Have you heard of the Mehrzweck Universal Gelandewagen mit Allrad Antrieb (MUNGA)? Probably not; let me explain it was the first ever all wheel drive Audi. Produced for the German army, then followed the Iitis and its driveline formed the basis of the four wheel drive Audi 80 development car. So good was it that the management gave the thumbs up for the Ur Quattro.
In short MUNGA was the ancestor of such superb Audis as the Q7; now enters the market – the new Q5; little brother to the Q7 and a vehicle which shares the same foot print as the new A4.
The Q5 is the first from Audi to enter the premium medium SUV segment and for the German company, who by 2015 will have 40 model ranges, Q5 is number 29.
With this newcomer comes all the advantages that a roomy and versatile SUV can deliver with the dynamics of a road car and it brings with it more technology than any of its rivals.
Recent surveys have shown that only 2-4% of buyers of such a vehicle will ever venture off road, hence the emphasis on giving the Q5 the manners and comfort levels of an executive saloon. That is not to say that the Q5 cannot deal with conditions when the going gets tough. On the launch in Spain, a special, mild off road course was made available and it proved an easy task for the Q5.
The Q5 sparkles with technology and a range of superb engines and transmissions. For example, innovative ESP control, optimised axle load distribution, advanced Hill Descent Control with off road ESP, optional Audi Select Drive, electro mechanical parking brake and bang up to the minute MMI 3G with HD-based sat nav, and unique in class the S tronic dual clutch gearbox, this is standard on the 2.0 TSI and the 3.0 TDI and will be available as an option on the other engine n the line-up, the 2.0 TDI.
I just had to mention this little option, a thermal cup holder, for keeping drinks hot or even cold, what a nice touch from Audi.
Not surprisingly, Audi has come with a trio of magnificent engines to power the Q5 from the 2.0 litre TDI, which will take a giant helping of sales to the 2.0 TSI, a petrol unit with high torque, low fuel consumption and very important low emissions and the range topping 3.0 TDI with 240PS, a maximum speed of 139mph, rest to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and a combined fuel figure of 37.6mpg and a CO2 figure of 199g/km.
The entry level diesel comes with the six speed manual transmission, while the 7 speed S tronic auto with the dual clutch system is a sheer delight in the other two variants. This transmission delivers seamless gear changes, an absolute joy to use.
The styling of the Q5 is very Audi, the corporate large grille, while the rear styling is well executed assisting in giving the new SUV a strong on-road presence.
The driver oriented cockpit architecture is again very Audi and the use of high quality materials shouts premium very loudly; plus the interior is spacious and everyone onboard will be delighted with the excellent all round vision.
Trims for our market, Standard, SE and S line; prices range from £27,650 to £37,540 and there is an extensive list of options.
Summing up the Q5 brings legendary build quality to this sector of the market with a range of both powerful and efficient engines, class leading aerodynamics and it certainly raises the benchmark, which its competitors must now aim to better.
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