Audi launches facelifted Q5

Audi has revealed the facelifted Q5 which is available to order next month. The updated model gets a few styling revisions but the big changes come under the bonnet with more economical engines plus a new 3.0 TFSI model. Prices start at £33,400 on the road.

You'd be hard pressed to notice the changes on the outside but the revised Q5 does get different headlights with restyled LED daytime running lights on S line models. There are also new bumpers along with four new paint colours, adding to the 11 already available. Inside more of the controls are trimmed in chrome and there are changes to the steering column stalks and instruments. The optional MMI Navigation Plus system has also been made easier to use.

The real changes come in the engine line-up with improvements in power and fuel economy. The 2.0 TDI is the most popular choice in the Q5 range and this now has 177PS with 380Nm of torque (compared with the outgoing version with 170PS). It gets the S tronic twin clutch automatic gearbox as standard and economy is 47.1mpg compared to 40.4mpg for the pre-facelift version. A lower powered version to replace the 2.0 TDI 143PS will follow.

There's also the impressive 3.0 TDI with 245PS and 580Nm of torque which has been completely redesigned and now returns a claimed 44.1mpg (previously 37.6mpg) with a torque increase of 80Nm. Petrol engines included an improved version of the 2.0 TFSI with 225PS and 350Nm which averages 37.2mpg, impressive for a turbocharged petrol engine.

The top engine is a new 3.0 TFSI which replaces the 3.2-litre FSI. It develops 272PS and 400Nm of torque giving it a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds and like all models it gets quattro four-wheel drive. To improve refinement in the Q5 there are also changes to the suspension and shock absorbers plus it gets new electro­mechanical power steering designed to give better feel for the road with direct gearing.

There are three trim levels – SE, S line and S line plus. All include alloy wheels varying in size from 18 inches to 20 inches, leather upholstery, electronic climate control, a Driver’s Information System, Multi Media Interface linked to a 6.5-inch colour monitor, rear acoustic parking, light and rain sensors, a hill descent assist function and split/folding rear seats.

The top S line plus model has the Audi Music Interface iPod connection, satellite navigation, the Audi Parking System Plus with front and rear sensors and visual distance indicators plus a powered tailgate.