Revamped model thrills

‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, as the saying goes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t update, improve and revamp it, a point firmly proven by the 2013 Audi Q5.

The new model boasts aesthetic and technological updates that ensure this well-rounded compact luxury crossover delivers a more dynamic driving experience than its predecessor.

In terms of design of the Q5 has been meticulously revised and sharpened. The aggressive-looking single-frame grille, the bumpers, air inlets and front fog lights have all been revamped to give this model a sportier look.

The addition of xenon plus headlights have a continuous strip of LED daytime running lights around the edge, which make driving safer ... in theory, I’ll get back to that later.

Fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 per cent, despite power increases. For Bahrain a 2.0 TFSI and a 3.0 TFSI engines are available. Both are combined with an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive as a standard and both combine direct fuel injection with turbocharging and a start-stop system as standard.

This ensures a smooth and steady supply of power that ensures the performance of this vehicle matches its sporty character.

Inside is just as exciting and the sophisticated looking cabin, complete with two-tone leather seats, fine finishes and a simply laid-out instrument panel add to the ambiance. There is a push start engine button and an electronic handbrake, touches that give the Q5 a modern and comfortable feel.

However, this SUV is more than just visually appealing and it boasts a number of innovative safety and comfort features too.

The optional Audi side assist is perhaps my favourite safety feature and something I feel every car in Bahrain should have. Two radars, one on either side of the car, are mounted in the rear bumper and at speeds above 30kmph, they monitor the traffic in a zone that extends from around 70m behind the car to a point just ahead of the driver, which includes the so-called ‘blind-spot’.

By measuring the distance and speed of vehicles approaching from behind, it is able to calculate whether or not a change of lane would be hazardous. If there is no apparent intention by the driver to change lane, a light situated in the door mirror on the relevant side of the car is illuminated.

The light provides information to the driver that there is a potential threat. If the driver uses the indicator to signal that he intends to change lane, the warning light flashes more intensely, signifying to the driver that the manoeuvre he is about to make is potentially dangerous.

This fantastic feature came in very handy during my drive along the highway and I cruised along quickly and safely, confident that those pesky drivers with no regard for road safety wouldn’t get the better of me.

The acceleration is unsurprisingly responsive, especially in sport mode and the impressive amount of torque means this crossover is good for off-road driving too.

Another feature I really enjoyed was the stop/start ignition. When you reach a traffic light and apply the brake, the engine cuts out to save on fuel … not that it’s overly expensive in Bahrain, but it is much kinder to the environment.

I had a lot of fun driving the Q5, taking great delight in pushing all the buttons and trying out the many features available. However, my joy took a turn for the worse when I decided to pick up my girlfriend and her dad for an evening out.

Since the civil unrest, security personnel are commonplace in certain areas in the kingdom, particularly the Abraj Al Lulu where my girlfriend happens to live.

As I approached the security checkpoint, as I have done countless times over the years, I saw the sign that tells drivers to switch off their headlights and did so accordingly. Unfortunately, when I got there, the friendly chap with the large automatic weapon began talking very sternly in Arabic and pointing at the front of the car.

Since my Arabic is embarrassingly still ‘shway shway’, I politely asked him to repeat his comments in English. It turns out that even with my headlights switched off, the daytime running lights were still on, and I had no idea how to turn them off!

Eventually, he let me pass and we all had a good laugh about it later on … thankfully.

The generous list of standard features on the Q5 includes electric tailgate, xenon plus headlights with automatic range adjustment, driver information system with colour display, Audi music interface, ISOFIX child seat mounting, electronically adjustable front seats and adjustable rear backrest and parking aid plus.
The revised model is available in Bahrain starting from BD18,100 and from BD21,990 for the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI respectively (GCC) including five years service and three years roadside assistance.
For more information, contact the showroom on 17459933.

Audi has announced the introduction of recommended retail prices (RRP) for Audi genuine parts in the GCC.

The RRP are defined on a regional level and enforced by Audi Middle East in order to maintain consistently fair prices and high value for money across all Audi dealerships in the region.

Trevor Hill, managing director of Audi Middle East, explained: “Our strategy for 2013 focusses on capacity and quality. Transparency in parts prices is one of our key responsibilities to our customers. This initiative will build customers’ trust and loyalty and directly reflect on customer satisfaction.”

RRP eliminates the need for price negotiation at the point of service. At the same time, customers are guaranteed to receive genuine Audi parts, which have been developed and tested to the highest quality standards.

The parts distribution for the region is managed through Audi Volkswagen Middle East’s Parts Centre, a 10,000 square metre facility in Jebel Ali, Dubai, which houses over half a million parts. The facility ships orders to dealerships across the region daily.

For further details contact the Audi Centre Bahrain on 17459933.