KUMAR ANSHUMAN

Sporty and comfy - By Kumar Anshuman Sun Feb 10 11:23:00 GMT 2013 The German luxury car manufacturer Audi unveiled the new Audi Q5 performance SUV with new elements in design, infotainment, assistance systems and engines. “After the overwhelming response to our Q range SUV line-up, it is but logical to introduce the new version of Audi Q5 in India,” says Michael Perschke, head, Audi India. “This new SUV will not only wow the Audi fans with its innovations, but will also help us in consolidating our leadership position in the luxury SUV segment.”  The Q series of SUVs has made Audi the number one luxury automobile brand in India, beating two other serious competitors. In the new Audi Q5, fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 per cent despite increased power. The engines combine direct fuel injection with turbo charging. The sporty design of the new Audi Q5 with its flat roof arch now appears in a meticulously revised and sharpened form. The chrome items on the controls and single-frame grille with chamfering of the top corners with vertical chrome bars is appealing. The bonnet has a kinked design with more powerfully contoured lines. The trapezoidal design of front bumper gives a robust appearance. The interior of the new Audi Q5 is further refined. The new leather-covered multifunction steering wheel in 4-spoke design that is specific to the Audi Q model is enchanting along with many of its controls with chrome rings, and the inner fascia of the radio system/CD player and the air-conditioning are styled in high-gloss black. In the revised Audi Q5, customers can choose from two interior colours. The new electromechanical power steering system represents advancement in efficiency–in straight-line driving, the new Audi Q5 no longer needs any energy for steering. Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) detects the composition of the road and adjusts its interventions accordingly. The revised Audi Q5 also sets benchmarks in its class with its driver assistance systems. If it detects that the driver’s concentration is waning, it recommends a break from driving.  “We hope that the new performance SUV Audi Q5 will drive enjoyment and affinity in the same way as the Audi Q range has so far,” said Perschke. The new Audi will be available in six colours and is priced competitively at Rs 43,16,000 onwards (ex-showroom Delhi). 2012 was a stellar year for Audi India in terms of growth, progress, expansion and performance. The company crossed set target of 8,000 vehicles a year ago and revised the target to 8,600 vehicles. Finally it ended the year with a total sale of 9,003 cars. With this new launch the company is definitely looking for better performance in 2013.