Audi’s Q5 is the German brand’s entry to the luxury compact crossover segment and it competes directly with the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Like most compact crossovers, the Q5 seats up to five passengers but unlike some of its rivals, it comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Audi Q5 first entered the U.S. 2009 model year and was powered by a naturally aspirated 270-hp 3.2-liter V-6 paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. A 211-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four was added for the 2011 model year followed by a hybrid variant that was sold in a single, loaded trim. Audi offered a diesel-powered Q5 until 2015 when the Volkswagen Group’s diesel emissions cheating scandal forced a stop-sale on the models. Audi refreshed the Q5 for the 2013 model year and along with mild exterior styling tweaks, the car received some powertrain updates. The standard 2.0-liter turbo-four now made 220 hp and the 3.2-liter V-6 was discontinued in favor of a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 tuned for 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The six-speed automatic transmission was also replaced by an eight-speed unit. Perhaps the most significant addition to the Q5 lineup is the SQ5, a performance-oriented model powered by an uprated version of the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 354 hp and 346 lb-ft paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. We said in a 2015 First Test that the SQ5 combines effortless acceleration and practicality in one package. “The SQ5 is a relative bargain in the growing compact-ish luxury performance crossover segment. Its combination of speed and practicality makes it a bona fide sleeper, and although its interior has seen better days, its sheetmetal has aged quite nicely and can hold its own standing next to the Macan. Better yet, the SQ5 is ready to perform on the spot, regardless of what shoes it’s wearing,” we said. The second generation is expected to arrive for the 2018 model year and will boast a more powerful turbo-four engine, better fuel efficiency, and a more advanced suite of active safety tech, with an available fully digital instrument cluster. The Q5 is stylish, relatively spacious, and has standard all-wheel drive. Those looking to turn their Q5 into an all-weather missile should consider the SQ5, which is the most powerful variant available.
Should I buy one? We don’t see why not. The Volkswagen Touareg might not be the most characterful of four-wheeled companions, but it executes its brief of being a comfy family car very well. It’s plenty spacious for all of the family and there’s enough technology, though much of it likely optional on our test car, to show up key competitors. If you’re thinking of ditching diesel there’s also a hybrid model on the way. Its biggest problem is the sibling rivalry between this VW and the Audi Q7. The Touareg does come with a more powerful 3.0 TDI engine as standard, but with prices expecting to start at around £49k, many will be drawn to the Audi’s badge kudos and more practical seven seat configuration. However, if you’re after something premium that doesn’t tend to cause other road users to make rude gestures at you, the all-new Touareg is a commendable choice. In fact, as it carries over so much of the clever tech from other more pricey Volkswagen Group cars that use this platform, you might even call it a bit of a bargain.
Ah, age can be such a weird means of measure at times. As soon as you hit 18, you are considered an adult. This means you can drink, pay taxes, vote, and even go to war. Still, this didn't stop car rental companies from telling you "You can't drive our rentals". The current statistics that car hire companies look at when dealing with people 25 and below is that they are more likely to get into an accident than anybody else. For this reason, they have penalized young drivers. It doesn't matter if you have a good driving record or not. One look at your age and you either get an underage fee or not be allowed to rent a car. Two decades ago, the industry standard was not to allow anybody 25 below to drive a rental. Nowadays, the rules are a bit lax but still not enticing for young drivers.
