duties. If you plan on using the car on a daily basis and sit in traffic on the way to work, this may be a God-send.
5. Drive Select
It's not a new invention, it's worth trying out the different drive modes in the Q5 to see what effect it has on the vehicle. Drive Select offers several different drive modes that range from an Off-Road setting to a Dynamic setting. These modes will alter the throttle response, the suspension and steering and in cars fitted with the variable air suspension, the ride height. Air Suspension models will offer you 5 different height settings.
6. Audi Phone Box
This optional extra is perfect for the business person on the move. The Audi Phone Box allows for wireless charging and connects your smartphone device to the Q5's aerial for improved LTE signal reception. This improves the quality of the phone calls and adds an additional Bluetooth connection that allows for two devices to be connected simultaneously.
7. Powertrains
You get to choose from two engine trims in the Audi Q5, a 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the 40TDI that produces 140 kW and 400 Nm. This setup will see the Q5 sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.9-seconds and return an average fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 4.9 l/100km.
The petrol option is the 45TFSI that makes 185 kW and 370 Nm torque. This model is good for a standing sprint to 100 km/h in 6.3-seconds and is claimed to return an average fuel consumption of 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle.
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