Fridae

Audi is on a roll these days. Despite suffering the slightest of dips in numbers sold so far in the first quarter of 2009, they have made gains in terms of market share, simply because rivals are experiencing cliff-like falls in sales.

They make desirable cars in every class it competes in. Premium executive cars like the A4, A6 and A8 are trouncing arch rivals in their respective classes. The A3 triumphs easily, as rivals only offers oddballs that nobody wants. Their halo model, the R8 redefines the supercar rule book. Coupes like the drop dead gorgeous A5 and the TT are simply delicious, of note; the fore-coming TT-RS promises to tear tarmac like the original Quattro coupe in the 80's.

However, in the SUV segment, things had not been quite as rosy as Audi would hope for. The big seven-seater, Q7 was late to the SUV party and lives in the shadows of the Mercedes GL and maybe to a certain extent the pig-ugly BMW X5. This is something which Audi hopes to address with their new Q5. This mid-sized SUV shows Audi's determination and form in the quest to conquer the premium car market and eventually achieve their 2015 target of 1.5 million car sales a year.

Punters in Europe are clearly in the love with the Q5, as Audi has already chalked up 18,000 units over the last two months of 2008; numbers which the Mercedes GLK and BMW X3 would kill for nowadays. Who could argue with the Ingolstadt based manufacturer's onslaught in this hotly contested segment given such a successful debut?

People buy such cars for only one reason: Style. And here comes the Q5's biggest problem. It lacks presence in standard form (which I suspect has much to do with the low height of the Q5 at 1.65m). A ploy from Audi to charge for a S-line or offroad "dress-up" package? Seemingly, the offroad styling option adds the much needed character to the Q5 and will be the better choice at shouting out the Q5's capabilities in tackling the wild terrains.

During the regional launch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a let-loose run at an off-road course at the Sepang F1 circuit convinced me that the Q5 is entirely off-road capable. The short overhangs gives a useful angles of approach and departure at 25 degrees. Also, boasting a climbing performance of 31 degrees. The Q5 tackled a ramp breakover angle measuring at 17.6 degrees and a lateral incline at 25 degrees with ease.

While I bark at the lack of height for ruining the Q5's looks, it did contribute significantly to the way it drives. The new comer shows rivals the door with the way it handles. The steering may be light but there is accuracy and some feedback for the driver to be sure where the front wheels are pointing. Like most Audis, adaptive chassis is standard (Comfort, Dynamic and Auto). Regardless of which mode is selected, the Q5 struggles to provide a thoroughly serene ride.Or this is just the poor Malaysian roads?

Perhaps the stiff ride is to reinforce the sporty message that comes from the 2.0 TFSI engine. Mated with the fast up-shifting 7-speed S-tronic gearbox, the 1.740 kg SUV hurrys from rest to 100 km/h in an impressive 7.2 secs. Perhaps Audi still needs more work on their new gearbox as the downshifts are somewhat jerky. Regardless, the impressive performance is backed by an equally impressive fuel efficiency, 8.5 litres per 100 km. That's actually better than it's smaller-sized cousin, the Volkswagen Tiguan (9.9 litres per 100 km).

Prices start at a seemingly reasonable S$167,400 for the base 2.0 TFSI model. That's prior to raiding the options list. Other than the aforementioned offroad styling package (starts from S$8,530), the thin sounding audio system screams for a need to upgrade to the Bang & Olufsen Sound system (S$2,085) and the "Keyless Entry" (S$2,794) is shockingly non-standard. And would the glaring missing empty parts in the central console urge you to throw in another S$9,944 for the MMI navigation?

Something which Arena SG's Editor, Kawei and I would be grateful for, as we were hopelessly lost (several times, no less!) during the drive around Putrajaya. But perhaps more to the point: is it acceptable to buy a S$170,000 car without an in-built navigation system?

At the current moment rivals are weak; the Land Rover Freelander 2 may start from only $158,000 but it would hurt at the pumps. Pity, the handsome Mercedes GLK will only hit our shores in 2011. And the Q5 will drive rings round the Volvo XC60 and the freakish-looking BMW X3. Looks like the Q5 has only it's brother, the A4 Avant to worry about. As good as the Q5 is, if I need the space, the A4 Avant will be my choice.

P.S. A fleet of Q5 3.0 TDI was flown in from Europe during the launch and it feels much better to drive than the petrol 2.0 TFSI. Singapore needs to re-evaluate the taxation system on diesel passenger cars.

	Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro
Engine	1,984cc,Turbocharged DOHC
Transmission	7-speed S-tronic
Wheels Driven	Four Wheels
Max. Power	211 hp @ 4300-6000 rpm
Max. Torque	350 Nm @ 1500-4200 rpm
0-100 km/h	7.2 secs
Top speed	222 km/h
Fuel Economy	8.5 l/100 km (combined cycle)
CO2 Emissions	197 g/km (Combined)
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4629mm x 1880mm x 1653 mm / 1,740kg
Price with COE*	$167,400

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.