My old 2004 Nissan Pathfinder has finally racked up enough miles on it where it is time to try something new. I am interested in the Audi Q5 TDI, but I had a couple of questions that I was hoping some new owners would be able to help me with.

1) Does the TDI come with 18 or 19 inch tires? I couldn't find anything online on the Canadian website to tell me the size.
2) I have heard that the acceleration at slower speeds is really good, but how is the acceleration from around 100KM/hr up to 120-130 km/hr (for example, trying to pass someone)
3) How is the road noise at highway speeds?
4) With the rear seats being used, is there enough room behind the rear seats to throw in some golf clubs? I might be hauling anywhere from 2-4 sets of clubs in the back and wanted to know if there was enough room. I saw on another website where someone has actually measured the width/length and I'm not sure golf clubs would fit. You typically need around 47-48 inches in length for a set of clubs. Maybe they would fit diagonally, but could you get at least 2 sets back there (4 would be better).
5) Anybody ever investigated if a third party remote starter could be used on these?
6) Does the Q5 TDI come standard with a block heater in Canada?
7) Anyone have any gripes/things they wish were better with their Q5 TDI?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I plan on doing a test drive fairly soon but the more information I have in advance the better.

Thanks in advance!!

 

The 2014 Q5 TDI info is now on audi.ca check it out.

 

Make sure you are aware of the "DEF" requirements... a lot of people have no idea about this when it comes to modern diesel and the salesmen generally don't tell you anything. You need to add DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) every oil change, I've heard it can cost as much as 200$ depending on the vehicle consumption which kind of cuts into your fuel savings. It also freezes below zero and your engine may de-tune itself until it unfreezes in the winter (what I've been told is that a heater coil is located in the DEF tank).

 

Hi Farmboy,
Had ours a week, as the French said in MP's "the Search for the Holy Grail", "It's very nice!!!"
Heres a few comments around your questions.
1 - yes both are offered, our 18's soak up the bumps well but a little soft on corners (but still very pleasant)
2- like you said, the 3.0 TDI is a torque monster, great acceleration at ALL speeds. Passed a few folks on single lane highways, very quick to respond. Something you can easily check when you take one on a test drive.
3 - it's the quietest vehicle I've every owned, smoothest as well. Again, find out when you take it for a test drive. It's almost too quiet, I like the sound of the diesel, but from in the cab you can barely hear it.
4 - the golf clubs might be a no go; does hold 3 hockey bags . 36 inches deep and about 46" on the diagonal. Could lower one of the back seats, would certainly work then.
5 - didn't look at a remote starter
6 - no block heater, just an oil pan heater, either an audi or an aftermarket
7 - defrost turns off recirculation... wonder who the genius was that thought that one up, I think they were trying to combine defogging with defrosting, guess they didn't think we were smart enough to decide in which case to use recirculation... When melting ice off the windshield, recirc helps warm things up quicker.

Adblue - you can get it in truck stops for a pretty reasonable price, heck I think Audi has it a reasonable price as well, can't remember where I read it but I think it's in the $40-60 dollar range to refill.

We really like ours, the 3 kids fit well in the back. Drives like a dream. First two tanks got 35 imperial miles to imperial gallons, about 60 hwy / 40 city.

Enjoy shopping.

 

Hi Farmboy,
I'm new to this forum and also I just bought my 2014 Q5 TDI two days ago, but I see that Buckaroo answered most of your questions. I did a lot of research before buying the TDI, comparing it to the Mercedes GLK diesel and the BMW X3 gasoline engine. There are pros and cons with each. The Mercedes gets the best fuel mileage and they have admitted that they lose money on their diesel model because the MSRP is close to the gas engine models but they are trying to win market share. Audi doesn't seem worried about that so the TDI is about $6000 more than the gas models. BMW takes a different tact. They have lightened the X3 using aluminum so it weighs about 200 Kg less than the Audi and the gas mileage is not that much more than the Audi diesel. Of course like all European gas engines you have to pay for premium fuel over here but diesel isn't cheap anymore either. In the end we found the Mercedes had too small a cargo space and the BMW only comes with runflat tires which I don't want.
Cheers,
Bill

 

Good choice BChalk!

As a bit of an update, been through 2 significant snow storms and am very impressed with the Quatro drive. Even with just the stock all seasons (will get winter tires next year), the Q handled the road very well. As the manual says, "It won't defy the laws of physics..." but it tries hard.

Tried to get it stuck in a drift in front of the house but couldn't (drift wasn't hard enough to high centre it). Good clearance, very little wheel spin.

At -17C, one can "feel" the cold panoramic sunroof a bit but it's not bad. Probably wouldn't get that option again but might change my mind in the summer.

Really like how well the engine is insulated, does a great job "holding" the heat while parked for a while.

Cheers!

 

I don't know if the car starter is a good idea as I remember reading in the manual that you should not let the engine sit and idle to warm up when it is cold. Likely due to low oil pressure leading to poor lubrication in the top of the engine.