[Nova Invicta]

The Autocar shootout placed the Q5 SE 2.0 TDI first just ahead of the XC60 and then the Freelander with the X3 coming in last. It was not all plain sailing for the Q5 though as they complained about a jittery and never settled drive which they considered bad enough to not enjoy the vehicle as well as in the previous week issue some wind noise.

Whilst these compliants have not come up in any other testing reviews these are the first comprehensive tests on UK roads so hopefully Audi will play around with the set-up to improve the behaviour because once the new X3 arrives in 2010 they will have serious competition from BMW that currently is not there being the oldest car in the group.

 

[Andy]

Thanks for posting, very interesting.
It would be interesting to see if Mike or Tim are having these jittery/never settled drives?

 

[Timd]

I have the standard 19" wheels and audi drive select in auto the ride is great you hardly feel bumps on a country road switch it into sport and it tightens up but not jittery.I dont know what it would be like with 20" wheels

 

[mike]

No probs with the 20" wheels, Wind noise is slight at higher speeds , but would have expected that

now passed 1600 miles. NO PROBLEMS SO FAR.

Fuel average running at 36mpg.which is similar to my last car A4 2LT TDI(170) QUATTRO

Filling up every 6days same as before

VERY HAPPY

 

[Andy]

Thanks guys - all very positive.
I wonder whether Autocar had a dodgy car?

 

[Nova Invicta]

Having now had my Q5 S-Line 2.0 TFSI for 3 weeks I would say the suspension is overly firm and combine this with the firm seats sometimes on uneven roads the ride is definately uncomfortable. I didnt think Audi would fall into the same trap as BMW and the X3 that has been roundly chastised for the suspension. For sport suspension read hard & harsh.

 

[Andy]

Nova - have you got the 19 or 20" wheels?
I know you said you originally ordered with 19" but were thinking of changing to 20"

 

[Nova Invicta]

I have the 19" wheels which are standard for the S-Line. Sometimes I think Autocar are over the top with their assessments but with the Q5 suspension they are spot on in S-Line trim it never seems to settle or feel comfortable and its playing havoc with my back.
In all other respects this is a great car with a first class interior and a very quick 2.0l petrol engine (although 33mpg urban is distorting the truth read more like 26-27mpg)

 

[Andy]

I thought that fuel consumption was supposed to be around 27 for urban runs?
I think two more of us are getting the s-lines in the next week so it will be interesting to compare the rides - the last thing I need is a back ache!

 

[Rahoo]

bugger, just as I pull my back out ! oh well...andy you still on for saturday? I am having a nightmare with my plate, so it looks like I will have a new reg on it, I get 1 weeks free insurance with Norwich Union (free for all audit customers) and within that week get my private plate put on it

 

[Andy]

Either Sunday or Monday I think - car arrives either tomorrow or Thursday at the dealer.
Looking forward to it, preferably without backache

 

[Rahoo]

mine arrives thursday aswell, ah bless the cars are brothers

mine will be called quincy

 

[Andy]

Well if they were brothers I would call it Quentin but have just heard mine is still on the dock awaiting a boat ride so looks like middle of next week at the earliest for me