Audi has updated the Q5 with a subtle restyle, improved efficiency and more equipment. The order books will open for the Irish market in September.
The update includes restyled headlamps, and the Xenon units - standard on the S line versions - feature new look LED running lights. Along with that, the upper edges of the grill are bevelled and the Audi rings get a more sculpted look. A new look bumper includes high-gloss black inserts for the air inlets and chrome rings around the fog lights.
At the rear there are new LED tail lamps for models with Xenon headlights while the diffuser and tailpipes have also been redesigned. Customers can choose from 15 colours, four of which are new for the latest Q5.
A choice of four engines are offered - two petrol and two diesel - though naturally diesel power will dominate Irish sales. All models get a start-stop system and fuel economy is improved by up to 15 per cent. The two turbodiesels displace 2.0- and 3.0 litres and develop 177- and 245hp respectively. On the combined cycle the 2.0 TDI returns 47.1mpg (6.0 litres/100km) and the 3.0-litre manages 44.1mpg (6.4 litres/100km).
The two petrol engines feature direct fuel injection; one is a 2.0-litre unit with 225hp, the other a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 producing 272hp. All four-cylinder Q5s come with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard. The V6s come with twin-clutch S tronic transmission with seven speeds for the diesel and eight for the petrol. All versions of the Q5 come with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system.
Although Irish specifications and trim levels have yet to be confirmed, it's expected that all Q5s will come with alloy wheels, leather upholstery, climate control and Multi Media Interface (MMI) linked to a 6.5-inch colour monitor.