Extra value for Audi Q5

AUDI has added around $3550 worth of extra features to its top-selling Q5 SUV range, and is offering a range of new options as a part of a minor 2014 update.

The entry-level 2.0 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel variants now come with Xenon headlights and three-zone climate control as standard. Pricing for the diesel remains at $62,200 plus on-road costs, but Audi has increased the price of the petrol model by $300 to $63,200.

More powerful 3.0-litre petrol and oil-burning variants add 19-inch alloy wheels and additional body-coloured paint work on the lower part of the front and rear bumpers as well as the lower side sills.

Prices for these variants remain static at $74,100 for the petrol and $75,500 in diesel guise.

The German car-maker has boosted the optional features list with the inclusion of DAB plus digital radio available on any variant for $800.

For an additional $2500, Q5 buyers can add black-dyed wood and aluminium inlays for a more up-market feel to the cabin.

Pricing for the 230kW/650Nm turbo-diesel SQ5 performance variant that launched in May is also unchanged at $89,400, but it has gained a space-saver spare tyre as standard and larger paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

The minor update to the Q5 is the second in less than 12 months, following the release of the Series II facelift in December last year.

The Q5 first went on sale in Australia in early 2009 and has proven to be one of the four-ringed brand's best sellers, regularly topping the sales charts in its premium SUV segment.

Audi has sold 1998 Q5s in the first eight months of 2013, a 9.4 per cent increase on the same period last year.

While it remains the top-selling SUV in its segment, BMW's X3 is breathing down its neck with 1946 sales to the end of August. Land Rover's stylish Evoque sits in third place overall with 1738 units sold.

Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle said the Q5 was one of the most important models in Audi's local line-up and expects the inclusion of new standard gear to boost sales further.

“The Audi Q5 is currently the fastest-selling premium SUV of its size in Australia, and now with the additional equipment upgrades we have brought to the car for 2014, we expect that the Q5 will maintain its leading position,” he said.

2013 Audi Q5 pricing*

Q5 2.0 TDI quattro (a)	$62,200
Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro (a)	$63,200 (+$300)
Q5 3.0 TFSI quattro (a)	$74,100
Q5 3.0 TDI quattro (a)	$75,500
SQ5 3.0 TDI quattro (a)	$89,400

*Excludes on-road costs.