Bucket Seat: Audi Q5 - First Impressions

Audi South Africa brought the all-new third-generation Q5 to Cape Town yesterday, and after getting behind the wheel on some of the Western Cape’s scenic roads, it is clear that the German marque is continuing to refine a formula that has worked exceptionally well over the years. Following the introduction of Audi’s new Q design language, which we first saw locally with the new Q3 earlier this year, the latest Q5 brings fresh styling, updated technology and improved efficiency to one of the brand’s most important models.

The new Q5 takes a different approach to styling, moving away from sharp edges and aggressive lines in favour of smoother curves and a more sculpted appearance. There are noticeable similarities between the Q5 and the new A5 sedan, particularly in the way the body flows from the front to the rear. It gives the SUV a more sophisticated look without losing the strong road presence we have come to expect from an Audi. Up front, the new Matrix LED lighting signature immediately catches your attention, with customisable daytime running light signatures and the headlamps integrated into the same cluster, unlike some of Audi’s other Q models, where the lighting elements are separated. It is a subtle but important design distinction that helps give the Q5 its own identity within the growing SUV line-up.

The Q5 remains one of Audi’s most important models, accounting for a significant portion of sales across the Q range. Interestingly, South African buyers have shown a preference for the Sportback derivative over the traditional SUV body style, adding a more coupe-inspired silhouette to the mix. It is a sign that buyers in this premium segment are looking for practicality, but they also want a vehicle that makes a statement.

Diesel remains a popular choice among South African Q5 buyers, and Audi has continued to develop this derivative with the addition of a mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. While it is not a conventional hybrid that you plug in or drive on electric power alone for extended distances, the system assists the combustion engine in several ways. It can support smoother starts, provide an electric boost when required and help reduce turbo lag, all while improving overall efficiency. Audi claims an average fuel consumption figure of around 5.1 litres per 100 km for the relevant diesel derivative, which is impressive for an SUV of this size. With fuel economy still an important consideration for many South African motorists, the mild-hybrid system adds another layer of appeal to an already practical package.

For those wanting something with a little more punch, the SQ5 takes things up a notch with its 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 kW and 550 Nm of torque. That combination delivers a more powerful driving experience than the previous model, with plenty of muscle available when you need it. Our drive took us through the challenging Du Toitskloof Pass, where the SQ5 felt composed and well balanced as the road twisted and climbed through the mountains. It handled the changing corners with confidence, while the strong torque made light work of the gradients. It is the sort of road that allows you to appreciate the balance between performance, comfort and everyday usability, and the SQ5 managed to bring these elements together nicely.

I did not get an opportunity to drive the petrol TFSI derivative during the launch, but that is one I am looking forward to spending more time with when I get behind the wheel in Durban. It will be interesting to see how it compares with the diesel in terms of performance, refinement and everyday driving.

Step inside the new Q5 and the cabin will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the latest A5. The layout is clean, modern and driver-focused, with the various controls and displays arranged to make the driving experience feel intuitive rather than overwhelming. The test vehicles were equipped with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and as expected, the audio experience was excellent. Whether you are enjoying your favourite playlist on a long-distance drive or simply making the most of the commute, the sound system adds another layer of luxury to the overall package.

One of the more interesting technology options is the passenger display, which brings entertainment features into the front passenger seat. The screen supports Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones, allowing passengers to enjoy their own content without disturbing the driver. There is also a gamification element, with the ability to connect a gaming console controller and download games, turning the passenger display into something more than just another screen on the dashboard. Audi has also considered the potential for distraction, with privacy technology designed to prevent the driver from viewing the passenger display, helping them remain focused on the road. It is a clever addition that shows how manufacturers are finding new ways to integrate entertainment into the cabin without compromising the driving experience.

The third-generation Audi Q5 arrives at a time when competition in the premium SUV segment is stronger than ever. Buyers have no shortage of options, but Audi has given its latest offering a convincing combination of fresh styling, updated technology, improved efficiency and the sort of refinement that has made the Q5 such a popular choice. Pricing is competitive for a premium SUV of this calibre, putting the new Q5 in a strong position against its established rivals.

My time with the new Q5 was brief, but the initial impression is positive. The design feels more contemporary, the cabin delivers the premium experience expected from Audi, and the SQ5 proved to be a capable companion on the challenging roads around Cape Town. I am keen to spend more time with the range, particularly the petrol TFSI derivative, before giving a more detailed verdict. For now, the new Q5 has made a strong first impression, and I look forward to putting it through its paces when it arrives for a full test.

Pricing:

Engine	Model	SUV	Sportback
2.0 TFSI	Q5 S Line	R1,295,000	R1,365,000
2.0 TFSI	Q5 S Line Black	R1,350,000	R1,420,000
2.0 TDI	Q5 S Line	Coming in 2027	R1,275,000
2.0 TDI	Q5 S Line Black	Coming in 2027	R1,330,000
3.0 V6 TFSI	SQ5	R1,510,000	R1,580,000
3.0 V6 TFSI	SQ5 Black	R1,565,000	R1,635,000

Bucket Seat: Audi A5 TFSI 146kW Black Edition

I'm a die-hard sedan fanboy, ever since I was a kid, our family owned a range of sedans, so the appeal of a hatch or SUV never swayed me. Even now with the range of SUV's and SAV's taking the market by storm, I still maintain the best car is a sedan but that all changed with the introduction of the Sportback/ Gran Coupe  which fused the sleekness of a coupe but with the practicality of a sedan. Audi and BMW have been the two leaders in this segment over the years and with the introduction of the latest Audi A5, Audi have announced that they have decided to axe the A4 from their line up and the A5 Sportback will be the only 4-door offering in this segment. A decision which I'm sure was not easy as the A4 was a much loved model by many but seeing that the A5 Sportback and the A4 were practically the same car, it makes better business sense to have only one. I got to spend some time with the new A5 Sportback TFSI 146kW Black Edition not too long ago and here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

 The Sportback’s silhouette remains the selling point, with its long bonnet, swept roof and a hatch like back that gives the car a low, swooping profile while keeping uniformity. On this newest A5 the front end has been sharpened  with a wider, hexagonal singleframe grille, narrower LED headlamps and more pronounced sculpting in the bumper and flanks. The overall effect is sportier and a touch more aggressive than the previous generation, but still classically Audi. There are some elements of the etron range that come through in certain angles but the car remains a masterpiece in any way you look at it. If one had to describe the Audi A5 in a few words, it would be restrained, premium and undeniably modern. This continues in the cabin where we get a look at the latest in Audi's design language for their interiors which match the exterior in terms of the modern yet minimalist look.

PERFORMANCE

While we're used to previous branding from Audi that had the "35" and the "40" badges to differentiate the engine sizes, Audi has now opted to just put "TFSI" on the back and I'm guessing the diesels would just have "TDI", the A5 comes in two engine variants, both of which are 2.0L Turbo Petrol engines that have mild hybrid technology, the one is tuned to 146kW and the other is jacked up to 200kW. I had the 146kW engine spec in the Black Edition package.  I was fortunate to have a lot of driving lined up for the A5 during my week with it, which included a long distance trip in excess of 700km, so it was the perfect opportunity to test the fuel efficiency on the car.  The engine produces 146kW as state and 340Nm of torque, this high torque factor is assisted by the electric motor which often powers up when the car is switched on making you think you're driving an electric car. Urban driving with the A5 saw me have a higher fuel consumption around 9L per 100km which isn't bad when you think about it compared to other cars with similar engine sizes. 

The long distance journeys was where this car shone, with me having traveled around 720km, the car, it averaged around 7.6L per 100km with a range of 20km left from the 56L tank. The drive on the car is simply sublime, I could not fault one aspect of the on the road feel, it felt solid and commanding of the road.Audi has dialled suspension and steering for a balanced compromise that is composed enough for confident higher-speed cruising, supple enough to absorb poor urban surfaces if you choose standard suspension. Optional adaptive dampers sharpen handling without compromising daily comfort. Sound insulation and seat comfort are very competitive for the class; long trips are easy. If your roads are very rough, opt for the adaptive setup or softer suspension tune, because low-profile wheels with sports suspension can transmit more impact. Even in adverse conditions, the A5 handled like a charm. There is one gripe I had with the engine, which it is a down-tuned engine, it did feel like it was being held back at times, almost made me think I was driving a 1.4L but other than that, it certainly has risen to the top of my charts from the German contenders in terms of offerings and performance.

COMFORT

The cabin of the A5 is spacious, modern and futuristic, with it featuring its all new layout, that has a curved split screen dash, new steering wheel and the plush and high quality materials that we have become so accustomed with the brand.  The lines of the dash is what will catch you soon as you sit inside, the great merger of technology and luxury are brought to life in the cabin, with high-quality leather electric seats that slide back for you to get in easily, the instrument cluster has been re-designed to give you a more pilot like feel with the radar guidance being the main focus of the center dial, info either side of this can be configured to the individual. The 14.5" touchscreen infotainment unit controls just about everything, it has built-in wireless mobile applications, the new MMI UI is easy to use and can be configured to your liking with the options of having a favourites menu for your driver aids, I like this because you don't have to go into multiple menus to find things. 

The car came with the "Tech Pro" package which is listed at R100,000, I'm not exactly sure what is included in it but there was a shit load of tech. From surround view cameras, a digital sunroof, yes, the full glass panoramic roof can go opaque or swap in patterns of your choice. It's a pretty good party trick but also functional too. I like how Audi have moved all the driver controls to the driver side door in one neat cluster. So you can control everything from your memory seats, the side mirrors and even the lights from there. It just makes the dash a whole lot neater. This particular model also came with the infortainment package pro which adds an additional smaller screen for the front passenger. This gives them full access to the complete MMI menu and more with an app store to download games and video applications. The rear space is decent in the A5 with the passengers getting their own aircon controls and USB C ports for charging their devices. The Sportback hatch brings much more usable loadspace than a traditional saloon ideal for weekend gear or a pram. Rear headroom is slightly compromised compared with a taller sedan, but remains acceptable for adults on shorter journeys. 

VERDICT

The Audi A5 146kW TFSI really has surprised me, being a lover of the sportback styling it already had me won over on the looks department but the actual performance and the driving feel of the car is what blew me away. The quality of the materials used on the inside and the amount of technology you are getting in this package is truly outstanding and really is setting the benchmark for this segment. It should have their competition going back to the drawing boards to see how they can compete with this. While the competitors might have the edge in certain aspects, the A5 ticks all the boxes to be one of the best complete packages on the market. While the engine did feel under-powered at times, I'd like to have a go in the 200kW variant to see how that fairs. But to end, this car for me reminded me why I like sedans or sedan/ coupe should I say. It's not about having a lower center of gravity, there is just something charming about driving a long saloon. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	7-Speed STronic
Torque	34Nm
Power	146kW
Average Fuel Consumption	7.5L per 100km
Price	R1,423,500.00*

*Price as tested

 

Bucket Seat: Audi RS3 Sportback

Audi's RS stable has a formidable line up with very powerful weaponry in their arsenal, powered by some legendary motors ranging from 5-pots to V8's that deliver enough power to knock the wind out of you on launch. While many do live by the age old Jeremy Clarkson analogy "More Power", sometimes the ones with the lesser power deliver more fun. The latest edition of the Audi RS3 reached our shores earlier this year, still powered by the 5-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine but now delivers slightly more punch than the launch edition which was first reviewed by us in 2023. Funny enough, the test unit I had back then was in Kyalami Green and this new unit was the same colour. Even though it is the baby of the RS stable, does the RS3 still deliver a thrilling drive like the rest of its companions or does it fall short? Having spent a week with it, here are my thoughts. 

DESIGN

I'm not going to be like the generic influencers by saying "Audi cooked" or "Audi knocked this one out of the park" or anything to that effect but in all honesty, this car looks stunning. I had my reservations of the exact spec I got as I feel the colour deserved a darker colour rim but it grew on me. The way Audi transformed this car from a regular A3 to something so muscular and aggressive, feels like they took a regular A3, filled it up with Red Bull and creatine, sent it to the gym for a weight session and it came out bulked up ready for competition. When you delve deeper into the design, you can see it's not just a body kit they slapped on but paid intricate detail into the aerodynamics and ventilation of the car. Sharpened proportions and a lower in stance, gives the car a more pronounced presence, the car is wider and squared off in areas that not only add character but also serves a purpose in terms of cooling or ventilation. There are some faux details for added visual effects but most of it is functional. Major new styling cues include the new headlights which feature a new matrix LED design that is customisable from the infotainment screen, a new rhombus grille with honeycomb pattern, angular side pods which flow onto the flared wheel arch. The rear features a twin style spoiler and the rear bumper is a thing of beauty with a pronounced difuser that is finished off in black that houses the twin RS performance exhaust pipes and a reflector dead center gives the RS3 that iconic rally style look. Not much significant changes are on the interior, the racing seats receive some new styling and the steering wheel design has changed. 

PERFORMANCE

Now, for a 5-cylinder motor, this one sure is throaty, the vocals are enhanced by those massive performance exhausts, the soft-limiter does fade away once the car has warmed up but the noise in the cabin when going full tilt is just intoxicating. The power which is drawn from the 2.5-litre motor is astounding, with it delivering 294kW and 500Nm of torque. Audi's claimed 0-100km time is 3.8 seconds, my best attempt was 3.9 seconds multiple times, I attribute the extra 0.1 second to my spare tyre I carry around but still, it's mind blowingly fast for such a small car. The on road feel with the various driving modes dependent on your mood add to the versatility of the RS3, if you just want a chilled drive to the shops, Eco mode would do it for you, comfort is for everyday driving that has a chilled mode but the devil within can be woken up at any time. Dynamic mode is where things start to get interesting with the car becoming more vocal and you can feel things start to tension up. Audi have added two performance buttons to the steering wheel cluster for easy access to RS mode and track mode, both of these can be customised in the cars menu settings depending on your driving preference. The Quattro all-wheel drive with RS Torque Splitter distributes power between the front axel and individual wheels on the rear axel as required, it's this function that allows you to drift an all-wheel drive car, having done this on track at the launch was tonnes of fun, unfortunately finding a decent spot to test it out proved to be impossible but I'm glad I got to do it at least once. The balance of the car is just superb and I think this is why I prefer this smaller RS model to its bigger bruts, It's got a tonne of power but its so easy to control, thanks to the Quattro system, it assists to such a great extent that you don't feel like you have to exorcise demons to get it do what you want it to do. 

COMFORT

It's a sports car, that means lowered ride height, stiff suspension, low profile tyres mean a very hard and bumpy on-the-road feel but with the RS3, while it did have all of the above, it was quite comfortable. The racing bucket seats were super comfy and not restrictive even for someone my size. I had 4 full size adults in the car and all of them praised how comfy the car was. Audi packed the RS3 with all the regular creature comforts and more, the car is also laden with the latest tech, as mentioned it has the new designed steering wheel with flat top and bottom that has multi-function controls, the MMI interface gotten an upgrade too with so much going on in the various menus, I didn't dabble too much into that as I usually had my phone projected onto the screen. dual-zone climate control, seat heating for the front seats and a panoramic sunroof were just some of the items worth a mention. Heads-up display, which is optional also helps the driver keep their eyes on the road, the RS configurator on ton the in screen menu lets you calibrate the cars settings for your optimal driving preference. The sporty details of the interior really make the car stand out from the normal A3, a mixture of alcantara and leather make up the materials of the interior with robust but great quality plastics serving the rest. The LED Matrix headlights from Audi just keep getting better and better, these ones have various different patterns for your day-time running lights so you can choose to change it whenever the need arises. The sound system has received a nice upgrade with the RS3 coming with a SONOS 3D sound experience system featuring 15-speakers including subwoofers to give you an ultra-premium sound experience, even though the orchestra from the exhausts sounds great, sometimes you want to kick back with some good tunes. 

VERDICT

While the RS3 is the baby in the Audi RS line-up, it still remains one of the most fun cars to drive, only rivaled by the TTRS which shares the same power-plant. The car is legend in street racing in our paths and this new one is sure to carry on that status with not only the looks but also the power to prove it. Audi have taken an already great car and tweaked to become even better. When I first drove the new gen RS3 on launch I thought they had a winner, this face-lift just goes to show you what German engineering is all about, the strive for perfection never stops and its justified given how much different this car feels that its predecessor. I love how Audi have integrated some of the new design philosophy into this model by including this like the new steering wheel which is in the all-new A5 which just was recently launched and the MMI interface ensuring that customers who are buying this car are getting the best that they have to offer. My time with the RS3 was short but oh was it sweet. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.5L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	S Tronic
Torque	500Nm
Power	294kW
Top Speed	250km/h electronically limited
Price	R1,498,200

 

Bucket Seat: Audi e-tron 55 Sportback

It seems like a life time ago since I got to experience Audi's range of electric cars at their launch in Cape Town, even though it was March 2022. Just feels like so much has happened since then and truth be told, a lot has happened but rather late than never, Audi sent down a test unit for me to zoot across town with a for a week. It wasn't the Iron Man edition RS e-tron GT but rather the 55 Sportback which, coincidentally I didn't get to drive on that evening, so I wasn't too disappointed to see this quietly roll into my driveway. Audi is one of the only manufacturers who have committed to a date whereby they will be stopping production on all internal combustion engines from their line-up, some might so bold, some might say stupid but given the vast array of models showcased in their e-tron line-up, it might be very bold of them to do so. After experiencing what the RS GT could do, I was blown away, so spending a week with the e-tron 55 Sportback was looking rather exciting to me, especially seeing that this would be my fourth EV on test, and the first from Audi, so I could gauge how different their approach is to the competitions. 

DESIGN

The one question I got when EV's were first introduced into the market was "why must they be so ugly", I get that manufacturers wanted them to stand out, but some designs were a bit out there. I admired the creativity from some brands which incorporated recycled materials and made their EV's in factories which were Green rating but to the normal consumer, these were not characteristics they were interested, they just wanted normal looking cars and to their credit, that is exactly what Audi have done. The e-tron 55 Sportback looks as normal as a car could be, Audi say it combines spaciousness of an SUV with the performance of a four-door coupe. The lines of the car are stunning and with the large 21-inch 5 V spoke diamond turned rims really make the car give off a commanding presence. The headlamps are identical to the Q3, the body is similar shape to the Q5 and the only major difference is the dynamic looking rear of the car with the solid rear light. Both front and back lights are Audi's famed Matrix LED's which provide you with a welcome sequence "dance" as they like to call it, which one never gets tired of. The colour of this particular model was something that got a lot of attention too, the one pager I got with the car said it was Beige but after looking at the Audi website, the closest colour to it from their pallet I could see was "Typhoon Grey Pearl", I'll go with Beige. I know I said the car looked normal but there are distinct design differences which does make the car stand out and be more bold than other SUV's in the Audi stable. While the large Audi grille is there, it's completely blanked off, as there isn't a radiator that needs cool air to come through the car. The SUV coupe body does make it look ever so elegant on the road as well, one of the other big talking points was the lack of side mirrors which were replaced with the optional extra virtual exterior mirrors which I will touch on further on in the blog. The interior design matched the current new design language from Audi, almost a replica of the Q8 SUV Coupe. 

PERFORMANCE

From the previous reviews, we know that EV's are super quick, with no combustion engine and no gears, it just means all the power available at once! But these cars are heavy, thanks to the batteries and other electrical elements to make the car function, also there has to be a way of regulating the power delivery to the wheels otherwise the driver and its occupants would suffer from whiplash on every take off! The 55 Sportback comes power with two synchronous electric motor which derive a combined power output of  300kW and 664Nm of torque at full tilt, this can be adjusted by the various driving modes with Dynamic being the one that unleashes the most amount of power on demand and Eco being the one that limits the most power. The various modes would obviously determine the amount of power is consumed by the batteries, hence the range when fully charged can give you anything from 372km to 453km. An interesting thing happened to me while driving this car, I think given the fact that I have driven quite a few of the newer EV's, I found that my range anxiety was no where existent when driving the 55 Sportback. Not sure if it was due to the realisation that this was one of the bigger batteries being the 95kW giving that longer lasting usage or that I was just becoming accustomed to EV driving. For the 7 days I had it, I probably only needed to charge it once but due to the inner journalist in me, I had to go try out the various new charges that have been installed around town. Fast charging had me go from 10% to 99% in just 28 minutes, you can download the Audi app and keep connected to monitor your cars status while you go about your shopping and know exactly when its time to go. The Quattro four wheel drive gives the car more composure and helps balance out that high torque factor, the large tyres minimize the bumps on the road and gives you a softer ride. The e-tron 55 is the first EV I saw with charging ports on either side of the car and with automatic retractable and closing covers. The right side also had the DC fast charging while the other had the normal AC charging port only. 

COMFORT

Being based of an SUV, even though the coupe spec, the 55 Sportback was extremely spacious. The brown leather seats really complemented the beige exterior and black finishes on the inside. The piano black elements gave the car the premium feeling it deserves. The e-tron like the Q8 comes with a triple screen display, with the virtual cockpit which can be changed per user preference to display anything form your normal speedometer, to a full size navigation map. The main infotainment screen with MMI touch response is easy to use with Audi's new tile interface and has wireless mobile app connectivity which is simple to setup. The bottom screen is mainly used for the climate control settings but also displays the keyboard for navigation and as a sketch surface to write commands into. The gear shift is a rather interesting design, which looks like a plane throttle lever, its wrapped in soft touch leather which makes its nice place to rest your hand while driving, not that I'd encourage it as both hands should be on the steering at all times! The drive quality on the e-tron is smooth as silk, the lack of noise coupled with how easy it is to maneuver this large chassis around really makes it a pleasure. Now many think due to the car being electric, most of the creature comforts of the normal cars are cut out due to their high power consumption, well you'd be wrong because the e-tron 55 Sportback also offers seat heating for the driver and front passenger. The rear occupants also get dual zone climate control, a full panoramic sunroof, mesmerizing ambient lighting fills the cabin at night and remember those virtual exterior mirrors? Well add another two more screens, one on each door panel. It was a bit to get your head around at first but one quickly adjusts to it. Coming in at R24,000, it may seem like a massive waste of money but to me, after using them and seeing how much more attention it gets you, if you spending this much on a car, whats that little bit more to make it stand out? The benefits of it really came through in night driving, where it would cancel out the harsh glares from cars behind and give you a better view of either side when driving. The car also came with Bang & Olufsen Premium 3D sound system which is standard by the way. The slanted boot has an automated tailgate with a large luggage space and a full size spare wheel. The charging cables can be found at the front of the car. The Matrix LED lighting works like a dream, knowing when to switch on the extended lights, beam lights onto road signed and bend around corners, seriously my favourite lighting from all manufacturers at the moment. 

VERDICT

I say this with a big chest, as this is the first EV I've driven and felt it just as or even better than a normal car. The confidence you get from driving the e-tron really gives you faith in Audi's goal of cutting out the ICE engines from their line up by 2026. If the technology they've managed to create now can deliver so much in their products, I can't wait to see what the next range of e-trons have to offer. While I was snobbish at the launch, only opting to drive the GT's because I wanted to unleash my inner Tony Stark, these are the really money makers for the brand and where you see the true benefit of their EV journey. It's for everyday people, doing everyday things but without the hassle of needing to fill fuel. I think if driven properly and not like a maniac like me, one only has to charge these cars maybe once every 10 days if its basic running around town you're doing. The regenerating power from the average driving around is pretty good too, so you learn to adapt to get the maximum benefits from it. The price is a bit much and a big pill to swallow but its the price to pay to change the future which is inevitable. There is a massive drive to get more charging facilities in the country and Audi have partnered with Rubicon to install more chargers at their dealerships and malls around the country. This is another massive positive step to making South Africa more EV friendly. Notice I didn't bring up load shedding once in this article but I have to unfortunately, lucky for us, its the one thing that we get right all the time, they keep to the time tables so you should plan in advance if your car requires charging, don't get caught out then put the blame on Eskom if you aren't quick to act. Also not sure if I mentioned in any of my other posts on EV's, most public places have dedicated EV parking bays, like major shopping malls and the airport, which are usually right by the entrance and wheel-clamp zones for none EV's, so you score on that front by getting premium parking!

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Two Synchronous Electric
Gear Box	Single Gear
Torque	664Nm
Power	300kW
0-100km	5.7 seconds
Price	R2,115,000