With Audi, the driving experience is always one little notch above the competition. You always enjoy a little more fun anytime you drive one of these sporty, weather-busting German cars. In fact, thrills behind the wheel of an Audi prevail over any other form of guilty pleasure, regardless of the model. And the new
2009 Audi Q5 -- call it a crossover or an SUV -- is certainly no exception to the rule.
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| You always enjoy a little more fun anytime you drive one of these sporty, weather-busting German cars. |
Familiar lines
You would have a pretty tough time telling your friends that the Q5 is anything but an Audi. Like the rest of the family, it carries the brand’s signature grille, smooth curves and overall understated appeal. Further emphasizing its connection with the four-ring logo is a striking wave of light-emitting diodes (LED) that serve as daytime running lights. You’ll immediately know it’s an Audi when you see these unique eyes in your rearview mirror.
In terms of size, the Q5 tries to pass as a compact ute even though it stands about 4.6-metre long (with a 2.8-metre wheelbase) and 1.6-metre high, making it the equivalent of a
Nissan Murano or
Lexus RX. These are not exactly small vehicles, mind you…
Of course, the relative girth of the Q5 translates into more than adequate interior room. Sure, you have to overcome the tall step-in height, but generally speaking, life inside this rig is largely devoid of restraints and complaints. Taller or bulkier passengers will enjoy generous room and comfortable seating wherever they sit.
"Understated" might be an overstatement
I have to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of Audi interiors. Obviously, build quality is great and premium materials are aplenty, but styling is too plain to impress in any way.
Fortunately, my tester wasn’t equipped with the German automaker’s infamous Multi-Media Interface (MMI), which made the dashboard and control panel a tad more user-friendly.
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| Taller or bulkier passengers will enjoy generous room and comfortable seating wherever they sit. |
