| All-new model | Auto China 2008 | Audi Q5 |

Audi chose the Beijing motor show to launch its new Q5 small SUV to the world. The Q5 is set to take on the BMW X3 and forthcoming Volvo XC60, and it has been built with on-road dynamics as the highest priority.

Using a modified version of the chassis from the new A4 saloon, the Q5 comes with quattro four-wheel drive as standard. An option is the Audi Drive Select system that lets the driver choose between Comfort, Sport and Dynamic settings for the suspension. There's also Audi Dynamic Steering that quickens the steering response at lower speeds to improve the car's sporty feel.

Engines for the Q5 at launch will be a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 208bhp and two turbodiesels. The petrol version manages a top speed of 138mph and 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, while economy is 33.2mpg.

A 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 167bhp is expected to be the best seller in the UK and covers 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds, with a top speed of 127mph. Fastest of the bunch is the 3.0 V6 turbodiesel, which has 236bhp to give a top speed of 139mph and 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. The V6 has a combined economy of 36.6mpg.

An option for the two turbodiesel engines will be Audi's S-Tronic sequential manual gearbox. This seven-speed transmission offers an automatic mode or can be driven as a manual via paddles mounted just behind the steering wheel.

Standard equipment for all Q5s will include Audi's MMI multi-function control mounted on the centre console, electric parking brake and a display screen in the dashboard. Audi claims that the Q5 offers more interior space than most rivals do thanks to a long wheelbase, while the boot can be extended up to a maximum of 1,560-litres with all of the rear seats folded.

The Audi Q5 is set to go on sale in the UK towards the end of 2008 and prices will start at around £30,000.

Alisdair Suttie - 21 Apr 2008