• Two new engines join Audi Q5 range in Australia
• Very fuel efficient new 2.0 TDI is LCT exempt
• S tronic sports transmission standard across the range

Two new engines have been added to the Australian line-up of Audi's highly successful Q5 compact, premium SUV this month, including a highly-efficient 2.0 TDI and a spritely 3.2 FSI engine, bringing the Q5 range to four powerplants in total.

Officially launched in Australia in March 2009 (with launch engines 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI engines), the Audi Q5 is writing a new chapter for the brand Down Under with its versatile blend of on-road sophistication and off-road ability.

Now with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, the Q5 will follow in the tyre tracks of its multi-award winning sibling, the Audi Q7 performance SUV.

Even after just two months on sale, Audi's new mid-size Q5 is proving itself very much at home in Australia, where the market for versatile, lifestyle-oriented vehicles make it a perfect fit.

Audi's managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the Q5 is proving extremely popular, and just 10 weeks into launch, around 280 units have already been retailed.

"The Q5 is an excellent package. It is priced very competitively, and all diesel and petrol engines now on offer combine strong performance with good fuel economy – a hallmark of our brand.

"The Q5 also looks good and offers typically top quality fit, finish and safety equipment. The market is responding very favourably with the Q5 taking the number one position in the premium medium-sized SUV segment in April. We're confident it will continue as the top-selling SUV in its class throughout the year, thanks to a very steady order bank," Mr Hofmann said.

The Audi Q5 combines off-road ability and generous ground clearance with superb on-road characteristics, wrapped in a premium package.

Drawing on Audi's renowned engineering competencies, the Q5 also offers best-in-class fuel efficiency across the range, cementing the brand's reputation for 'progressive performance' without sacrificing dynamism.

Petrol engines
Producing a rousing 155kW at between 4,300 - 6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1,500 – 4,200rpm, the 2.0 TFSI has been voted 'Engine of the Year' four times in succession by an international panel of experts since 2005.  

This engine combines direct fuel injection and turbocharging technology with the new Audi valvelift system (AVS) which varies valve lift for increased power output and optimum fuel economy, racing from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.2 seconds but delivering 8.5l/100km.

The new and spritely 3.2 FSI (May 2009 introduction) also offers outstanding performance from its petrol direct injection powerplant, with 199kW on tap from 6,500rpm, and 330Nm from 3,000-5,000rpm. It achieves the sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds and emits 221 grams of CO₂.

Diesel engines
The new 2.0 TDI engine which has just been launched locally (May 2009) offers an exceedingly efficient 6.8 litres/100km with a power output of 125kW @ 4200rpm, and 350Nm of torque @ 1,750rpm – 2,500rpm. It emits just 179 grams of CO₂ per km.

This engine is completely exempt from luxury car tax thanks to its low efficiency and rrp of $59,900.

The 3.0 TDI is noted for its vigorous, high-performance output and tremendous fuel economy. The most powerful diesel engine in the range, the V6 3.0 TDI produces 176kW between 4,000rpm - 4,400rpm and an enormous 500Nm of torque available from 1,500rpm - 3,000rpm.

The result is an engine which propels the Audi Q5 from a standstill to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds, boasts a top speed of 225km/h yet still manages to deliver just 7.5l/100km.

All powerplants feature Audi's hi-tech S tronic sports gearbox as standard equipment. This innovative dual-clutch transmission boasts seven gears and offers the versatility of fully automatic mode or the ability to change gears through the gear shift function or optional wheel-mounted paddles.

Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel system is standard across the Q5 range distributing the engine's power 40:60 between the front and rear wheels, giving it unparalleled grip and stability regardless of road conditions and superior performance off the beaten track.

The streamlined Audi Q5 also employs a standard-fit hill descent assistance system to negotiate steep slopes, holding the speed constant to allow the driver to concentrate on steering the vehicle.

The Electronic Stabilisation Program ESP and ABS use specially-developed maps for off-road driving to ensure maximum traction when required, while sensors fitted in the roof identify when the roof rack is in position and loaded with up to 100kg. The system recognises that the vehicle's centre of gravity is now higher, adjusting the ESP response time to suit.

The Q5's level of interior appointment is class-leading with Audi's MMI Navigation Plus system as an example, taking multimedia to a new level, with a seven-inch colour monitor and a 40MB hard drive, DVD drive, Bluetooth preparation and TV tuner.  Driver assistance systems such as Audi Side Assist and Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Audi drive select round out a comprehensive range of innovative options available for customers.

Offering up to 1,560 litres of cargo space, the Audi Q5 swallows more luggage than any other vehicle in its class and is designed with an active lifestyle in mind, with a host of storage solutions incorporated into the vehicle's interior design, including special compartments for wet or dirty materials, cargo sectioning for safe storage of luggage and equipment to drink holders which will keep drinks warm or cool.

NB: As the press introduction for these new engine variants takes place in the ACT, this pricing is for purchases made in the ACT.