Fantastic! One of the best compact SUVs made in Europe is about to come to Australia very soon – in a diesel version. Because (in my opinion at least) you can’t beat a diesel when it comes to off-roading, and although the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI is the smallest diesel in the new Q5 lineup, it’s a real little beauty.

Like all Q5s, the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI is very well presented, both inside and out. The exterior styling features innovative headlights that combine xenon with LEDs for quite a striking look; this look is repeated in the tail lights. LEDs are also used in the indicators located on the electrically adjustable body-coloured wing mirrors. The bonnet is classic Audi, with a big grille proudly sporting the marquee logo before leading into the assertive V of the bonnet lines. The overall silhouette of the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI is less chunky than other SUVs and the lines are reminiscent of a sedan. The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI sits proudly on 17” seven-spoke alloy wheels and 235/65 profile tyres. The aluminium roof rails, which are complemented by aluminium trim elsewhere on the exterior, are not only good looking but practical – and they don’t look out of place beside the roof spoiler that comes as standard on all Q5 models.

On the inside, the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI has a whole lot more. Not only do you have superbly comfortable seats trimmed in Leatherette, but you also have a host of other comfort and convenience features such as cruise control, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a leather-trimmed four-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a light and rain sensor that works with the wipers and the headlights, acoustic rear parking assist and manually adjustable front seats. Entertainment is provided with the Symphony sound system with a six-CD changer and 10 speakers with a total output of 180 W. Bottle holders are provided in the front and rear doors to take either a large cup or a sip-top water bottle. And Bluetooth mobile phone preparation is also provided as standard.

And you can upgrade the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI with a host of options. One that is bound to be popular is the climate controlled/chilled drink holder located between the front and driver seat, and so will the MMI Navigation Plus system (which also allows DVDs to be played), the heated front seats and the adaptive Xenon Plus headlights.

The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI has the smallest diesel in the Q5 lineup, but this doesn’t mean it’s inferior. Obviously, it’s a diesel unit, which means the torque curve peaks at low revs… 350 Nm at 1750–2500 to be specific. The power peaks at 125 kW when the rev counter reaches 4200. The 2.0 litre is the least nippy of the Q5 units (it does the 0–100 km sprint on 9.9 seconds and its top speed is 200 kmh), it is the most frugal, with a combined fuel economy figure of 6.8 l/100 km, and it also puts out the least CO2 emissions (179 g/km). And the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI has the pre-wiring for towing already in place as standard, so there’s not much more you have to do if you plan on towing the caravan, boat, horsefloat or trailer. This unit is rigged up to the Quattro full-time AWD drivetrain via a 7-speed S-tronic suspension.

It is pleasing to note that Audi has not skimped on safety in the Q5 2.0 TDI, even though it is the entry-level variant. The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI comes fitted out with front, side and curtain airbags; a very comprehensive ESP package that includes ASB brakes, EBD, Anti-slip regulation and EDL; and hill descent control. The steering is speed-sensitive for added safety, and combines with the five-link front suspension and the trapezoidal link rear suspension to make the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI handle safely and responsively, as well as comfortable.
Keep an eye out for the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI and put it on your wishlist of practical family SUVs.

The current model series includes the:

• Audi Q5 2.0 TDI

For any more information on the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Audi dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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