Let’s be honest, 99.9% of those who own either an Audi Q3, Q5 or Q7 would sooner walk barefoot over hot coals peppered with broken glass, ending with a foot-bath of lemon juice, rather than do what we just did with them. I was thinking this the whole time during the off-road section for the recent Audi Quattro Driving Experience that Euromobil Sdn Bhd, the official importers of the Audi brand here organized for the media.
Euromobil had arranged ten Audi Quattro models including the recently launched Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI®, Audi A6 3.0 TFSI, Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TFSI and the flagship Audi A8 3.0 TFSI. And of course the aforementioned SUV models Q3 2.0 TFSI, Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI and the Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI were also in attendance. A total distance of 230km lay ahead, including an off-road sector for the SUVs in the fleet.
The on-road exercises held at Sepang International Circuit car park simulated more demanding driving situations to test the handling and performance of the Quattro drive system, both with and without the aid of traction control and ESP. These included simulations of emergency situations whereby we were given the opportunity to test accident avoidance manoeuvres in wet and slippery road conditions in the Audi sedans.
As expected the Quattro sedans performed brilliantly in the set up course, showing remarkable levels of traction and control, despite our best efforts to send them headlong into the nearest guardrail. Most impressive was the on-road drive as well. In a nutshell, the old adage of ‘you can’t have handling AND comfort as well’ was well and truly squashed that day. Not only are the Quattro cars exceptionally plush and ergonomically sound, they’re also beautifully set up to handle either a sedate cruise or a more spirited run. And yes, the permanent all-wheel drive Quattro system does make a huge difference in this respect.
In the off-road sector, exclusive to the SUVs only, we were given the opportunity for even more rigorous tests. Torrential rain made the ground extremely slippery, and let’s not forget we were all on road tyres! I have to say, it was quite impressive the way the Q-cars tackled the off-road course. As mentioned, most owners would probably never see terrain like this in theirs, but it’s heartening to know that the they could if they wanted to.
“Audi quattro® is one of the key pillars of the Audi brand. The quattro® permanent all-wheel drive makes it possible to directly experience Vorsprung durch Technik as it represents driving safety and sportiness, technical competence and a dynamic attitude that doesn’t let even adverse road conditions hold it back.” – Audi AG.
To take part in the Audi quattro® driving experience, users can log onto www.landofquattro.com.my to take part in the Malaysia. Land of quattro® online challenge. 40 winners will automatically secure spots in the quattro® driving experience whilst the grand prize winner will enjoy the opportunity to push quattro® to the limits in the Audi R8 driving experience at Dubai Autodrome. The contest closes 6th December with winners to be announced on 9thDecember.
