After more than a year of stillness, Audi Malaysia are back with a new product assault. We already had hints that an SUV offensive was on the way when we spotted the new Q8 in showrooms, but the official word was dropped only today. And not only did we get that model, but the Q2, Q5, and a refreshed Q7 as well. We test drove the Q2, Q5, and Q8 today.
We didn’t get much time with the Q7, but our review of the 2016 version can be found here. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic (Sport)
From RM219,900
Starting at the bottom, we have the new Q2. This subcompact SUV was first premiered globally in 2016. It brings a 1.4 TFSI tuned to 150hp and 250Nm of torque and a 7-speed S-tronic dual clutch automatic gearbox. Interestingly, this engine comes with cylinder deactivation technology. When you’re not asking it for power, the engine shuts off 2 cylinders to save petrol.
During our short test drive, we enjoyed the Q2’s nimble handling. The progressive steering gives you great control over when pushing the car hard. It drives (and from some angles, looks) more like a hatchback than an SUV even though it’s about 15cm off the ground. Audi’s Drive Select lets you put the Q2 in any mode you want (auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency or individual) but you will notice the absence of paddle shifters in dynamic mode.
Inside and out, the design is typical Audi. Clean, minimalist and very angular. The Singleframe grille makes an appearance, but the real highlight is the C-pillar design, which come in a contrasting colour to the rest of the body. It’s a little plain on the inside with some strange plastic air vents really standing out. Besides that, it’s all the typical, top-notch Audi switches and controls. Audi’s 12.3″ Virtual Cockpit is a nice touch and the 5.8″ MMI unit is more than serviceable. The 405-litre boot is large enough for a weekend trip with a small family.
Here’s how Audi Malaysia have equipped the Q2:
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro
From RM339,900
We first experienced the new Q5 back in 2017. Since then its been nothing but delays from Audi Malaysia. But the wait is over and you no longer need to go to a parallel importer for your own unit.
The new Q5 is powered by a 4-cylinder 2.0 TFSI with 252hp and 370Nm of torque from 1600rpm-4200rpm. It comes with quattro with ultra technology. This means that it’s front-wheel drive most of the time to save fuel. Wheel-selective torque control comes as standard here for precise traction when you need it. Our time with the Q5 showed its ability to effectively transform from a comfy cruiser to dynamic performance machine at the blink of an eye. Setting and leaving Audi’s drive select in ‘Auto’ is all you need to do for it to optimally tune itself to your driving style. If you’re taking it offroad, lift/offroad and allroad modes will work best.
The interior offers more than enough space for five people. Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles is standard. The Audi virtual cockpit comes as standard for Malaysia on a 12.3-inch screen. The MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and an 8.3-inch display, a large MMI all-in-one MMI touchpad with haptic feedback is integrated into the rotary pushbutton.
The new Audi SUV comes from the factory with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard for Malaysia.
Here’s how Audi Malaysia has specified the Q5:
Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI quattro
RM599,900
The Q7 is a familiar face to most local Audi fans. You still get a 3-litre V6 TFSI engine with an 8-speed automatic.
Standard for Malaysia is the Audi virtual cockpit, in addition to the Audi MMI monitor. In the seven-seat model the basic configuration of the luggage compartment has the flexibility of altering its capacity from 295 liters to 1,955 liters with seats folded down.
On top of a 5 year warranty, here’s the updated Q7 specs:
The Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI quattro
From RM727,900
At the very top is Audi’s new flagship SUV, the Q8. This 4-door luxury SUV coupe is tuned for comfort, with driving dynamics taking a back seat. With the imposing Singleframe in octagonal design, the Audi Q8 is the new face of the Q family. The brawny radiator grille stands upright and, together with the spoiler that has been drawn toward the front and the large, highly contoured air inlets, emphasizes the self-confident look. The elegantly sloping roofline terminates in gently inclined D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheel arches, which house up to 22-inch wheels. Numerous details echo the design of the Ur-quattro. Strong contours and athletically tight surfaces convey a feeling of power, sophistication and the special dynamics of permanent all-wheel drive. The spoiler, wheel arch trims, door trim strips and diffuser are in a contrasting color, to further emphasize the off-road look.
HD matrix LED headlights as standard for Malaysia. With this feature, both the three-dimensional signature of the daytime running lights and the taillights have a digital character. A light strip connects the units at the rear. As in the Audi Ur-quattro, a black surface underlays this strip.
The SUV coupé is launched in Malaysia as the Q8 3.0 TFSI quattro. The powerful 3.0 TFSI produces 250 kW (340 hp) and develops 500 Nm of torque. The Audi Q8 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
The instruments are shown in the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit. Its high-resolution 12.3-inch display can be switched between two views via the multifunction steering wheel. The optional plus version includes a third, particularly sporty view. The head-up display also projects important information onto the windshield, including detailed lane guidance for navigation.
For Malaysia, the Audi Q8 comes standard with the top-of-the-line infotainment system, MMI navigation plus with touch response.
