Let’s get the party going!
Excitement started to build, however, as soon as I finally settled behind the multifunction steering wheel, pushed the start button (of course my tester came with the Advanced Key) and applied some pressure on the throttle. At that point, the Q5 became a rolling ball of fun.
The 3.2-litre, direct-injected V6 effortlessly produces 270 horsepower. For some, this number may not sound like much given the size of the Q5, but believe me, performance is surprisingly good. Accelerations are brisk and, with convincing throttle action, you can feel all the engine’s potency right under your right foot. The time you take to reach 100 km/h is not really important when each passing second keeps widening the smile on your face.
Decelerations are just as pleasant, especially with a solid jab at the brake pedal. You’d better brace yourself because the Q5 stops on a dime as if it just hit a brick wall. A series of tests performed in a secured zone allowed me to witness the promptitude and poise of the machine upon braking. Despite the sudden and dramatic decrease in speed, it maintained a perfectly linear path and did not even seem to suffer from weight transfers.
Like all Audis, the Q5’s steering is sharp and very responsive, giving the driver a feeling of absolute control in all conditions. That said, while my tester featured Adaptive Damper Control (part of an expensive option called Audi Drive Select), I still found the suspension a bit too stiff to be totally comfortable. Overall, though, the ride is pleasant notwithstanding the fair amount of noise on rough roads.
Everything has been said about Audi’s quattro technology, which obviously found its way into the test model. It’s still and by far one of the best all-wheel drive systems in the world. Period.
With so many great attributes, the 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 FSI quattro is a logical choice for premium compact SUV buyers. Granted, there are a few concerns, like anonymous interior styling and costly options that make pricing less attractive. Yet, in the end, the Q5 boasts quality -- and qualities -- that deserve recognition.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Excitement started to build, however, as soon as I finally settled behind the multifunction steering wheel, pushed the start button (of course my tester came with the Advanced Key) and applied some pressure on the throttle. At that point, the Q5 became a rolling ball of fun.
The 3.2-litre, direct-injected V6 effortlessly produces 270 horsepower. For some, this number may not sound like much given the size of the Q5, but believe me, performance is surprisingly good. Accelerations are brisk and, with convincing throttle action, you can feel all the engine’s potency right under your right foot. The time you take to reach 100 km/h is not really important when each passing second keeps widening the smile on your face.
Decelerations are just as pleasant, especially with a solid jab at the brake pedal. You’d better brace yourself because the Q5 stops on a dime as if it just hit a brick wall. A series of tests performed in a secured zone allowed me to witness the promptitude and poise of the machine upon braking. Despite the sudden and dramatic decrease in speed, it maintained a perfectly linear path and did not even seem to suffer from weight transfers.
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| The 3.2-litre, direct-injected V6 effortlessly produces 270 horsepower. |
Like all Audis, the Q5’s steering is sharp and very responsive, giving the driver a feeling of absolute control in all conditions. That said, while my tester featured Adaptive Damper Control (part of an expensive option called Audi Drive Select), I still found the suspension a bit too stiff to be totally comfortable. Overall, though, the ride is pleasant notwithstanding the fair amount of noise on rough roads.
Everything has been said about Audi’s quattro technology, which obviously found its way into the test model. It’s still and by far one of the best all-wheel drive systems in the world. Period.
With so many great attributes, the 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 FSI quattro is a logical choice for premium compact SUV buyers. Granted, there are a few concerns, like anonymous interior styling and costly options that make pricing less attractive. Yet, in the end, the Q5 boasts quality -- and qualities -- that deserve recognition.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
2009 Audi Q5 3.2 FSI quattro Premium
2009 Audi Q5 3.2 FSI quattro Premium
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