Welly 1:24 Audi's part two: Audi Q5 SUV
Earlier this year I profiled the 1:43 pullback Audi Q3 that was in the Welly line. What I didn't know that Welly has made the other two Audi SUV's in larger scales. The Q5 is the next size up based on the A4 sedan and like the A4 it boasts the sportiest features in the group.
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The Q5 was the long-overdue sequel to the Q7 and for those who really do not need all that heft that the Q7 packs. When this was introduced in 2009 it finally brought success in Audi's SUV sales. The Q5 still has most of the styling touches of the Q7 with a more aggressive SUV-like front-end (just like the Q3), but unlike the Q3 the Q5 still borders on the Utility aspect of the SUV nomenclature. The platform is different than the Q7 as it uses the MLP platform that uses a more car-like setup, but unlike the Q3 it still has a longitudinal engine layout. This Q5 may suggest being powered by the same 3.2L V6 as the A4, but under the hood reveals a different engine (prompting me to remove the rear hatch engine badge): it's a 2.0L DOHC turbodiesel TDI I-4 that produces 141 hp. and 236 Ib-ft of torque to another unconventional SUV setup: a six-speed manual transmission. It then goes to the Quattro all-wheel drive system, though despite the higher ground clearance this is not a rough and tumble SUV, nor as capable as the Q7. Sadly the engine compartment, unlike other Audi's in this group, is covered up with only the brake accumulator and coolant resovoir details. Also note the details to the front strut brace support.
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The same thing goes on underneath as the base shows nothing much at the covered front, then shows off the exhaust and drivetrain components at the rear, which of course I enhanced with added details, and out to only one exhaust exit. The wheels don't look as sporty, but are a nice touch and like the A4 it has brake calipers and rotors, but you have to add your own touch of black to make the rotors pop out. The exterior is amazing as the red color at first looks dull but really pops out after I cleaned the SUV. It looks so great that it says to the other Audi's "Why choose white?" The front has a smaller grille with a thicker chrome surround, Audi rings, Q5 plate, lower side scoops with foglights, and detailed headlights with projector beam and LED running lights. The sides show a nice balance between sporty sedan and SUV with a smooth beltline accented by lower black trim. The rear has the typical Audi SUV look with the LED taillights wrapped inside the wide liftgate opening. The lower bumper has added lights where I had to add the reverse lamps, while the roof has a rear spoiler, antenna, and silver roof rails.
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Inside the Q5 like the A4 has a nice balance of sport and technology. The steering wheel is a 3-spoke steering wheel that sits a tad bit too low, just ahead of properly detailed gauges. The pedals have silver added, along with the center console and dashboard trim as well. The center stack is centered toward the driver with a larger MMI screen; controls are still mounted below the shifter alongside the starter button. That big speaker on the center of the dashboard is actually the speaker for the hands-free phone operation. The door panels again have detailed silver trim, while the seats are supportive, including the rear despite being a bit snug. Downside here is the lack of an opening rear hatch to access a cargo area that hides behind a cover. Otherwise this Audi Q5 has a unique look of its own: lots of utility, sporty nature, fuel-efficient diesel motor with gears to row your own, and a gorgeous metallic red color.
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