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Ground clearance is good for when you want to take it off-roading

Safety and After Sales Service – The Audi Q5 has a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP which is thanks to the 8-airbags, ABS with EBD and ESC that it comes with. It also has a cruise control with speed limiter, reverse parking sensors with rear camera and disc brakes on all the four wheels. Then there are the less sophisticated visual and acoustic seat belt reminder, electric contact in buckle and ISOFIX child seats that together make it a pretty safe cabin to be in. The quality of service is excellent but the servicing might cost you an amount more than the regular cars which is expected.

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The quattro system offers fantastic traction on loose surfaces

Verdict – A petrol engined Audi SUV might not find many takers in India but the four-ringed brand targets to sell 50% of its cars with a gasoline engine by the end of this decade. This is where the Q5 petrol comes into play because being more powerful than the diesel, it appeals to the driver in you. Retaining all the good bits of the diesel, the only sore point here is the fuel efficiency and range which the oil burner offers and since the added refinement and performance is substantial, the Q5 petrol does seem like a good alternative to the diesel, as long as you love driving and don’t care much about fuel economy.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/42879519735/[/flickr]

There are many Q7 cues in its styling

What’s Cool

* The huge front grille and sporty design
* Fit, finish and quality on the interiors
* Good space inside the cabin
* 5-star Euro NCAP rating

What’s Not So Cool

* Low fuel efficiency
* A bit on the expensive side

Alternatives: Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX 300h, BMW X3, Volvo XC60

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