darkwolf

Anyone knows when the new models will be on sale in Canada?

Brew99

In talking to the dealer it is "spring" which means April or May. They are accepting deposits now for pre-order.

drfe99

Yes there are and I already ordered mine. Fully loaded, but I passed on the Sline this time. I am surprised Audi has decided not to include lane assist (or a variation of at this time). They may release at a future date or in 2018

wilber

New model, new plant, new country. I'm going to wait a year or two.

drfe99

I hear ya Wilber... But I have done a lot of research and based on everything I have read, I am not as concerned as I was originally. I have read no less than 10 different automotive reviews and all commented on the fit and quality of the pre-release cars they were driving. Normally, new model pre-release cars have issues with fit and noise. I also read that most of the assembly line is robotic with minimal human intervention. I also noted that the Q5 is already released in Europe and Canada / US are the last to get them. Not trying to convince you otherwise, and I may regret my decision but am willing to go forward and buy but only time will tell.

wilber

I'm not particularly concerned about them being built in Mexico, I have a six year old truck that was built there and it has been very good. Mostly because of the changes in the vehicle itself, particularly the new part time Quattro system. Big changes that could have some teething issues when released into real world use. Just call me conservative.

I will be interested in hearing the experiences of people like you about the vehicle itself and how the new AWD system compares to the present full time system. I see the new SQ5 will be sticking with the full time system and 8 speed ZF. I don't know if that has do with driving dynamics or the inability of the new system to handle the added HP.

Will be going the Vancouver Auto Show at the end of March. I hope they have both versions there.

wilber

Went to the Vancouver Auto Show yesterday. They had a 2.0 S Line and a SQ5 Technik present. My impressions were mostly good. While there is obviously a big jump in technology and hopefully function, ascetically I think I like the interior look of my 2013 S Line better. I don't like the add on iPad look of the new screen although it seems to be a trend. What is it with Audi (and BMW) and their reluctance to use a touch screen. I will reserve judgement on how they function until I get to play with them but the MMI controls are now a small touch pad located forward of the shift lever. At least you could feel for the buttons and **** on the old system, now you will be fooling around with this touch pad and a row of tiny buttons on its top. Audi makes a head up display and virtual cockpit options and then forces you to go head down to operate the MMI through this little touch pad. It makes for a nice clean looking console but otherwise I don't get it and really hope I am missing something.


I then walked over to the VW display and looked at the new Tiguan, which has a beautiful big touchscreen display integrated into the dash. What gives?

Another trend I don't like that many manufacturers are going to is a Park button, instead of actually moving the shift lever to a Park position which has been the standard control for automatic transmissions since they were invented. I think they are an accident waiting to happen.

Why can't we have more standardized controls in vehicles. My Q5 and Ram truck have almost identical cruise control levers except the Ram is on the right side and you pull it back to disengage and push up to resume. The Audi is on the left side and you push forward to disengage and pull back to resume. They both work fine but it is a real PITA when you are going from one vehicle to another frequently. For crying out loud, can't manufacturers get together and agree on some kind of standardization for such simple controls. Rant over.

drfe99

I drove the new Q5 on March 29. It was a SLine with Technik package. Look you Wilber I am trying to get used to the new display. I believe it takes away from the premium look of the car. Overall the car is a nice ride. The newly tuned engine is nice and smooth and you can feel the difference in horsepower. The outside lines on the car car are smooth and flow nicely.
Not sure why they moved the MMI control, I found it more difficult to work and less natural then the one in my 2013.

That being said I am still very excited to get my new one in May or June.

wizzofoz

I have been chasing down my dealer rep but no news as yet. Will let you know.