Audi Q5 2017 experience during its first global launch ... from Mexico!
To get an invitation from a car company to try out a new model that is not strange to us. But when the call for the Audi Q5 2017 in Mexico arrived, it seemed strange. So why choose Audi Mexico to launch the car? As we later learned, the car will be produced here in Mexico to meet the demand for this car in the neighboring American market. But the car was produced at Audi factories in China, which "swallowed" more than half a million cars. But is the demand for this car so large that Audi produces it in different plants around the world?
The answer is yes. Audi produces many models (there are 13 different major models) and if you add the different categories of convertible to the coupe and sports categories, reaching at least 21 different models, all of which are known to be an unrivaled success. However, a look at the production figures shows that about 30% of Audi's 1.8 million cars are made up of only three models, namely the SUV, and the Audi Q5 specifically accounts for about 15% of the German company's production, 6 million cars since it was first launched in 2008.
This great success for the Audi Q5 model is justified. It competes in the mid-size SUV segment, the largest segment in the automotive industry. The reason for their success is also clear: they actually meet the needs of the larger segment of consumers. It is a medium-class, family-run, compact SUV, very stylish and practical, with powerful economical engines, and a fully equipped luxury cabin. That's why Audi may not have risked introducing the new Q5. Although the car is brand new, the first look confirms that Audi has worked with the principle: "If not broken, do not try to fix it." It is clear that Audi did not take a revolutionary approach to the new car, but rather improved all aspects of it in one way or another. Formally, Audi is undoubtedly a car. The Audi Q5 2017 continues in modern Audi styling, with an introduction that features a large hexagonal opening, and slim lights in the front. In general the car is elegant, but it is also pliable. It will not draw attention in the street, but when you see it you realize that you are in front of a modern luxury car. The main lines of the car along with the front is the side line from the front lights to the rear, with a bulge over the rear wheels giving it a more sporty appearance. On the back, I saw the absence of the rear exhaust holes replaced by hidden vents. Best design? Maybe, but I saw it a bit strange, so why hide the exhaust to replace it with something like exhaust holes ?!
Inside, there is a new cabin, with all the features of Audi cars, that is luxury, setting the standard in terms of quality, with integrated equipment and comfort levels. The dimensions of the car rose in all directions. They are longer, wider and higher, reflecting positively on the larger interior space in the category. The dashboard does not need to be said to be made of the finest materials, it is in the end Audi car, and the German company built an impeccable reputation in the quality of the interior. This also applies to very comfortable seats, which move in all directions allowing anyone to find the right driving position, although my attention is to provide luxury leather seats with manual control, which is unusual in this category of cars. Of course, electric control is available, but as an additional option, this will probably reflect on the consumer to provide the car at a competitive price.
Of course, there is a large arsenal of plug-ins, standard equipment and driver assistance systems, from the intelligent cruise control system, to warning of the distance between cars and blind spots, through the rear camera and cohesion systems to air bags and braking assistance systems, making the new Audi Q5 2017 one of The safest cars on the road.
Mechanically, the Audi Q5 has undergone significant changes, with a new base and advanced suspension system, as well as the Quadruple Quattro system. In terms of engines, the car will initially be available with one engine in our gasoline category, consisting of four 2.0-liter cylinders with a TFSI turbo, generating 258 horsepower with 370 Newton meters of torque. This engine connects to a seven-speed gearbox with a clutch and provides good performance for the vehicle. But what distinguishes the car is the quattro system used for four-wheel drive, which transmits power to the standard front wheels and separated completely from the rear axle. But when the system senses any need to move the force back, it transfers up to 60% of the power to the rear wheels in parts of a second. The result is smooth, fuel-efficient, and delivers outstanding performance and cohesion.
Of course, the Audi Q5 was mostly on paved streets, but part of it was on dirt roads, where it was clear that the variable suspension system worked wonderfully. The driver can choose more than one driving style in the Audi Q5, from an automatic to a sportsman or a comfort-focused style, and even driving on unpaved roads. Each of which changes the engine response, suspension, gearbox and electric drive. A special pattern can be chosen that allows the driver to tailor each of these devices individually and mix them in a special pattern. With the non-paved driving style chosen, the car is powered by a variable suspension system and offers exceptional off-road comfort with excellent cohesion. It is true that there is a slide of the intro (Understeer) when pressed strongly in turns, but this is expected on the sandy roads, and the cohesion of the car in general is distinctive. The performance of the engine and the gearbox is not dusty, as the Stronic gearbox is characterized by a very fast response.
On the road, the Audi Q5 experience is exactly what we expected. Car quiet and comfortable, with strong performance. But the focus here is on calm and comfort. I will not exaggerate if I say that this is one of the most comfortable cars for long distance driving. The Audi Q5 experience was in the southern California peninsula of Baja, a distance of over 400 km, but after a full day of driving, we did not feel tired of launching. Comfortable seats play an important role here, but the comfortable suspension and excellent sound insulation have the biggest role to play. The interior of the car is excellent both front and rear, perfect for long journeys.
In short, the Audi Q5 offers all the needs of a car in this category. It's probably not a sports car, and its design is as eye-catching as Audi's sports cars, but that's not the role of this car. Its role is to provide a superior luxury crossover for driving in cities on a daily basis and on highways or dirt on holiday days, perhaps with high levels of comfort and luxury, supported by modern technology that provides safety and comfort to the driver and his escorts. In this area, the Audi Q5 has the ultimate goal, and we have no doubt that the new generation will continue with the same success as its larger generation. I will bet that this car will be more successful around the world, from China to Mexico!