Audi Q5 facelift

The 2012 Audi Q5 gets a fresh look and a range of more efficient engines

 Audi has given the Q5 SUV a mild facelift, with a new set of engines and transmissions that makes it up to 17 per cent more efficient. 

Initially, four engines will be available – two petrol and two diesel – while a hybrid model joins the line-up at a later date. 

The diesels consist of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 47.1mpg – up from 45.6mpg – or a 3.0 V6, which does 44.1mpg. That’s a big improvement over the 37.6mpg managed by the 
old model, but acceleration remains identical with a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds. 

The 2.0 TFSI petrol engine 
is also more efficient, while the 3.2-litre V6 has been replaced by a 272bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that can take the Q5 from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, 
and return 33.2mpg. 

Audi has also fitted a new electromechanical steering set-up which uses no power at dead-centre to further boost efficiency. The company claims this has increased feedback, too. 

External changes are mild, with new daytime running lights now surrounding the headlamp units. Other updates include 
new bumpers, and a fresh 
grille, rear diffuser and exhaust pipes. Four new colours are also available on the updated model.

By Luke Madden