Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Audi Q5 lineup expands to include a new lower-price 4-cylinder model. This 5-passenger premium-compact SUV has Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. New for 2011 is the base 2.0T, which has a 211-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine borrowed from the Audi A4. Now at the top of the Q5 lineup is the 3.2, which has a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine. The 4-cylinder pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission while the V6 uses a 6-speed automatic. The AWD system splits torque 40/60 front/rear, and has the ability to shift as much as 65 percent to the front and 85 percent to the rear as driving conditions warrant. Maximum towing capacity is 4,400 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-and rear-side airbags. Available features include Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface) system, which uses a dashboard screen and control knob to control audio, navigation, suspension, and other functions. Other available features include three-zone climate control, a navigation system with real-time traffic information, keyless entry/engine start, a rearview camera, blind-spot alert, a power tailgate, and a wireless cell-phone link. Optional is Audi Drive Select, which allows for driver control of engine, transmission, steering, and suspension settings.
COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium-Compact SUVs are luxury SUVs that are compact in size. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. This segment is one of the industry’s fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buy in this class is the Audi Q5. Our Recommended picks are the Infiniti EX35 and Volvo XC60.

New or significantly redesigned models for 2011 include the BMW X3.

The 2011 Acura TSX sedan gets slightly freshened styling and powertrain tweaks designed to improve fuel economy. A new 4-door station wagon body style joins the lineup as well (see separate report). This front-wheel-drive car is Acura’s entry-level model, and TSX shares some of its basic design with the European-market Honda Accord Sedan. The standard engine remains a 201-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. A 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, borrowed from the larger Acura TL is optional. The 4-cylinder is available with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. V6 versions are automatic only. Standard features include a sunroof, wireless cell-phone link, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and automatic climate control. The V6 model rides on 18-inch wheels, while the 4-cylinder gets 17s. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. An optional Technology Package for both the 4-cylinder and V6 is available, and versions so equipped are priced as separate models. The package includes a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and weather information; dual-zone automatic climate control; a rearview camera; and a 10-speaker, 415-watt surround-sound audio system.
COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium-Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our Best Buys in the Premium-Compact Car class are the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A4 and Acura TSX sedan.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura TSX (wagon), BMW 3-Series (coupe and convertible), Lexus IS, Lexus CT 200h, and Volvo C30.