Motoring News
AUDI Q5 35 TDI LIMITED EDITION
AUDI Q5 35 TDI LIMITED EDITION
By CHRIS RILEY
Q5 . . . long on economy, short on grunt.
The diesel Audi Q5 35 Limited Edition diesel is billed as the most fuel-efficient, diesel SUV on the Australian market, with a theoretical range of more than 1400km. It also happens to be the cheapest model in the Q5 mid-sized SUV lineup, priced from $68,000 before on-road costs.
Sounds too good to be true, but a closer inspection reveals the 2.0-litre diesel has actually been detuned and, get this — it’s two-wheel drive. No Quattro here.
You can look at it as a cynical marketing exercise or maybe a more practical approach to the SUV phenomena, given who is buying these vehicles and what they are using them for?
Reducing power and equipment levels is a sure sign of price cutting as premium brands strive to woo customers lured by ‘lesser’ brands whose top end models are giving them stick.
STYLING
Apart from a nip here and a tuck there, Q5 does not look remarkably different from the first model launched here in 2009.
I remember that launch in the Snowy Mountains. It was a PR nightmare because the power steering failed on two vehicles within minutes of each other after a section of off-roading. Never did find out what went wrong, which is not uncommon.
Other than that, the cars performed impeccably and so too did the car we have just finished testing.
Three models are offered. Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition is priced from $$68,350.Q5 40 TDI Sport Limited Edition is priced from $77,600 and the petrol Q5 45 TFSI Sport Limited Edition from $79,400.
Our test vehicle was standard apart from metallic paint which adds $1531, bringing the price as tested to $69,881 plus on-roads.
Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys, LED headlights, daytime driving lights and tail lights (includes cornering lights and all-weather lights), and an electric tailgate with handsfree opening (gesture control).
Inside there’s leather-appointed upholstery, three-zone climate air, electric front seats with heating and four-way lumbar support for driver and passenger, leather steering wheel with multifunction plus, shift paddles and hands-on detection, auto-dimming mirror and ambient colour interior lighting.
Q5 is covered by a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km. A pre-paid five-year service plan costs $3140.
INFOTAINMENT
A standalone 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers MMI navigation plus, eight-speaker sound, DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, plus two USB outlets in front with charging and connectivity functions and another two USB outlets in rear with charging functions.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The 2.0-litre turbo diesel develops 120kW of power and 370Nm of torque, the latter between 1500 and 3000 rpm.
It’s actually a 12-volt mild hybrid setup with auto engine stop-start and power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
SAFETY
Five-star safety comprises eight airbags, pop-up bonnet and pre-sense city with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) including pedestrian detection (detects impending collisions at up to 85 km/h and can reduce speed by up to 40km/h).
There’s also pre-sense rear and pre-sense basic, active lane assist, blind-spot warning, exit warning, rear cross traffic assist and auto high beam.
It also comes with front and rear park sensors and a rear-view camera.
What you don’t get is adaptive cruise control which is part of the optional Assistance pack.
In fact, six safety items are optional extras, including collision avoidance assist and a 360-degree camera.
Some people take a dim view of charging extra for safety.
DRIVING
Fuel consumption is rated at a measly 4.8L/100km and it’s pretty clean for a diesel, producing 125g/km of CO2 (thanks to twin catalytic converters and a ‘twin-dosing’ AdBlue system).
Add to this a largish 70-litre fuel tank and you’ve got a theoretical range of more than 1400km.
We were getting 5.9L/100km after more than 400km, with 700km to go – excellent fuel economy but not quite what we were promised.
To put this in perspective, a 5-year-old Kia Sportage puts out more power and torque than this, with 135kW and 392Nm. The current version puts out even more. Costs less too.
Perhaps it’s one of the reasons this model is not offered in Sportback form. It’s just not sporty enough?
In fact, it’s the first time a Q5 of any flavour has been offered in Australia without all-wheel drive.
Performance is fine but is not going to set the world on fire, with the dash from 0 to 100 km/h taking 9.0 seconds.
Drive select offers five modes: Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual. The drive experience is smooth, quiet and mainly leisurely.
Inside it’s all a bit doom and gloom with an over-abundance of black and featureless surfaces broken only by some strips of metal looking plastic. The one relief comes a strip of ambient blue lighting that splits the dash from side to side.
Despite power adjustment, fore, aft and angle, the seats dig into the back of our thighs and are not comfortable.
Rear seat passengers get air outlets, but legroom is limited.
The boot offers reasonable storage, with a collapsible space saver spare concealed under the floor.
You need to inflate it with an onboard 12-volt compressor which you’ll find stored in a hidey hole to one side of the luggage area.
Sounds like a lot of mucking around and will probably result in an endless stream of calls to roadside assistance.
A big, bright 10.1-inch responsive touchscreen commands the infotainment system from the top of the dash.
The instrument cluster is not digital and lacks the pyrotechnics of more recent models, with two standard analogue style dials that flank a centre information screen where speed and navigation can be displayed.
The Q5 35 TDI is in its element cruising effortlessly in the slow lane.
If you demand more from the car, you will have to start making specific requests to the transmission. Either by putting Drive Select in Dynamic mode, or changing gears manually using the paddle shifts provided.
Drive select is on the far side of the centre stack and is a stretch as the seat belt cinches tight.
Dynamic mode as you might expect locks out 7th gear, keeping engine revs higher than normal, making the car more responsive to the throttle.
Plonk it off the line or after it has been cruising for a while and the transmission takes a second or two to work out what you want before the power kicks in.It could also result in some scrabble from the front tyres as they search for traction.
From there on the transmission understands and responds accordingly, but constant braking and acceleration can and will confuse it — it is after all a dual clutch setup.
Q5 corners flat and the ride from the 20-inch rubber is surprisingly good.
Corner to corner in manual mode works best in fourth gear where the engine revs hover around the 4000-rpm mark. Tight corners may require a change down to third. But of course, if leaving it in Dynamic mode or a lower gear will inevitably drive up fuel consumption.
SUMMING UP
While the Q5’s fuel efficiency is to be applauded, we’re left wondering if that is a major
drawcard for the average Audi buyer?
Perhaps it’s of no real interest at all? Your average Audi driver is looking for style and performance and can often be seen cutting through traffic — at least where I come from, anyhow!
RATINGS:
Looks: 7
Performance: 7
Safety: 7.5
Thirst: 8
Practicality: 7.5
Comfort: 7.5
Tech: 7.5
Value: 7
Overall: 7.4
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition (120kW), $68,350
Q5 40 TDI Sport Limited Edition (140kW), $77,600
Q5 45 TFSI Sport Limited Edition (185kW), $79,400
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact Audi for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Audi Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition, 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder diesel, 7sp DCT, FWD five-seat SUV
PERFORMANCE:
Capacity: 2.0 litres
Configuration: 4-cylinder diesel, turbocharged with 12V mild hybrid
Maximum Power: 120 kW @3250-4200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 370 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Fuel consumption: 4.8 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 125g/km
DRIVELINE:
7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4682 mm
Wheelbase: 2819 mm
Width: 1893 mm
Height: 1662 mm
Turning Circle: 11.7 metres
Kerb Mass: 1815 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
2025 Smart #5 Electric SUV Revealed: The Future of Outdoor Adventure
By Jeff Gibbs
The all-new 2025 Smart #5 electric SUV is set to revolutionise the way people experience the outdoors, combining cutting-edge electric technology with features designed for adventure. Created through a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely (Volvo’s parent company), the “hashtag five” is poised to change weekend getaways with a unique blend of off-road capability, luxury, and tech.
Power and Range At the heart of the Smart #5 is a massive 100kWh battery, offering an impressive range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge. But this vehicle isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s equipped to power outdoor adventures. The Smart #5 can run a variety of appliances, including a fridge, movie projector, and a high-fidelity stereo, making it an ideal companion for camping trips and outdoor escapes.
Design and Off-Road Capability Sized similarly to a Subaru Forester, the Smart #5 is designed for mild off-road tasks with all-wheel-drive traction and ample ground clearance. For those looking to push further into the wild, an optional off-road pack draws inspiration from the Land Rover Defender, featuring practical additions like a fold-down ladder, rooftop cargo tray, and external storage for muddy or wet gear.
Luxurious Interior and Advanced Technology Inside, the Smart #5 offers a premium experience with a digital dashboard and two high-resolution AMOLED displays. The SUV also boasts an augmented reality head-up display, giving drivers enhanced navigation and information at a glance. Powered by a water-cooled computer processor, the system can run movies and video games, turning the car into an entertainment hub for remote locations.
2025 Smart #5 Interior
The vehicle’s heated seats come with a massage function and can fold flat to create a “king size” sleeping space — perfect for overnight stays, though likely not quite as large as a traditional mattress. Adding to the luxurious feel, the Sennheiser surround sound system provides immersive audio, while a cute electronic avatar acts as a digital assistant, similar to Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri.
Innovative Features for Outdoor Adventures One of the standout features is the built-in movie projector, which, combined with the climate-controlled cabin, offers a unique way to relax under the stars. The SUV’s robust electrical system also allows it to power various appliances, transforming campsites into high-tech getaways.
Launch and Market Plans Though pricing details have not been confirmed, industry expectations suggest the Smart #5 could approach the $100,000 mark, especially given its extensive features and capabilities. This places it above the smaller Smart #1 and Smart #3 models.
The brand’s decision to debut the model globally in Byron Bay, Australia, underscores its intent to bring the Smart #5 to the Australian market. After its initial release in China later this year, production for Australia is expected to begin in 2025, with journalists from Europe and Asia already traveling to see the model in person.
With its combination of eco-friendly electric power, innovative tech, and off-road capability, the 2025 Smart #5 promises to be a game-changer in the electric SUV market, catering to those who want to explore the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or modern conveniences.
For more motoring news, click here.
2025 Audi e-tron GT Unveiled: Massive Power Boost and Enhanced Range
By Jeff Gibbs
The 2025 Audi e-tron GT has been officially revealed, showcasing a significant power boost, extended driving range, and updated styling. Set to arrive in European showrooms later this year, with Australian launch dates yet to be confirmed, the updated electric sedan offers cutting-edge performance and luxurious features.
The refreshed e-tron GT now includes two key variants: the S e-tron GT and the top-of-the-line RS e-tron GT Performance. Both models benefit from a technical overhaul, with the RS Performance boasting a staggering 680kW of power, making it the most powerful Audi road car to date. Powered by a new 97kWh battery, the e-tron GT offers up to 604km of driving range, a notable improvement thanks to new battery cell chemistry and recuperation capabilities.
Performance Highlights:
- The S e-tron GT delivers 500kW, an increase of 110kW over the previous base model, while the RS e-tron GT ramps up to 630kW. The top-tier RS e-tron GT Performance pushes output to 680kW, making it just shy of the 700kW figure from its Porsche Taycan Turbo S sibling.
- The 0-100km/h sprint has been cut to just 2.5 seconds in the RS Performance, while the S and RS variants clock in at 3.4 and 2.8 seconds, respectively.
- The upgraded battery system allows for 320kW DC fast charging, which can add 280km of range in just 10 minutes.
Mechanical and Technological Enhancements Audi has introduced a lighter rear motor and a new two-chamber adaptive air suspension system, providing a refined balance between comfort and sportiness. The suspension system is shared with the Porsche Taycan, and it actively adjusts to enhance cornering and acceleration.
2025 Audi e-tron GT Interior
The braking system has also been overhauled, with larger steel brakes on the S e-tron GT, while the RS and RS Performance models come with tungsten carbide-coated or carbon-ceramic discs, respectively.
The RS Performance features a carbon-fibre roof, optional ‘carbon camouflage’ exterior trim, and a glass roof with liquid-crystal film, which can shift from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.
Interior and Styling Updates Inside, Audi has upgraded the cabin with a new steering wheel, 18-way adjustable seats with massaging functions, and the use of eco-friendly materials like Dinamica suede and recycled Cascade fabric. Audi has also introduced fresh dashboard trim inlays and updated the digital instrument cluster with new displays for battery temperature and performance metrics.
On the exterior, the 2025 e-tron GT sports revised front bumpers, larger air intakes on the RS, and an optional black grille. It also debuts Audi’s new simplified four-ring logo, along with new 20-inch and 21-inch alloy wheels inspired by the 1991 Audi Avus concept car.
With these significant upgrades, Audi is positioning the 2025 e-tron GT as a high-performance electric sedan that combines luxury, cutting-edge technology, and thrilling power, solidifying its place as a strong competitor in the premium electric vehicle market.
For more motoring news, click here.
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