In 2023, most people who want optimal fuel economy are aiming for hybrids. Audi has another solution.
The 2023 Audi Q5 35 TDI plays two roles for Audi – it’s the cheapest member of the Q5 line-up in Australia, more than $7000 lower than the quattro 40 TDI that sits above it, and it’s also the most efficient.
Instead of relying on batteries and electric motors to achieve impressive fuel-use numbers, the Q5 35 TDI relies on a small diesel engine with some clever tuning and mild hybrid technology to get there. It also performs best on the highway, rather than in the city like a battery-powered hybrid.
It goes against the trend in 2023 – and it won’t be for everyone.
How much does Audi Q5 35 TDI cost?
This is the cheapest ticket to own an Audi Q5, with prices starting from $67,900 before road costs.
That’s $7600 less than the next model in the lineup and comfortably cut the base BMW X3 (from $84,700) or Mercedes GLC (from $104,900).
Of course, that doesn’t mean the Q5 is an equal competitor to the X3 xDrive20d – for starters, it’s front-wheel drive and doesn’t have the same list of luxuries as the BMW.
But it’s also a similarly sized SUV with equally premium badging on the nose, so they’re bound to be cross-shopped.
Price of Audi Q5
- Audi Q5 35 TDI: $67,900
- Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro: $75,500
- Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro: $75,800
- Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport: $81,500
- Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport: $82,800
- Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S series: $102,900
- Audi SQ5 TDI quattro: $112,200
All prices do not include road costsS
How is the inside of the Audi Q5 35 TDI?
This is a base model, and in the context of the luxury Q5 series, it feels that way.
While the basic principles are the same, the leather on the seats is a cheaper imitation of leather and has less fancy silver trim around it to make things stand out. It didn’t feel cheap, but it was clear where the money was being saved.
You’ll also notice that our tester has a set of analog gauges, rather than the flashy digital dashboard offered elsewhere in the range. However, the updated MY23 model currently on sale features a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit.
If you can take a look at cheaper materials, the fundamentals are good. The power-adjustable front seats are comfortable and supportive, and offer a high riding position without feeling like you’re on the phone book – and the heating is a luxurious addition to the spec sheet. .
The slim steering wheel is wrapped in high-quality leather and the buttons around the cabin – yes, you still have them on this Audi – make for a similar satisfying click as others in the lineup.
Despite its age, the Q5 has a much more movable interior than many of the newer Volkswagen Group vehicles because everything is in its place.
The 10.5-inch touchscreen display on the dashboard is easy to use on the go, with crisp graphics and lightning responsiveness. The way the screen makes a button-like tactile ‘click’ may not sound like a big deal, but it means you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to confirm input.
Apple CarPlay wirelessly connects reliably, but it’s far less than what we’ve experienced in newer systems from BMW and Volkswagen. It doesn’t like toll stations and doesn’t do a good job of reconnecting after they’ve impacted its connection.
The lack of a wireless phone charger in this tester is also noticeable if you’re using wireless CarPlay. However, the 35 TDI fits the base specs in the MY23 range and has a Qi charger as standard.
There’s plenty of storage space, from the spacious storage compartment under the center armrest to the large door storage compartments. However, the open pockets near the device selector are inappropriately sized and not necessarily suitable for modern phones or thick wallets.
Rear seat space is acceptable, not outstanding. Headroom is adequate for adults without having to be as spacious as the BMW X3, and legroom fits a medium-sized adult behind a medium-sized adult.
With air vents, an independent climate control zone and two USB ports in the rear, there’s nothing for the kids to complain about.
Q5 just arrived 520L cargo capacity in a five-seat configuration, expandable to 1520L with the rear backrest folded flat.
All versions come with space-saving accessories.
What’s under the bonnet?
The power in the Q5 35 TDI comes from a 2.0 liter four-cylinder diesel engine do 120kW power between 3250 and 4200 rpm and 370Nm between 1500 and 3000rpm.
It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive. There is no all-wheel drive option in the 35 TDI.
The powertrain also has a 12V – 12V mild hybrid system butter chicken lightweight – designed for smoother auto-start/stop. Speed from 0 to 100km/h confirmed 9.0 secondsand obviously you will 213km/h.
Fuel economy is claimed as 4.8 liters/100km on the combined cycle, but in city driving we saw 7.0L/100km.
That’s not bad for a midsize SUV and is lower than what we’ve seen from a “normal” Q5 in the same conditions – but it falls outside the official claim.
How does the Audi Q5 35 TDI drive?
Your ego aside and the 35 TDI is a completely pleasant thing to drive.
It’s obviously been tuned for efficiency, with a very active start/stop system and the transmission that can shift gears whenever there’s a chance for the diesel to sip rather than wobble. .
There’s a bit of a diesel hum when it starts to cool, but it’s steady on the go. Even when the engine is cold, you will rarely hear the engine idling because the start/stop system is very active, shutting the car off at 10 km/h when you hit a traffic light to improve thriftiness.
The dual-clutch transmission is smooth and intelligent, and in Normal mode kicks in when you demand more performance. It almost stubbornly refuses to take down in Eco mode, best left alone unless you’re determined to rush every last mile out of the tank.
Put your feet down and it doesn’t have the power of a 40 TDI, let alone a muscular SQ5, but still has enough mid-range push to make it feel like a premium car instead of a hypermiler anemia. Steering torque is not an issue here.
Then again, our real-world economic figures prove that’s not the case – while it’s more efficient than a broader range, it’s still not quite as ‘mixed up’. suitable’ – good in town.
With smaller wheels and thicker tires than flashier models, the Q5 35 TDI rides smoothly. It’s not quite a feather bed, but it does help to remove more bumps and potholes from the cabin better than you might expect. Road noise is also better suppressed than more expensive models thanks to the thinner rubber and lower rolling resistance fitted to this model.
With light steering, good visibility, and good cameras – although they are not outstanding – this is an easy car to maneuver in the city.
But there are some odd omissions that undermine its credibility as a long-distance cruiser, as that’s where the efficient diesel engine works best.
Lane-keeping assist is available to get you back into your lane, but the reality is that you have to pay more for adaptive cruise control as part of the package that is difficult to protect.
Yes, it’s a base model, but it’s still a $65k car with an Audi badge on the nose – and when even low-end Korean metal packs the tech standard, it’s true. hard to defend the decision to make it an option.
What do you get?
Q5 highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- tire 235/55
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry and start
- Electric tailgate included. gesture manipulation
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Three-zone climate control
- Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
- Aluminum door trim
- Front and rear floor mats
- Ambient light
- 12.3-inch virtual cockpit plus digital instrument cluster
- 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite positioning
- Voice control
- Radio DAB +
- Apple CarPlay Wireless, Android Auto
- Sound system with 8 speakers, capacity 100W
- Wireless phone charger
- Audi connect more Navigation & Infotainment*
- Online traffic information
- Destination via myAudi, Google Maps
- parking information
- Weather
- fuel price
- Google Services
- Audi connect more Security & Support*
- Vehicle finder included. remote signal
- Lock, unlock remotely
- Urgent call
- Online roadside assistance
- Electric front seats included. 4-way belt
- Leather interior
*Audi connect plus service subscription valid for up to three years after delivery
Additional Support Package ($1769):
- Adaptive cruise control included. stop it
- distance indicator
- speed limit
- Traffic jam assistance
- parking assistance
- 360 degree camera
Is the Audi Q5 35 TDI safe?
The Audi Q5 and SQ5 range is covered by a Five-star safety rating ANCAPbased on Euro NCAP tests conducted in 2017 – although the TFSI e plug-in hybrid models are not currently rated.
It scored 93% for adult passenger protection, 86% for child passenger protection, 73% for pedestrian protection and 58% for safety assistance. Note that this point is for older test criteria.
Standard safety features include:
- 8 airbags
- dual front
- Dual front
- double curtain
- Dual back
- dynamic bonnet
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- up to 85km/h
- pedestrian detection
- Blind spot monitoring (side assist)
- Support collision avoidance
- exit warning
- Automatic headlights
- Downhill control
- Lane keeping assist
- Rear cross-section support
- Tire pressure monitoring
How much does the Audi Q5 35 TDI cost to run?
Audi’s range is covered by a 5 year unlimited km . warranty in Australia.
Service is required every 12 months or 15,000 km – whichever comes first. Audi offers 5-year Genuine Care Packages that cover up to 75,000 km.
For regular Q5 TDI and TFSI range, service pack cost $3140.
CarExpert tests Audi Q5 35 TDI
If you can ignore the allure of quattro all-wheel drive, the Q5 35 TDI is an interesting alternative to the hybrid (or mild-hybrid) powertrain being offered in low-cost midsize SUVs. than.
It’s really stingy in the real world, especially if you point its nose at the highway, and the changes Audi has made to the standard spec to facilitate its performance. will pay dividends in other ways.
Small wheels make driving comfortable and those eco tires work so smoothly on roads that the sticky rubber on the SQ5 sounds like a still TV in the cabin.
That doesn’t mean it’s perfect. It would be nice to be able to enjoy the nicer interior finishes from higher-end models combined with the efficient 35 TDI engine, and the lack of power compared to more expensive options is noticeable.
But this is not a basic pattern that you should go through without stopping to see. Check it out and your hip bag might think you.
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THAN: Everything Audi Q5
