Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
WHEN the Audi Q5 was first launched about eight years ago, it became the German luxury carmaker’s wonder nameplate back in America.
Fast forward today and countless of other new contenders later, the premium compact crossover gets a much-needed makeover to catch up with the cutthroat jaws of competition.
After putting up a show in its world debut back at the Paris Motor Show, the second-generation Audi Q5 recently just arrived in our shores with PGA Cars Inc.’s launch at Manila Polo Club in Makati City. The grand event was attended by the media, colleagues and Audi’s loyal customers.
“I am proud to bring the all-new Audi Q5 here in the Philippines. This car is setting the bar higher for SUVs [sport-utility vehicles] in its class,” Audi Philippines Head Benedicto Coyiuto said.
“As proof of the brand’s corporate tagline, ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ or ‘Advancement through Technology,’ the Audi Q5 boasts of great innovations, such as the quattro all-wheel drive system with ultra technology, highly efficient engines, air suspension with damper control and a comprehensive lineup of infotainment and assistance systems. I believe it will continue to be the best-selling luxury compact SUV here in the Philippines.”
This latest Q5 rides on the success of its predecessor, but this time, it’s much lighter and more stylish. At the onset, this stunner sports a redesigned front fascia with a single-frame hexagonal grill along with a revised set of LED headlights, which according to Audi can be opted to an upgraded Matrix LEDs for improved visibility at night.
At the back, wraparound taillights with LED lighting dons its unique panache along with a rear diffuser that sits between the dual exhaust pipes. This whiz of a machine is 90-kilograms lighter than the first generation. Thanks to a mixture of high-tensile strength steel and aluminum while standing 1660-millimeters tall, 4660-mm long, 1890mm wide and has a 2820-mm wheelbase.
Inside, the all-new Q5 features improved cabin space with 610 liters of cargo compared to the previous model’s 550 liters. Fold the rear seats down and luggage space balloons to 1,550 liters.
Aside from its svelte design inside, this masterpiece also boasts of a new 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit system. Not to mention its MMI 8.3-inch touch-screen infotainment with navigation. Other niceties include: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, new MMI system with gesture control, voice control and a haptic feedback touchpad.
Two engine options are being offered for the 2018 Q5. First is the 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 190 horsepower along with 400 N-m of torque. It can go from 0-100 kilometers per hour in 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 kph.
Meanwhile, the gasoline variant 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine generates 252 hp and 370 N-m of torque. Zero-100 kph is reached in just 6.3 seconds, while top speed is rated at 237 kph.
Both models come with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and are mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
The 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI will be available in three trim models: Design, Premium and S line and the price starts at P 4.9 million.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes