Audi eyes the small SUV market with Q5
Audi's Q7 SUV has yet to hit the market and there is already word
that a smaller sibling dubbed the Q5 is slated for production to battle the BMW X3. The Q5 will be based on the A4
platform and sport air suspension and hill descent control and offer 5 seats. Its version of Quattro will allow 100% of
torque to be sent to any wheel in case of slippage. You can expect the Q5 to carry the design language used by Audi
including the waterfall grill. Engines vary widely from the 2.0-liter FSI, all the way up to a 4.2-liter V8. Europe
will see two diesel options, as well. Prices are expected to start around $35,000.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Carlton Bale 12:29AM (12/19/2005)
I wish there a diesel option available here in the US. I would buy that in a second over a Lexus RX330.
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Robert Aitchison 12:29AM (12/19/2005)
I think it's funny how manufacturers take a car, rase the ride height an inch or two, and label it an "SUV" because they tink it will sell better.
It will be even funnier when the SUV craze has breathed it's last breath and all these "SUVs" will suddenly be relabeled cars or "Crossovers".
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WillDaThrill 12:29AM (12/19/2005)
21st century station wagon
ITS A FRIGGIN' STATION WAGON DAM YOU.
Mommy-mobile, grocery getter, whatever. SUV's hold lots of people and are off-road capable. Not dirt road capable, off-road capable.
Did I spell capable wrong? I really need a dictionary.
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Tim P 12:29AM (12/19/2005)
Call me an Audi fanbiy, but this will crush the X3. The new 2.0 FSI is a hell of a base engine and the V8 will make this the fastest small SUV I can think of. Not to mention an amazing four wheel drive system not to mention air suspension which I assume like the LR3 and Range Rover will be ajustable. Seriously while I hate these small SUVs I'd drive a Q5.
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tbyron 12:29AM (12/19/2005)
If it allows automakers to generate greater profit margins, do we really have to care whether they are called station wagons, SUV's, crossovers or anything else? (nice to see coverage of the Q5 finally making it to autoblog, btw)
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WillDaThrill 12:29AM (12/19/2005)
Yes it does matter, Sport Utility Vehicles are gas guzzlin', off-roadin', ass-kickin', car-crushin' vehicles. You are not seeing the point, pretty soon they'll be calling 4 door Mazda 3's SUV's, now come on!!!!
Crossover, point taken because it can be considered a cross between car and SUV. Anything else, it's a station wagon.
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