First look Audi Q5

Introducing the new Q5 off-roader, it was clear that showgoers were far happier to cast their eyes over Miss Hawkins’ curves rather than those of the new Q5 off-roader.

The newest Audi joins the Q7 and arrives in March with prices starting at $59,900 for both the 2.0 TDI quattro and 2.0 TFSI quattro models. A powerful V6 3.2 FSI quattro follows at just $69,900 and the mighty $71,900 3.0 TDI aimed squarely at the BMW X3.

Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says there is plenty of room in Audi’s model portfolio for the Q5.

“It is priced very competitively, and offers strong performance from each of its four direct injection engines,” he said.

The 2.0 TDI engine also has another ace up its sleeve as it is exempt from Luxury Car Tax due to its low consumption of less than 7.0 litres per 100km.

Hofmann said he expects the Q5 to follow in the footsteps of the Q7, luring buyers from other luxury brands.

The Q5 will come with four engine variants, all with direct injection turbo-charged engines and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

At launch, both the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI will be available, closely followed by the 2.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI models in April. All Q5 models are equipped with an economical 7-speed S-tronic gearbox.

This has super-slick gearchanges that take only a few hundredths of a second and deliver virtually uninterrupted power flow.

The Q5 is the first model to feature this innovative dual-clutch transmission mounted to a longitudinal engine layout.

It is matched to Audi’s quattro permanent all wheel drive system with a 40:60 torque split.

The Q5 also boasts a luggage capacity of 540 litres with the rear seats up and 1560 litres with the seats folded.

Innovative driver assistance systems such as a new MMI Plus Navigation system with 7-inch colour monitor and 40 GB hard drive with storage for up to 10,000 music files; blind spot warning system and “lane assist” to detect and prevent wandering out of your lan are among the car’s features.

Also available is adaptive cruise control with a collision warning system that warns the driver and brakes when the car is too close to the car in front and an adjustable suspension system. ,p>

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...