Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer has announced the launch of the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro, the most recent addition to the highly successful luxury SUV in India. The new Audi Q5 2.0 TDI q is priced at Rs3,905,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra). Deliveries to customers will begin in April 2011.

The smaller engine will also make the Q5 marginally more fuel efficient than the bigger 3 liter TDI engined variant. Audi India has priced the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Crossover at INR 39,05,000, ex-showroom Maharashtra, which is extremely competitive. With this, the 2011 BMW X3 Crossover, which will be launched soon will face some stiff competition from the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI. Here’s official word of the launch from Audi India’s Head,
Michael Perschke.

From the exterior design to the class leading convenience and safety features, all draw your attention right away. In fact we find the car way better looking and sportier than the BMW X3(yet to be launched in our market), Volvo XC60 or even BMW X5. So the bottom line remains that Q5 simply stands out against the crowd and carries its own aura with it.

Under the bonnet is Audi’s turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-litre TFSI unit, good for 208bhp and 258lb ft, the latter available from 1500 to 4200rpm. There’s no manual ‘box or dual-clutch transmission, but an eight-speed automatic, with a disk-shaped electric motor in place of the torque converter. The motor itself produces 33kW and 155lb ft, and also acts as a starter motor and a generator. The total output for the system is 241bhp and 354lb ft.

The result is 40.4mpg and sub-160g/km CO2, plus 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds, 138mph flat out. Not gobsmacked? Then remember that this is a car primarily designed for the diesel-despising USA. For comparisons sake, a non-hybrid 2.0 TFSI with an S-tronic transmission (what American will opt for a stick-shift SUV?) manages 7.2sec, 137mph, 32.8mpg and 199g/km. And the important figures match or best an auto-equipped 2.0 TDI’s 40.4mpg and 184g/km.