Audi Q5 Video Review by Cartoq

>>The Audi Q5 is big, is brawny and costs as much as a small apartment. So does it live up to the hype? Let's find out. You can't mistake it for anything but an Audi Q Series SUV. It gets the trademark imposing chrome plated Audi grille and projector headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. The 17 inch alloys add to the style quotient. Moving to the rear, the wraparound tail lamps create a baby Q7 look. The cabin is covered in leather, wood and brushed aluminium and is a great place to be in. It has lots of space and well bolstered seats up front and the controls are easy to reach. All is not perfect though. We inadvertently hit the volume adjustment wheel on the steering quite a few times while taking turns. The multimedia interface is controlled by a dial and a set of buttons on the central console. It provides access to the entertainment system, Bluetooth telephony, the Satellite Navigation, the Drive Select system, car information and settings. PTC: Roshun Povaiah The rear seat is where prospective owners are most likely to park themselves. The seats are comfortable, but can certainly do with a bit more thigh support. The high transmission tunnel means the Q5 works best as a 4 seater. The large windows let in a lot of light and the cabin feels bright and airy. The boot is large enough for airport runs or for the family holiday. The rear seats split 60:40 for added flexibility and tumble forward at the pull of a lever. There is a separate 12V power outlet in the boot area. The space saver spare tire that needs to be inflated via the on-board electric air compressor before it can be used. This is certainly not the most convenient of solutions. The party trick of the Q5 is the massive panoramic sunroof. This is among the biggest sunroofs we have ever come across and is that one single feature that wows you. The motorized blind is a very practical addition. It is retractable at the touch of a button. The Q5 is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 177 bhp of power and 380 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 7-speed twin clutch gearbox with manual override and Audi's famous Quattro all-wheel drive system. The Q5 is surprisingly easy to drive, even in heavy traffic. The engine is responsive and the gearbox is eager and obedient. The driver sits high and gets a commanding view of the road. The responsive steering also helps. The vehicle is an able highway mile muncher with plenty of reserve power. The Q5 is quite capable off the road as well. The high ground clearance, the protective plastic cladding and the Quattro system really make their presence felt here. The Q5 happily ploughs through mud, dirt, ruts and sand, despite the handicap of tarmac based tires. The upside of using a 2-liter engine is that good fuel economy is almost guaranteed. Overall mileage achieved over the 950 km long test was a bit over 12 kmpl, which is quite close to the claimed 14.16 kmpl. Overall, we are impressed with the Q5. It is spacious enough for family use and is a great highway car. It does feel a bit expensive at 43.8 lakh ex showroom Delhi for the 2 litre diesel, but is one versatile and multi-talented machine!