Audi has been flirting around by saying that it is developing a compact SUV to rival the hugely famous BMW X3 and VW Tiguan. But the flirting period is over now. Audi showcased the Q5 – a compact SUV which will be pitted against the BMW X3, VW Tiguan and the Ford Kuga. There’re other competitors too like the Infinity EX but that’s in the international market, so here in India, if Audi launches it (which we hope they do) the Q5 will primarily have a face-off against X3 and Tiguan.
The Audi Q7, if you remember, shares its architecture with the VW Touareg but the Q5 is nothing like it and the underpinnings of this car are based on the A4 sedan. The Q5 looks considerably more compact than Q7 and sports an uncluttered design. The imposing grille section that is now typical of Audi design sports vertical bars that makes it look audacious yet classy and the sharp headlamps add even more aggression to its appearance. There are creases and curves all over the body. There’s a smart yet subtle crease line that extends all the way from the bonnet along the sides and wraps around just below the rear quarter window. The interior exude richness and Audi quality cannot be mistaken. Expect the 5 to be as bang up to date a vehicle as it can be.
At the back, the tapering tail lights towards the centre are very edgy and distinct. Adding the ‘sporty’ tag is the sloping roof-line and that roof mounted strip that looks like a roof-rail. There can be a petrol engine but the one making most sense for India will be a four pot, 2.0-litre TDI diesel motor. The Q5 will be offered with all the features you can think of, and then some. Till now the X3 has had it all pretty much on its own, but come 2009 and the VW Tiguan and Audi Q5 will surely add some spice to the recipe.
