Author:
Robin Roberts
The facelifted Audi Q5 hits UK roads in October.
Combining subtle styling revisions to the exterior and equipment enhancements with power increases inside and under the bonnet, there are also economy gains of up to 15 per cent, and the remodelled range will be available to order late May from about £33,400 OTR.
The updated Q5 will arrive in the UK with four engine options: two TDI and two TFSI. All of these engines combine direct fuel injection with forced induction, and a start-stop system is standard in all versions. Although most of the engines have enhanced performance, their fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 per cent.
The 2.0 TDI with 177PS and 380 Nm of torque (with S tronic and quattro drive) is the entry point to the diesel range, and delivers 47.1mpg on the combined cycle. The 3.0 TDI delivers 245PS and 580 Nm of torque. This acclaimed V6 diesel has been completely redesigned and now combines the potential for up to 44.1mpg according to the combined cycle test (previously 37.6mpg) with a torque increase of 80Nm over its predecessor for even more forceful acceleration.
Equipped as standard with the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, it powers the Q5 from zero to 62mph in 6.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 140mph.
The petrol engine line-up also features state-of-the-art technology. Taking its lead from the advanced new 1.8-litre TFSI unit which already powers the latest A4 and A5 ranges, and employing the same innovations, the new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine is a particular highlight. The control system for its valves and their stroke, its innovative thermal management, its fuel injection system, its turbocharger and the integration of the exhaust manifold in its cylinder head are all new developments.
The new 2.0 TFSI offers 225PS and 350 Nm. It can cover up to 37.2mpg according to the combined cycle test.
There’s no word yet on CO2 emissions or the updated Q5’s company car tax position. However, the current 2.0 TDI Q5 has CO2 emissions of 162g/km (45.6 mpg), suggesting the newly updated Q5 with 47.1mpg will be at 160g/km or below. If it’s below, the company car tax band will drop by 1%. At 160g/km or under, the Q5 will also qualify for 18% writing down capital allowances – at least until April 2013.
New sports performance S models
Fancy something a little hotter and Audi enthusiasts are about to be spoilt for choice by four formidable new high-performance S models all benefiting from a remarkable new eight-cylinder bi-turbo engine delivering up to 520PS and up to 29mpg.
The all-new S6, S6 Avant, S7 Sportback and S8 open for UK order next month ahead of first deliveries in July – OTR prices range from £53,995 for the S6 to £77,900 for the S8.
The new bi-turbo V8, incorporating cylinder on demand technology and a host of other advances, replaces the naturally aspirated V10 FSI engine in the all-new S6, S6 Avant and S8 models, and in the process improves economy by as much as 25 per cent.
Look at our company car tax calculator if you want to work out what they will cost you to enjoy. Keep up to date with the latest arrivals in our company car news section.
