1simpleplan: Audi Q5 2.0TFSI Quattro S-Line

My last post show that I'm hunting for a SUV for the family with the growing needs, so finally I managed to settle that before the Chinese New Year. The choice is obvious, an used Audi Q5 2.0TFSI Quattro S-Line. Earlier I thought a 5 years old Audi Q5 will need a minimum of RM200k to settle, but then I noticed that's actually for non-registered imported vehicle price. Local registered car can be found in the region of RM150k, so immediately I started my hunting mode. And this is what I got.

A perfect SUV for the family, Audi Q5 2.0TFSI Quattro S-Line. In comparison for the same price, you probably can get a new SUV from Japanese brand, but then being myself like to always weight in best value for money, means not to follow the majority, I think owning a RM350k SUV for more than half of its price is a no brainer. I just can't bear the idea of losing half of its value in 5 years time. I always love Audi since young, and its a brand that gives a long last impression in my head as my dad always told me, Audi is for rich people only. Really? LOL

Audi Q5 is first introduced in Y2008, and it mark as the second SUV introduce by Audi after the Q7 brother. The design of Audi Q5 is so long lasting and it is in the same form since Y2008, only to have minor facelift in Y2012. Until today, its replacement is still not launch, only rumours concept car started surfacing in the web. That's 9 years in the market, and it is still much sought after SUV in the market. A design that's 9 years old but still well receive by the market, awesome achievement. It signifies a perfect design that the designer just run out of idea to improvise?

Standard Audi Q5 comes complete in Quattro mode, and mine is the same powered by 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder TFSI (Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection) Engine punching out 208hp @ 4,300-6,000rpm and peak torque of 350Nm @ 1,500-4,200rpm. That's impressive numbers by any mean for a SUV. Audi Q5 at this power and weight will allow you to reach 100kmh within 7.2 seconds. Top speed is capped at 222km/h, and I doubt it can go higher, personally tested. This is very impressive performance, comparable to my Fiat Coupe 20VT+ for such size of car. Signature of this EA888 engine, the power & torque comes early of the RPM, same engine used in cars like GTi.

The peak torque from 1,500rpm is very useful and turbo kick-in around same range as well making this Audi Q5 very drivable in town for quick pickup and takeover. My Audi Q5 comes with 7-speed S tronic gearbox, means its equipped with dual clutch in both fully automatic or manual shift paddle on the steering. When cuising in the highway at speed limit, I'm basically running in less than 2,000rpm, that's very good gear ratio for both power and comfort cruise. The interior is what you can expect top notch from Audi, black interior with red lightings. all fit very nicely showing the high quality of workmanship.

The engine is coupled with Audi's signature S-Tronic Dual Clutch Automatic Gearbox with manual paddle, and it's very fast with proper gear ratio setup. I hardly feel the gear change, and it's always accurate in most of the situation I needed change of gear. No jerk or whatsoever, very impressive. Handling is awesome as I tried it in Ulu Yam mountain road, expected from its Quattro technology, dynamic suspension setup and perfect 50:50 weight distribution. I dare to say this car handles better than my Fiat Coupe, only drawback is, it's too heavy so minor roll is expected at corner. For car this size and additional 400kg from my coupe, I applaud the effort.

Special section is dedicated to Quattro technology avaialble for my Audi Q5, and it's so great that I love it so much. Being an engineer myself, it's always great to appreciate such technology in my ride. The video is basically self explanatory, where the Quattro is not the normal 4WD system in other cars. Its basic configuration of 40:60 power distribution is actively manage with zero seconds lag into extreme 15:85 or 70:30 in different driving condition such as acceleration, braking, cornering and etc. It's also available to push all the power into a single axle by electronically control system when it detected slips. Not all 4WD are the same, true enough.

Stopping power comes with its larger Brembo Caliper & Disc, although not indicated, but it is Brembo brand after a good search online on it. It's remarkably bigger than my Fiat Coupe, and it brakes well in normal condition despite its only a single pot caliper design. But brake is always not enough, so I might be looking to upgrade later on. You will notice my rims are a big special, yes it is. This Audi Q5 comes with a crazy Caractere 20" Rims wrap in 255/45R20 tyres. It looks amazing and Audi Q5 can go all the way up to 22"! I checked the tyres might cost me RM2.5k each, and I will need RM10k just to change tyres when it's due. Its crazy, I might downsize it or not, see la my increments later haha...

Lastly, my Audi Q5 comes in S-Line, and is in its highest specification where only extra missing is the sunroof and MMI system. With that, I got all the bell and whistle with it, including the awesome 14 speakers 10 channels amplifier 505watts Bang & Olufsen Sound System, S-Line bodykit and and interior trimming. Being a near RM350k car, the rest are standard stuff such as Quattro technology, ABS, EBD, ESC, ASR, EDL, Cruise Control, Audi Drive Select System with Dynamic Steering and Active Suspension with Damper Control, Daytime Running Light, Xenon Light System, 8-ways Memory Electronically Adjustable Front Seats, Auto Light Control, Electronic Tailgate, Keyless Entry, Immobiliser, Ignition Lock, Rear Window Sun Blind, 4-ways Lumbar Support, 3-zone Automatic Air Conditioning System, Electromechanical Parking Brake, Launch Control, 6 Airbags, Integrated Head Restraint System, Safety Steering Column, Downhill assist, Brake Assist, and etc.

Tired just to write the features... LOL

Conclusion

One of the best choice I've made this year. We are toying with the idea of getting a new SUV for the same price from Japanese brand, but I insisted on and no regrets. The quality from Audi is just superb, and the engine, handling, and ride is just perfect for car enthusiast like me. Although it's slightly cramp compare to a CRV, but it's ok for family of five like me. The seat position in the car is so low that you might have forgotten its a SUV. Interior is very premium, and super quiet, best place to enjoy the Bang & Olufsen Sound System. Also perfect for family to chat about anything and kids to enjoy their sleep and etc.

All the upsides will always got downside with it, being an Audi, means the maintenance cost is going to be higher than others. And older car tends to have wear and tear which is unavoidable. Powerful engine = more petrol consumption. It's all part of the physics, and if you can't live with it, then get a Japanese brand instead. For those that's looking for more, it's a perfect choice seriously. I always believe in changing a car will change your life, you might argue it's not true, but I've experience lots of changes just by changing my car. Maybe it's just me, but you should try and tell me how it feels yourself when you upgrade your ride. Positive energy is so strong that the universe with path its way for you... A simple life =)

Now the specifications for Engineers to enjoy...

Audi Q5 2.0TFSI Quattro S-Line
Standard Specifications:

Layout: Front Engine All-Wheel Drive
Engine: In-line 4, Longitudinal, Turbocharged
Valve Train: 16-valves Audi Valvelift System, DOHC
Engine Block / Cylinder Head: Cast Iron / Cast Aluminium Alloy
Supercharging: Audi Turbo 06H145702Q @ 1bar
Timing Belt: Timing Chain Driven
Displacement: 1,984cc
- Bore: 82.5mm
- Stroke: 92.8mm
Power: 155kW (208hp) @ 4,300-6,000rpm
Torque: 350Nm (35.69kgm) @ 1,500-4,200rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
Redline: 6,800rpm
Power to displacement: 78.125kW (104.84hp) per liter
Power to weight: 88.32kW (118.52hp) per tonne
Torque to weight: 199.43Nm (20.34kgm) per tonne
Clutch Type: S-tronic Dual Clutch Automatic with Manual Paddle Shift
Fuel System: Gasoline Direct Injection

Steering: Eletro-Mechanical Power Steering
Front Suspension: 5-link Lightweight Front Axle, Tubular Cross Stabiliser, Twin Tube Gas-Filled Shock Absorbers and Coil Springs fixed-mounted
Rear Suspension: Trapezoidal-link Axle with Independent Suspension, Twin Tube Gas-Filled Shock Absorbers and Coil Springs flexibly-mounted
Front Disc: Brembo Ventilated 320mm Disc +1pot 60mm Caliper
Rear Disc: Brembo Solid 300mm Disc +1pot 43mm Caliper
Front Rim & Tire: Caractere 20x9.0 255/45R20 Offset+35mm
Rear Rim & Tire: Caractere 20x9.0 255/45R20 Offset+35mm
Spare Rim & Tire: Collapsible Tyre 195/75R18
Weight Distribution (front/rear): 50.5 / 49.5

Wheelbase: 2,807mm
Front Track: 1,617mm
Rear Track: 1,613mm
Length: 4,629mm
Width: 1,880mm
Height: 1,653mm
Steering Turns Lock to Lock: 3.2
Min. Turning Radius: 11.6m
Ground Clearance: 200mm
Weight: 1,755kg (3,869lbs)

Transmission: Dual Clutch Automatic 7-Speed with Manual Shift
Gear Ratios: 1st-3.692:1, 2nd-2.238:1, 3rd-1.6:1, 4th-1.175:1, 5th-0.915:1, 6th-0.745, 7th-0.617:1
Top Speed: 222km/h (138mph)
Acceleration (0-62mph): 7.2seconds
Drag Coefficient: 0.33
Fuel Consumption (city/highway): 7km/L / 10km/L
CO2 Emissions: 199g/km
Fuel Tank: 75 Liters

Those that don't enjoy specification, here are some photos for your eyes..

Front view, massive 4-rings with LED daytime running lights

Rear view, with daytime LED running lights as well. Twin exhaust with skirting, courtesy of S-Line package.

My son photobomb the shot, he is excited with the car also lol

Full flat cargo space, perfect for me with lots to move around.

Center console, red light is the essence, signature of Audi design, you will find this familiar in all Audi console. Mine is running Audi Symphony without MMI.

Audi Select System, safety system, start stop button in silver, electronic parking brake, and brake assist.

Again courtesy of S-Line Package, black lining everywhere show sportiness with red lightings.

Something new to to me, collapsible spare tyres, full 18" size fit nicely at the boot. I thought no pressure, so I went to pump air into it and it leaks out right away lol. Read the manual!