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2018 Audi Q5 | Pricing a redesigned crossover

With its redesign of the 2018 Q5, Audi introduces a host of updates and upgrades to what was already a popular formula. The platform is all-new (and almost 200 pounds lighter), the four-cylinder turbo enjoys a 32-horsepower bump, and ride is not compromised by handling that feels far more nimble. With the changes comes a $600 bump ($40,900 to $41,500) in base price. In a segment that includes the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3 and Benz's GLC (for Autoblog's comparison tool of similar vehicles, click here), Audi's Q5 is a mature, upscale entry for grown-ups with little interest in pretense or posturing. Sitting on a 111-inch wheelbase and stretching to almost 184 inches, the Q5 is available only with quattro all-wheel drive and has an Outback-like 8.2 inches of ground clearance. And its 252 horsepower is distributed, depending on road conditions, in varying proportions front to rear, as needed, via its new quattro ultra-tech drivetrain. Available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels — we're opting for the midlevel Premium Plus, which supplies you — for its $4K "premium" — a standard sunroof, seat memory, Audi Side Assist and Pre Sense rear with cross traffic sensors, full LED headlights, key/keyless start and a hands-free tailgate. Base MSRP is $45,500 plus transportation, but with a judicious use of the option boxes we can keep it under $50,000. Our silver paint choice costs $575, but a light metallic color doesn't show dirt too badly during long winter stretches between car washes. And for summers, Audi offers its Warm Weather package for $1,450, with front seat ventilation, a sportier bucket profile with four-way power lumbar and sunshades (manual) on the rear windows. Finally, what we think should be standard — rear side airbags — we'll opt for, with a $350 surcharge. With destination, that brings our total to just under $49,000. With 10 percent down, plus taxes, title and license, look for 60 payments to run about $800/month. Audi also touts a 36-month lease — with $6K out of pocket — at $523/month, allowing 12,000 miles a year. Neither number is a screaming deal from a math standpoint, but both are valid approaches for a completely credible crossover. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Audi Q5: First Drive View 32 Photos Audi Car Buying Ownership Crossover Luxury

VW admits 430,000 2016 models have implausible CO2 ratings

Volkswagen finally explained more details about its CO2 rating scandal in Europe and admitted that 430,046 of the estimated 800,000 affected vehicles with "implausible" figures came from the 2016 model year. They included some from Audi, Seat, Skoda, VW, and VW Commercial Vehicles, according to the automaker's list (as a PDF). The problem mostly impacts diesel engines, but the inventory also shows some gasoline mills. VW will next determine the accurate CO2 emissions for these vehicles, and the German Federal Vehicle and Transport Authority will supervise that process to ensure the data's veracity. The automaker will also launch websites in Europe to let owners enter their model's VIN to check whether it's affected. Because governments there often link vehicle taxes and CO2 production, the company promises to work with regulators in each country to cover any fees that result from the inaccurate figures. VW announced the CO2 scandal earlier in November and estimated the equivalent of $2.2 billion to fix it at the time. A later report claimed that a group of engineers were responsible for fabricating the emissions data. They allegedly couldn't meet reduction goals from Martin Winterkorn, and between 2013 and this spring the workers did things like overinflate the tires during testing to achieve the desired results. VW is also closer to a fix in the diesel emissions scandal. According to an anonymous insider to Bloomberg, the company has a repair for the 1.6-liter engine that's reportedly neither very complex nor expensive. German regulators would still need to approve the solution before it could roll out to owners. Next step in clarifying the CO2 issue Affected Volkswagen Group models of the current model year have been identified Customers being informed via website Discussions with the authorities have begun The Volkswagen Group reports that the vehicles of the 2016 model year affected by the CO2 issue have been identified. There is thus now clarity about the new vehicles of the current model year out in the marketplace. On 3 November 2015, the Group had already reported that irregularities may have arisen in determining the CO2 figures for type approval of around 800,000 vehicles. This was identified during its own currently ongoing investigations and had been made public. The internal investigations into the current vehicles of the 2016 model year provide results for narrowing down the actually affected vehicles with implausible CO2 figures.

2017 Audi A5 First Drive

It might not look it, but behind the 2017 Audi A5's evolutionary styling update there's a new platform and a host of mechanical and technological upgrades that make it the most advanced offering in its class. We got to sample the new A5 on the windy roads outside of Porto, Portugal, which gave us an in-depth look at the car underneath the unremarkable exterior. The A5 may no longer be the haute couture choice in this segment Í­– that title goes to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe – but there isn't a bad line on the new car, and it's more creased and toned than before. Given the bulging hood and chunky C-pillar, we'd say its gym membership is paying off. This might look more like a mid-cycle update, but what's underneath is new: a scalable architecture known internally at VW Group as MLB Evo, an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the third-generation EA888 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. This engine debuted in the A6 and is rated at 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. That's a healthy 32 hp and 15 lb-ft more than the 2016 A5's 2.0-liter offered, and it showed on our spirited drive through Portugal's grape-growing region. A handful of A5s will leave the factory with six-speed manuals, but most buyers will find a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in place of last year's eight-speed conventional automatic. Audi worked hard to improve initial throttle response to eliminate the clunkiness endemic to torque-converter-free transmissions. In urban slogging, the gearbox does a very convincing impression of a traditional automatic. In sport mode, the transmission livens up and delivers the rapid-fire shifts we expect from this type of gearbox. We did not have the opportunity to sample the stick. Our test car had Audi's Euro-spec version of this engine, which utilizes both direct and port fuel injection. American models will forgo the latter. Brisk acceleration is matched by a subtle growl piped in from under the hood at higher rpm – about the only noise you'll hear. The A5 is astonishingly quiet. In fact, it was that quietness that encouraged us to leave the coupe in the Drive Select's comfort setting for much of our drive. Drive Select tweaks the car's steering, throttle response, and, on cars so equipped, the optional adaptive suspension. Truth be told, Comfort rides a little too plush and Dynamic a little too firm.