Quattroport

I like the Q5 alot . I drove one Saturday and its very nice but like today's Q5 interview on AudiWorld says, the engine offered is one that was planned on 5 years ago. Alot has changed since then. The 2.0T motor with more boost to compensate for the Q5's additional heft would be awesome. Add the six speed manual and then you have the enthusiast's version. To say the current Q5 is the drivers car is not accurate as offered.I would say more soccer Mom. I had an X3 with the sport Package and it was a little jittery but it handled like a 3 series. The current engine is smooth but the MPG is weak. There is little question gas prices will rise. Look at A4 sales the majority are the 2.0T motor.The Torque is better and torque is what you feel.Let's keep the pressure on Audi to offer more engine and transmission choices for the Q5 sooner than later.

chewym

the EPA tests prefers larger displacement naturally aspirated engines versus smaller turbos.

The difference in fuel economy between 2.0T and V6 is pretty small on the European test that does like small turbocharged engines.

Give it a little more power (more than 211) and you will barely scrape an extra mpg against the V6.

TheWalrus

Until Audi offers the right transmission choices, you need to vote with your $$$. There is competition out there, and that's a great thing for consumers!

Quattroport

That is exactly what I had. It was awesome. I regret selling it.

Quattroport

What about real world? I want the 6spd. manual as well.

TheWalrus

<center><img src="http://home.comcast.net/~jrdailey/x3ext.jpg"></center><p>
Mine is a 2006 X3 3.0i w/ manual, sport, premium, xenons, premium stereo, park distance sensors, servotronic, etc.
It's not perfect, but it's a blast to drive and it gets me to all of my favorite trailheads here in the Pacific Northwest. I remember taking my old 1998 Audi A4 2.8QTip to a couple of trailheads and hearing these utterly dreadful scraping noises as I ground over exposed rocks. The A4 just didn't have the ground clearance.

I will say that Quattro is superior to XDrive in everything but weight. I have been able to induce spin in the rear wheels of the X3 making a sharp turn on wet roads or when on very uneven surfaces (like the Trader Joe's parking garage ramp). I was never able to do that in my A4, which may be a combination of Quattro, less torque, and an automatic transmission.

And an interior shot. I love the sports seats!
<center><img src="http://home.comcast.net/~jrdailey/x3int.jpg"></center>


And another exterior shot...
<center><img src="http://home.comcast.net/~jrdailey/mtaix/files/page3-1004-full.jpg"></center>


<center><img src="http://home.comcast.net/~jrdailey/x3rock.jpg"></center>

And this is the view from the summit of Mt Aix as you look east toward Mt. Rainier. The trailhead pictured above is down about 15 miles of dirt roads and the hike is a solid 12 miles round trip. But it's worth it!

<center><img src="http://home.comcast.net/~jrdailey/mtaix/files/page3-1003-full.jpg"></center>

And one more from snow shoeing last winter...
<center><img src="http://home.comcast.net/~jrdailey/x3snow.jpg"></center>

1990V85speed

He really wanted to buy the Q5, but wouldn't because of the lack of the MT. He bought his wife a new A4 6 MT for her wedding present. She'll only drive MT's as well.

Oh by the way, he's 65 years old and has never driven an automatic. Was a Saab guy for more than 25 years but gave up on them when they got rid of the hatchback.

If I'd buy one as a company car, it'd have to be automatic per company rules and wifey wants the next car to be a DSG or Tip. Between traffic and kid still in car seat she said her MT days are behind her. Well, at least until we get the retirement two seat convertible. That's why I love her so much. . .

Lucien4

Comparison ECE:

City: +15%
Highway: +12%
Combined:+12%

EPA should be same % wise.

nirad

2.0t may happen, but I doubt they would sell a 6-spd SUV in the US. The market is miniscule.

Quattroport

I'll order it no problem. They are all over Europe. Just certify them for the US. Now that you have me started.... Also get rid of the power lift gate or make it a seperate option. Like I said, I love the Q5, but hate that it is being offered as a way too soft, soccer Mom car for over fed, atrophied Americans. I think Audi is pandering to the worst in us. Even the S line is just cosmetic, no suspension upgrade.