Audi South Africa has unveiled the new Q5, a vastly updated version of its mid-class SUV.
 
Four engine options are available at launch: two TDI and three TFSI powerplants. All of these engines combine direct fuel injection with charging, and the start-stop system as standard on all versions. Although most of the engines have enhanced performance compared to the previous models, their fuel consumption values are reduced by up to 15 percent.
 
The Audi Q5 2.0TDI with 130kW and 380Nm of torque (available in either manual or S tronic transmission and quattro drive) has a fuel consumption figure of 6.0 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 157g/km on the manual and 159g/km for the S tronic. The top-of-the-range 3.0 TDI delivers 180kW and 580Nm of torque. The V6 diesel — available with a seven-speed S tronic and quattro — can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 225km/h. Its combined fuel consumption is 6.4 litres of fuel per 100km and CO2 emissions are 169g/km.
 
The petrol engines of the new Audi Q5 also feature state-of-the-art technology. A highlight of the TFSI engine line-up is the new two-litre, four-cylinder engine. The 132kW variant is only available in manual transmission, whereas the 165kW model is available in a eight-speed Tiptronic configuration. The combined fuel consumption figure for the 132kW model is 7.1 litres per 100km. The 165kW boasts a figure of 7.9 litres per 100km.
 
Producing even more power is the new supercharged 3.0 TFSI - the three-litre V6 with supercharging replaces the previous generation 3.2-litre engine. This engine outputs 200kW and 400Nm and will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 8.5 litres per 100km and 199 g/km respectively.
 
The chassis of the Audi Q5 — with its five-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension — adds new refinement and comfort in the characteristics of the springs, shock absorbers and stabilizers. The new electromechanical power steering system gives the driver a better feel for the road with direct gearing. The system - which adjusts its power assist to vehicle speed - does not consume any energy in straight-line driving, reducing fuel consumption by approximately 0.2 litres per 100km.
 
The Audi Q5 also performs on rugged terrain, with a maximum climbing angle of 31 degrees. The vehicle's approach and departure angles are each 25 degrees, while its ramp angle is 17 degrees. The vehicle's ground clearance measures 20 centimetres.
 
The Audi Q5's styling features a coupé-like roof line and wrap-around tailgate. The interior design of the headlights has been modified; the LED daytime running lights of the optional xenon plus units are shaped as curved bands that surround the headlights.
 
The horizontal lines of the high-performance SUV's front end are emphasised more strongly. The high-gloss black Singleframe grille has beveled upper edges; its vertical chrome struts and the Audi rings have a sculpted look. The modified bumpers integrate air inlets with high-gloss black inserts and fog lights with chrome rings.
 
When xenon plus headlights are ordered (standard on V6 models), the tail-lights are also designed with a layout of visually uniform LED light bands. The diffuser insert and the tailpipes that taper at the bottom have been redesigned - in two versions, depending on the engine. Roof rails and crossbars are standard equipment across the range.
 
As an addition, the S line exterior package or the offroad styling package are both available to order, both give the Q5 a unique look with their design details and the colours of add-on parts.
 
The interior of the Q5 has made additional strides in refined styling, says Audi. Many of the user controls have narrow chrome trim; the steering column control stalks, ignition key and instruments were given subtle modifications. The narrow panels of the centre console are high-gloss black.
 
The ergonomics have also been fine-tuned. The central media component, MMI navigation plus, now has four buttons, and its volume dial has an additional skip function. Other refinements have been made to the controls for the seat heating, the new highly efficient air conditioning system, the Audi drive select system and the multifunction steering wheel.
 
The Audi Q5 offers ample interior space with a long wheelbase of 2.81 metres. The seatback angles can be adjusted on the rear seats and when these seats are folded, the cargo capacity increases from 540 to 1560 litres.
 
Audi South Africa will offer the Audi Q5 in two trim lines: S and SE, with the level of standard equipment being significantly improved from the previous generation. A five-year or 100 000km Audi Freeway plan comes standard.
 
S trim line includes the following standard specification:
17-inch 7 spoke design cast aluminium wheels
Auto air-con system, one zone
Bluetooth phone prep
Concert radio
Cruise control
Door sills with aluminium inlays
Electro-mechanical parking brake
Driver information system with efficiency programme
ESP with hill descent control
Interior lighting package
Isofix child seat mounting in the rear
Leatherette seat trim (Combination of artificial and genuine leather)
Micrometallic inlays
Net partition
Roof rails in aluminium including two roof cross members
Servotronic steering
Side airbags front with sideguard front and rear
Split rear seat, adjustable forward and backwards
Stop-start system

SE trim line includes the following standard specification over and above S:
18-inch 5 V spoke Cast aluminium design wheels (V6 models)
Bluetooth phone prep
Audi Music Interface
Aluminium inlays
Auto air-con, three zone
Driver information system in colour
Parking sensors, front and rear
Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights (V6 models)
Electrically operated front seats (V6 models)
 
Pricing (including VAT and emissions tax):
Audi Q5 2.0T FSI S: R464 000
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI S manual: R469 000
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI S S tronic: R488 000
Audi Q5 2.0T FSI SE Tiptronic: R528 000
Audi Q5 3.0T FSI SE Tiptronic: R599 000
Audi Q5 3.0 TDI SE S tronic: R616 000
 
The new Audi Q5 will be available at the end of January 2013.