2017 Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Sport Quick Review

The countdown to late June is on, when Audi will launch the second-generation of its popular Q5 mid-sized SUV, which promises to bring a host of features including performance, safety and comfort improvements for only a small price increase.

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In its first generation, Audi’s Q5 was a big hit, selling an average of 300 units per month in 2016 despite being on sale for eight years.

The new version isn’t quite here yet but, such is the anticipation of the gen-two Q5, Audi has imported a pair of the variants it says will be the top seller, to keep the hype machine running at full speed.

With a more powerful but frugal diesel engine, boosted space, more technology and up-to-date sharp Audi styling, the new $70,700 2.0 TDI quattro Sport promises to maintain, if not increase the sales momentum of the first Q5.

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STRENGTHS

It is the first mainstream Audi model to use quattro Ultra technology which disconnects drivetrain components when not required for increased fuel economy. Audi claims the mid-range version can return an average fuel consumption figure of 5.4L/100km. That’s a 12 percent reduction over the previous 2.0-litre diesel Q5.

All variants have new sophisticated safety systems including cross traffic warning, blind spot monitoring and pre-sense rear, which warns following traffic with flashing lights if they are risk of a collision with the Audi.

The Sport variant adds to the standard version with adaptive cruise control, autonomous forward collision mitigation and automatic high-beam headlights.

Overall weight reduction of 90kg with some mass stripped from unsprung weight has resulted in a significant handling improvement. Optional adaptive dampers take the dynamic characteristics up another notch for $1654.

Revised suspension and construction has also improved cabin comfort levels with a silky ride and low road and wind noise.

Interior space is more accommodating, as is the boot which grows by 10 litres to 550L and can be expanded to 610L thanks to a sliding second row of seats.

Audi’s excellent virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster now spreads to the mid-range diesel and 2.0 TFSI variants, bringing a customisable 12.3-inch screen where the analogue gauges would ordinarily live.

The new styling is unmistakably Audi, handsome and contemporary, and a new paint hue named Azores Green is delicious.

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WEAKNESSES

Zero to 100km/h acceleration is a touch on the slow side for the premium mid-sized SUV segment, but speed-hungry Q5 fans will have the choice of a nippier 2.0 TFSI petrol version or the V6-powered SQ5.

Seven-speed dual-clutch auto resists downshifts in the name of fuel conservation, but Audi’s Sport drive select mode switches the transmission to a more responsive setting.

Revised idle-stop fuel-saving technology restarts the engine when the accelerator is pressed, which prolongs the delay between lifting off the brake and moving off.

Some pricey options can add up including a $2462 panoramic sunroof and $3069 air suspension, although a choice of packages sharpen the price of options by bundling a number of items.

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ANY RIVALS I SHOULD CONSIDER?

Arch rivals in the German mid-sized SUV segment include BMW and Mercedes-Benz who weigh in with the recently updated X3 and GLC respectively.

The equivalent BMW costs $66,900 for the equivalent 2.0-litre diesel xDrive 20d, while Mercedes’ contender costs $65,990 for its 2.1-litre diesel GLC 220d.