[MarkB]

Hi everyone!

I'm trying to decide between the above two. I'm leaning slightly to the diesel due to the extra power and torque, but would be interested in views as to how significant the difference feels in practice, especially given the extra weight ? Does anyone have a view on how the handling compares ?

I'm also a low mileage driver and have picked up that there have been issues with the DPF on Audis. Has anyone been having problems with theirs or has the problem been resolved on the Q5 ?

A quick look at the 3.2 petrol shows that it has less torque than the 2.0, and is way less fuel efficient. Don't imagine they'll be selling (m)any of those here in the UK. I presume it's a much older engine.

 

[Guest]

The 3lt tdi will leave the 2lt tfsi standing. Don't be fooled by the closeness of the bhp. The tdi has 2 more cylinders, ~1000cc more and the much needed diesel low down torque needed in such a heavy car. Tdi will be far more economical while you cruise or like to keep your foot to the floor. Ragging the diesel sure economy will drop a bit but ragging the petrol you'll be spending more time in the pumps than on the road. You'll be surpised to hear that the diesel under full load sounds better than the petrol! Much meatier and very un-diesel like. On idle it sound like your typical tract..... erm diesel.
Handling in theory should be better with the lighter petrol but if you care about handling you don't buy an audi suv. An a4 handles alot better (no contest) and in the small suv world a 6 year old (or however old they are) x3 will show you a clean pair of heals on the twisty bits.
I think it is a no brainer if you can afford the 3lt tdi. I couldn't so settled for the petrol.
The 3.2 is an old engine low on power, high on emmisions/consumption. Don't bother unless you don't pay for petrol and are looking for the best sound.

EDIT:

 

[CrustyNoodle]

Interestingly I was just reading this article yesterday - very timely!

http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2009/medium-4x4/audi/q5/audi-q5-14598

To put a few things into perspective, in Aus we get the same choice of drive trains as you do in the UK but we get less choice when it comes to the different specs. for the same drive train variant. They tend to option up a bit so the base model of any variant has a few items that are options there (I think). Also, we only get the one choice of power output for any particular engine - 125kW 2.0 TDI, 155kW 2.0 TFSI, 176 kW 3.0 TDI and 199kW 3.2 FSI.

There are some other Q5 reviews on this site if you are interested in the 2.0TDI and the 3.2 FSI.

I know that reviews from car journalists are sometimes a bit dodgy but this article is good because they do a direct comparison of the two drivetrains back to back.

 

[TDi]

3.0 TDi for me. I worry about residuals on any petrol car now where there's a diesel variant (except convertibles).

 

[MarkB]

Many thanks to you all for the feedback !

Love the sound of the diesel, albeit with custom exhaust, per the youtube clip ! The residuals point is a good one, although less so for me as I don't change cars very often. Interesting that the review posted by CrustyNoodle suggested that the acceleration was subjectively similar, which I guess makes sense where the power to weight is only 6% higher for the diesel. The torque/weight is 33% higher though which should make a difference and also make for a more relaxed drive. Bottom line I guess is that you they're both very good options.

Any thoughts on the Diesel Particulate Filter issue ? There are quite a number of Audi diesel drivers out there who have had a lot of trouble even to the point of selling. This may have been resolved on the Q5 ? I have historically done sub 5k miles per year, although will probably be upping the miles taking our little ones out on trips. I just don't want to be forced to take a long trip just to clear a clogged DPF after a couple of weeks of short trips ...

 

[Guest]

More miltek goodness:

3.0tdi goodness (a4 avant as q5 clips are no good):

the tdi is very smooth and very effortless as you can see in the clips, sounds good inside and outside (even with stock exhaust)
the petrol is like ragging a small engine and feels it, don't pay too much attention to the review posted, they clearly haven't done any performance measurements and used the manufacturers over inflated figures. There is no way a 2l tfsi q5 can do 0-62mph in 7.2 sec. I'm lucky to get sub 9 most of the time (gps & accelerometer).

Here are some relevant clips:
A 160bhp golf that will do that time:

A 211bhp q5 that won't:

 

[CrustyNoodle]

.....don't pay too much attention to the review posted, they clearly haven't done any performance measurements and used the manufacturers over inflated figures.....

I think just reading the specs at the top of the article is missing the point of the test altogether. The redeeming feature of the article is that they test the cars back to back and give a subjective comparison as to how they feel to drive.

If anyone is concerned with 0-100km/h figures then I suggest they shouldn't be buying a Q5 in any case - it's not a sports car and if it's being purchased as such then you're barking up the wrong tree.

 

[MarkB]

Enjoyed the video clips - the diesel does sound good !

I don't think anyone buying a Q5 is looking for a sports car, and personally I get it in the ear these days if I start flinging the car around ! My 2 1/2 year old boy constantly shouting "faster, faster!!" does at least help my case, so long may that continue ! What I do enjoy is a big shove in the back when I put my foot down (and the stats do give some indication of that) and also something that's not going to be a shocker in the bends. As someone about to wave goodbye to my 30s, I think the effortfless performance of the diesel appeals more ...

The only thing holding me back is that we can go for a number of weeks where the car is just used for short trips to shops, visiting nearby friends etc, and I don't want to be forced to take long trips just to clear the DPF ...

Good review of the Q5 3.0 tdi:

http://www.motorbar.co.uk/q530tdistronic_0609.htm