Tag: Audi

The reassuringly robust foundations of an SUV and the charismatic curves of a coupé – Audi has already successfully combined these elements to create striking new Sportback versions of its Q3 and e-tron models, and the mid-size Q5 is now following suit. The new Q5 Sportback will appeal to customers who appreciate the innately family-friendly utility and sophisticated technology of the standard Q5 but also admire the expressive and distinctive design of more purebred sports cars. It will line up alongside its perennially popular SUV counterpart with a choice of Sport, S line, Vorsprung and Edition One specification options in the first half of 2021.

“Form often carries as much weight as function for Audi customers, many of whom have been drawn to the brand by our longstanding commitment to combining design that innovates and inspires with fundamental everyday versatility and usability,” says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “In new Sportback form the ever popular Q5 makes a far more expressive statement visually, but remains impressively fit for whatever life throws at it. Like the Q3 and e-tron Sportbacks it really is a best-of-both-worlds proposition.”

The Q5 Sportback has great presence, as is typical of the Q models from Audi. Large air inlets flank the octagonal Singleframe, and the headlights with their distinctive daytime running light signature feature LED technology, with matrix LED units reserved for S line models and above. The continuous, elegantly sweeping shoulder line emphasises the wheels, and the side sill trim on the doors suggests resilience and solidity. The glasshouse extends low over the body and begins its downward slope early so that the third side window tapers sharply to the rear. The sloping rear window and the seemingly high-mounted rear bumper give the Q5 Sportback a very dynamic and powerful appearance. This is particularly true of models equipped to S line specification and above, which combine an even more distinctive rear bumper treatment with exclusive detail enhancements to the Singleframe and side air intakes. In Vorsprung and Edition 1 versions, these are complemented by a black styling package as is customary in the UK Audi range.

Innovative: rear lights with digital OLED technology
The state-of-the-art technological sophistication of the new Q5 Sportback is underscored further in Vorsprung versions by rear lights featuring innovative digital OLED technology. The units each incorporate three organic light-emitting diodes, each of which is divided into six segments that can be controlled individually and configured differently. Customers can choose from three different rear light signatures at the point of order, all of which include a dynamic coming-and-leaving-home lighting sequence and an additional safety feature – if another vehicle approaches from the rear to within two metres of the stationary Q5 Sportback, all OLED segments illuminate as a proximity warning.

At 4.69 metres in length, the Q5 Sportback is seven millimetres longer than its sister model. Its height and width are identical, but its coefficient of drag is lower at 0.30. The long wheelbase of 2.82 metres facilitates ample room for five in the cabin, the focal point of which is the cleanly styled two-section dashboard with its freestanding 10.1-inch MMI display. As in the recently updated Q5 SUV, incorporation of the third generation modular infotainment system or MIB 3 has rendered the rotary MMI control dial obsolete and enabled the introduction of full touch-screen functionality for the monitor, as well as a greatly enhanced natural language voice control system.

This latest system is able to access information from the cloud to inform its responses, and can be activated by either pressing a button on the steering wheel or by saying “Hey Audi.”

The Audi Virtual Cockpit plus with its panoramic 12.3-inch display is standard for all versions in the UK, as are MMI Navigation Plus and Audi connect internet connectivity, meaning that when guiding the driver the Q5 Sportback can display high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth and use the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet to deliver lane-by-lane information on traffic flow and traffic forecasts in real time, as well as providing alerts for upcoming hazards such as slippery roads and fog. Useful resources such as a news feed, weather and travel updates, local fuel pricing listings and an on-street parking assistant that gauges the likelihood of finding a space at a given location also form part of the Audi connect package.

Vorsprung versions raise the bar even further technologically, adding features such as a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a head-up display, Audi Phone Box wireless handset charging and a host of advanced driver assistance upgrades covering everything from manoevring into a parking space and then reversing out again to turning at junctions, monitoring blindspots and observing motorway lane boundaries. A step up from the standard cruise control to adaptive cruise assist is also included, enabling the Q5 Sportback to largely take over the tasks of accelerating, decelerating and steering within the limits of what is currently legally permissible. Its presence also helps another high-tech Vorsprung highlight – the predictive efficiency assistant – to automatically adjust the driving speed to suit the situation, the topography of the route, speed limits and road users up ahead, helping to reduce fuel consumption by as much as ten percent.

Flexible space configuration: rear seat bench plus
The standard powered tailgate glides upwards to reveal a luggage compartment with a volume of 510 litres, which increases to 1,480 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Vorsprung versions offer increased variability thanks to their sliding rear bench seat plus, which has a 40:20:40 configuration and offers a movable seat base and adjustable backrest angle, liberating extra space for passengers or luggage as required. When its base is positioned as far forwards as possible luggage capacity can be increased by as much as 60 litres to a maximum of 570 litres. The optional storage and luggage compartment package keeps things orderly and holds luggage securely.

The engine lineup: one TDI and two TFSI units
The Q5 Sportback is set to launch in the UK with two powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines – a TDI and a TFSI – each with 204PS and therefore identifiable by 40 TDI and 40 TFSI designations. The potent SQ5 Sportback with its 347PS twin-turbo V6 TDI will also form part of the first wave. Plug-in hybrid TFSIe variants with a choice of two outputs will follow a little later.

The four-cylinder engines are combined with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, while the V6 TDI in the SQ5 Sportback works with an eight-speed tiptronic. All versions are shored up by quattro all-wheel-drive, with some featuring an on demand system that can disengage the rear axle in everyday driving conditions for maximum efficiency, and reconnect it predictively within fractions of a second when required. To further boost economy a mild hybrid system employing a belt alternator starter also stores electrical energy generated during braking in a lithium ion battery. With its help the Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback can coast with the engine idling or completely shut down, and are able to more fully reap the benefit of start-stop technology by disengaging their engines during deceleration at a higher speed of 13mph and below while also restarting impressively smoothly.

The 2.0 TDI in the Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro is not only efficient, but also particularly clean. It meets the limits of the latest emissions regulation Euro 6d-ISC-FCM or EU 6 AP. Thanks to a twin-dosing SCR system with double AdBlue injection, nitrogen oxide emissions are further reduced as appropriate for the respective operating situation. The urea solution is injected into each of two SCR catalytic converters arranged one behind the other in the exhaust system: one close to the exhaust manifold and one farther away from the engine in the exhaust system.

More ground clearance off-road: the adaptive air suspension
Comfort for the long haul is assured in all versions of the new Q5 Sportback thanks to its exceptionally lightweight multilink front and rear suspension, which from S line level upwards has a tauter sport tuning. A set-up with adaptive damper control is also available for even keener tracking of the road surface, while an adaptive air suspension system that can vary the ride height of the bodyshell in five stages and by up to 60 millimetres features in Q5 Sportback Vorsprung models. The SQ5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback Vorsprung are equipped with an S-specific version of this versatile system, which can even make loading easier by lowering the rear axle individually by 55 millimetres at the touch of a button in the luggage compartment.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system puts the driver in control of several technical components, including the air suspension in Vorsprung and SQ5 variants, and forms part of the standard equipment package for all models. The driver can choose from up to seven profiles.

The Audi Q2 has always been notable for striking out in a new design direction that marked it out from other members of the Q family, and as part of an update of the range announced this week that visual distinction has been further emphasized, while the advantage of family ties has also brought greater technological sophistication to the compact SUV. Carefully considered resculpting of the body has been combined with upgraded lighting, while the cabin offers enhanced equipment, improved web-based Audi connect functionality, and an expanded portfolio of driver assistance features. Technik, Sport, S line, Black Edition, and particularly extensively equipped Vorsprung versions of the new generation Q2 will become available to order in October and will reach their first customers in the autumn.

“In its styling, the Q2 has always gone against the grain to a certain extent, which is part of its appeal,” says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “I’m pleased that the designers have chosen to accentuate this facet of its character as part of this update program, which leaves the Q2 not only looking even sharper and more distinctive but also feeling even more mature and sophisticated thanks to its detail changes and technology upgrades.”

The principle of polygons: the exterior design

Crisp, sharply defined corners and edges give the most compact SUV in the Audi range a purposeful, confident stance. The frontal and shoulder line styling has always used a polygon motif as its basis, and the same is now true of the rear end, which incorporates a new bumper design with an integrated diffuser insert featuring large five-sided polygons.

The front end also now has a more striking look, particularly in the area below the upgraded headlights. Its octagonal Singleframe is slightly lower, making the front section appear wider, and its insert also references the polygon motif. The design of the large implied air intakes is also more expressive, particularly in models equipped to S line specification and above, and the exclusive styling treatment that has always characterized these more performance-focused variants has also been made more distinct by the addition of narrow slits between the radiator grille and the bonnet that are reminiscent of the iconic Audi Sport Quattro. New alloy wheel designs for most variants also contribute to the fresher image.

The revisions result in an increase of a few millimeters in the length of the Q2, which now extends to 4.21 meters, but don’t impact on its 1.79-meter width, 1.54-meter height or lowest-in-class drag coefficient of 0.31 (with sport suspension).

LED headlights now standard, Matrix LED for Vorsprung versions

LED headlamps now enable drivers of all versions of the updated Q2 to see and be seen even more clearly. Vorsprung versions are further upgraded to incorporate Matrix LED units housing seven individual LEDs in a shared module that produce an intelligently controlled high beam light without dazzling other road users. Ten light-emitting diodes installed behind rhomboid optical components generate the daytime running light, while seven further LEDs are the light sources for the dynamic indicators. Dynamic indicators are also standard at the rear in Vorsprung versions, which also feature front and rear light sequencing when the car is locked and unlocked.

The color palette available for the compact SUV has also expanded to include five new shades: Apple green makes its debut with Audi here, and Manhattan grey, Navarra blue, arrow grey, and Turbo blue are new to the Q2. Depending on specification, the blades on the C-pillars which have always been a stand-out feature are either body-colored or painted black, grey or silver, while the lower section of the bumpers will have a black grained look in Technik models, a Manhattan grey finish in Sport versions or a full-body color treatment in conjunction with S line specification and above.

Detail enhancements, equipment upgrades

The spacious interior of the Audi Q2 accommodates five passengers, and its clean-cut lines clearly draw inspiration from the taut design language of their exterior. The air vents and the gear lever knob, or S Tronic selector lever, have a new look, the door panels are freshened by new fabrics and the seats offer more comfort now that electric four-way lumbar support is standard right across the UK range. The sophistication of the onboard infotainment technology also increases for UK Sport, S line, and Black Edition models, which are newly equipped with the fully digital virtual cockpit with its 12.3-inch binnacle display and MMI navigation plus with its 8.3-inch monitor controllable via rotary pushbutton or natural language voice control.

MMI navigation plus includes an LTE module for fast data transmission and introduces the many internet-derived benefits of Audi connect into the Q2, including online traffic, weather, and local fuel pricing information and Google Earth navigation mapping. It also now includes the new features Audi connect emergency call & service and Audi connect remote & control, which via the smartphone-based myAudi app allow the owner to lock the vehicle remotely or check the fuel fill level and range, for example. The transfer of data can be deactivated by the driver by selecting a new privacy mode in the MMI system.

Features common to all versions include powered tailgate operation, the Audi Smartphone Interface, rear parking sensors, and cruise control, and on top of their visual and technological gains Sport, S line, and Black Edition models are enhanced by additions such as front sport seats, those in the latter two variants finished with a cloth and leather combination upholstery, and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Black Edition specification also brings a black styling treatment for many exterior details, combined with larger 19-inch alloy wheels for maximum visual impact, while Vorsprung models take all of these benefits and embed even more luxury, technology and safety. Fine Nappa leather upholstery and seat heating, a panoramic sunroof, Bang & Olufsen audio and an upgrade to dual-zone climate control soothe occupants of these top specification models, as do advanced LED ambient lighting and softly backlit inlays whose color scheme can be selected via the MMI.

For the Q2 Vorsprung driver, there is also a step up to adaptive sport suspension with damping control for increased comfort and handling reward, a rearview camera for easier maneuverability, and the benefit of every other driver assistance system available for the Q2. Over and above Audi pre sense front, which is standard across the range and uses radar to observe the area in front of the car in order to avoid accidents or reduce their severity, Vorsprung specification adds park assist for automatic steering into and out of parking spaces, side assists blind-spot monitoring, the rear cross-traffic assist reversing aid and the Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense rear collision prevention and mitigation systems.

Adaptive cruise assist new to Vorsprung models

As part of the model update, the adaptive cruise assist system featured by Audi models in the classes above is also adopted by the Q2, and more specifically by Vorsprung versions exclusively. It enables the driver to let the system largely take over the tasks of accelerating, decelerating, and steering within a lane with the help of its frontal camera and sophisticated sensors. In order to maintain automatic lateral guidance, the driver needs only gently touch the steering wheel, which is part of the system, to prove that they are paying attention. The adaptive cruise assist operates across the entire speed range, and in combination with camera-based traffic sign recognition can initiate automatic deceleration and acceleration in certain situations, for example when entering and leaving towns.

Three TFSI engines and two TDIs in the longer term

At launch, the new generation Q2 will be available with the powerful 1.5 TFSI petrol engine with its cylinder on demand efficiency system, which delivers peak power and torque outputs of 150PS and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft). Further TDI and TFSI engines will be added before the end of the year. All engines comply with the new Euro 6 AP emission standard, and the twin dosing technology of the diesel engines minimises NO_x emissions. This is achieved through the use of two SCR catalytic converters, one located directly behind the engine and the other installed in the vehicle floor, which cover different operating situations and have complementary effects.

The Q2 with the 1.5 TFSI engine features a manual six-speed transmission as standard, with the seven-speed S Tronic available as an option. When additional engines arrive some will be available in conjunction with Quattro all-wheel-drive based around a new generation multi-plate clutch, which transfers part or all of the engine torque to the rear wheels as needed. The latest version is around one kilogram lighter than its predecessor while offering increased efficiency thanks to enhancements to various details such as bearings and oil supply.

The base character of the Q2: sporty and agile

Regardless of specification, the compact Q2 is an agile SUV. Comfortable yet well-controlled suspension with a standard set-up is common to all versions except the Vorsprung models with their adaptive damping and sport tuning, while progressive steering is fitted without exception, its response becoming increasingly direct as the steering movement increases to optimize handling and vehicle dynamics during maneuvering and on winding roads. On rougher terrain ground clearance of almost 15 centimeters and Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) with an integrated off-road mode also serve the compact SUV well.