The second generation of Audi Q5 has just been revealed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Let's see what it's all about.

"The first Audi Q5 was for many years the world's best-selling SUV in its class. It was no easy task to design its successor, but that is precisely why it is so very exciting," says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG. "With the new Q5 we are setting the bar a notch higher. Among the great innovations are the quattro drive system with ultra technology, highly efficient engines, the air suspension with damper control and a comprehensive line-up of infotainment and assistance systems."

The Audi Q5 has quite a reputation and the new model has changed substantially. The exterior hasn't changed dramatically, but there are a few changes. The headlights areavailable with headlights that are either in LED or high-resolution Matrix LED technology with dynamic turn lights. The vehicle comes with quattro permanent all-wheel drive system and the tail lights are also available with optional dynamic turn signals. There'll be 14 exterior colours to choose from, while five equipment lines are available – sport and design, the S line sport package, design selection and the S line exterior package.Under the skin, the new Audi Q5 is up to 90 kg lighter than the exterior model, despite it being a physically larger vehicle. Audi is claiming its new Q5 is the cleanest in terms of aerodynamics with a cd figure of 0.30.

The new Audi Q5 has five engines: four TDI engines and one TFSI. They have added up to 20 kW of power, with fuel consumption being significantly reduced.The 2.0 TDI engines in the new Q5, with outputs of 110 kW, 120 kWand 140 kW, are highly efficient. The two-liter diesel is also a highly efficient engine in the version with 140 kW.The two top engines combine ample power with efficiency. The further developed 2.0 TFSI has an output of 185 kW, yet it only consumes 6.8 L/100 km.The also revised 3.0 TDI increases output to 210 kWwith 620 Nmof torque.

Audi's Virtual Cockpit is now available as an option and it features graphics on the high-resolution 12.3-inch screen. The MMI system can now recognise handwritten entries as well as gestures familiar from consumer electronics such as zooming gestures.MMI navigation plus utilises the Audi connect module to integrate a LTE module and a Wi-Fi hotspot which can connect up to eight mobile devices.The free Audi MMI connect app produces a close interconnection between the car and smartphone or a smartwatch and offers other services. They include remote checking of important vehicle states, online media streaming and transmission of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. The Audi smartphone interface also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the new Q5.

The new Audi Q5 also features semi-autonomous driving tech. These are divided into three packages– Tour, City and Parking.The predictive efficiency assistant helps the driver save fuel by specific information on the car's surroundings. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) including traffic jam assist can handle some of the steering work in slow-moving traffic. Audi active lane assist makes it easier to stay in lane. Distance warning alerts the driver when the distance to a vehicle drops below a safe distance. The vehice also features cross traffic assist rear, the exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist. orm excellently in pursuit of safety.

Audi Q5 South African Availability

The new Audi Q5 is made in Mexico. It will arrive at dealers in Germany and other European countries at the beginning of 2017. Audi South Africa have said that the new Q5 will be arriving in the second quarter of 2017.

Further reading:

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (2015) Review

Porsche Macan launched in SA

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