Audi's Q5 Star Has Freelander In Sight

By Chris Thorp

05th January 2005

Based on a modified version of the A4's chassis, the car will blur the gap between on and off-roaders, offering the appeal of a sport utility vehicle in a tarmac-friendly package.

As the mag's exclusive picture reveals, the bodywork will be similar to that of the A3 Sportback, but with added muscle. Proudly showing off Audi's distinctive chrome grille, the nose takes inspiration from the Pikes Peak concept, unveiled at 2003's Detroit expo. The narrow headlamps and strong crease below the window line make the Q5 a handsome machine, while the wide wheelarches add to the soft-roader image.

Inside, buyers can expect the top-notch design and engineering which have become the trademark of modern Audis. While the dashboard is likely to be lifted from the A4, a higher driving position and more durable materials will set the Q5's cabin apart from those of other models. Practicality will also be a priority, and there will be plenty of room for five people and their luggage.

Key to the Q5's driving experience will be its quattro all-wheel-drive system. While the 4x4 transmission is synonymous with performance variants, it has already proved its versatility on the A6 Allroad. Poor sales mean that car won't be directly replaced, but its adjustable air-suspension set-up is likely to appear on the newcomer.

Specific model details are still under wraps, but the Audi is likely to be available with a range of engines from the company's existing stable. The cheapest cars in the line-up will come with the smaller FSI petrol units.

Meanwhile, the most capable versions are likely to use the latest 3.0-litre TDI diesel and 3.2-litre V6 petrol powerplants, which will be offered with the company's acclaimed DSG automated manual transmission.

The production version of the Q5 isn't likely to appear in UK showrooms until 2007. For those who can't wait that long, an A6-based off-roader arrives in 2006. Called the Q7, the larger SUV will challenge the BMW X5 and Volvo's XC90. Prices for the Q-cars won't be confirmed until closer to their respective launches, although both are likely to mirror those of the competition.

That means buyers of entry-level Q5 models should expect to pay around ΂£30,000, while the base-spec Q7 will be more expensive, and likely to weigh in at approximately ΂£36,000.