Two new Q5 variants released

Audi anticipates that Q5 sales could increase by as much as 80 per cent with the availability of two new models just released.

The prestige importer has officially launched the 2.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI variants of the compact prestige SUV to join the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI models already on sale locally.

According to the company's marketing team, the sales split for the four-car range is likely to be 35 per cent for the 2.0 TDI, 35 per cent for the 2.0 TFSI, 25 per cent for the 3.0 TDI and 5 per cent for the 3.2 FSI. Even without the full range being available to the public, the Q5 has already outsold BMW's X3 by a figure of two to one, says Audi Australia's Managing Director, Joerg Hofmann.

"I can tell you that we sold about a hundred in March, we sold 150 in April and at least 150 in May -- it's more than 160 already so we see a good Q5 number in May already.

"You know who our major competitor is in this segment... the other German brand, from Bavaria -- and we outsold them already, last month, by almost two to one. It will not take long [before] our car is the leader in the segment. That's quite clear."

During yesterday's presentation to the Australian media, Audi was, through legal necessity, forced to quote multiple pricing figures for the new variants (see our earlier report here). The Q5 2.0 TDI, which is based on the same level of trim as the Q5 2.0 TFSI, is priced at $59,900 (price guide) before the application of other charges and will sell in the ACT (where the launch was held) for a figure of $66,000.

Unlike the direct-injection FSI model, or the other two variants in the Q5 range for that matter, the Q5 2.0 TDI is not subject to the Luxury Car Tax, since it returns a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.8L/100km and thus incurs the Greens Party's amendment to the Luxury Car Tax legislation -- an amendment that allows buyers special dispensation from the LCT if the car purchased uses less than 7.0L/100km of fuel.

Based on the same level of trim as the 3.0 TDI, the new Q5 3.2 FSI is nominally $2000 cheaper at $69,900 (price guide), but will sell in the ACT for $77,365.

If all the news seems to revolve around pricing legislation controversy or sales, the new variants do bring a further dimension to the Q5. With its fuel efficiency and a relatively larger (75-litre) fuel tank, the Q5 2.0 TDI boasts a range better than its major competitors, says Audi. The turbodiesel four-cylinder engine features third-generation common-rail induction and develops 125kW of power at 4200rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1750 and 2500rpm.

Producing peak power of 199kW at 6500rpm and 330Nm of torque between 3000 and 5000rpm, the 3.2-litre direct-injection (FSI) petrol V6 uses 9.3L/100km of fuel -- making it the least frugal Q5 variant, but the Q5 with the highest top speed (234km/h). For acceleration though, the petrol V6 is outgunned by the 3.0-litre turbodiesel Q5 -- 6.9 seconds to 100km/h for the former, 6.5 for the diesel.

Both the new variants employ the same seven-speed 'S tronic' dual-clutch transmission fitted to the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI models and the final drive is Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. This drive system in normal operation splits torque 40/60, but can transmit as much as 65 per cent of torque to the front wheels and 85 per cent of torque to the rear wheels.

Suspension is independent all round with a five-link double-wishbone-type system at the front and a trapezoidal multi-link system at the rear. Steering is power-assisted rack-and-pinion with brakes comprising ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Audi claim that the Q5 offers a ground clearance of 200mm and a wading depth of 500mm. Approach and departure angles are 25 degrees and 31 degrees respectively, with a rampover angle of 17.6 degrees.

As for all Q5 models, the new cars are equipped with the following safety features as standard: Dual front airbags, with adaptive airbag for the front passenger; side-impact airbags for front-seat occupants; side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats; Hill Descent Assist; stability control with offroad mode and roof-rack detection; ABS/EBD; traction control and electronic centre diff lock.

Standard comfort and convenience features for the Q5 2.0 TDI echo the 2.0 TFSI variant's, as follows: 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, reverse parking acoustic guidance, electric windows, electric mirrors with integrated LED indicators, front/rear fog lights, roof spoiler, aluminium roof racks, electro-chromatic mirror, climate control, infotainment system, aluminium interior decorative trim, auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function four-spoke steering wheel bound in leather, manually-adjustable front seats, rear seat bench plus, leather/leatherette trim, six-disc CD audio system and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Q5 3.2 FSI builds on this specification -- aligned with the 3.0 TDI's level of trim -- with the following features: 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, keyless entry, three-zone climate control, walnut interior decorative trim, multi-function three-spoke sports steering wheel bound in leather, transmission shift paddles, electric driver's seat adjustment, lumbar adjustment for both front seats and Milano leather trim.

Audi also offers an extensive range of options for all Q5 variants, including the new ones. Among these are the Audi Drive Select system for $3050, panoramic glass sunroof for $2934 and MMI Navigation Plus for $6000.

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