It seems Audi has a made a habit of letting out its test-mules on the streets without any camouflaging. Whenever there is a launch from the German’s stable coming up, the roads of Mumbai get flooded with its test-mules bearing the red ‘TCF’ plates.
We spotted the updated Q5 SUV, without any camouflaging of course, while it was out for a regular test-run. Sadly though, thanks to the maddening traffic movement, we could only manage to snap its face. This is not the first time the new Q5 has been spotted in Mumbai. Earlier on, a Team-BHP member had also snapped the same test-mule when it was stuck in city traffic.
The facelift features the same styling changes seen on recent Audi’s such as the refreshed A4, which includes more stylish and narrower headlamps and the company’s new hexagonal front grille. Audi has also tweaked the front bumper to blend with the design changes seen upfront.
Mechanically, the new Audi Q5 features an electrical power steering unit instead of a hydraulic one. The chassis too has been modified for increased ride comfort. Rumour has it, that the 3.0 litre twin-turbo TDI engine will also debut with the all new Q5. However, we will have to wait for Audi’s confirmation on this one.
It is anticipated, that the new Q5 will hit the market during the festive season. The facelifted-SUV will be the German carmaker’s fourth launch for this year, after the new TT, the updated A4 and the Q3 respectively. But does it end here? Not really.
Minutes after we snapped the new Q5, we saw another Audi test-mule rushing through the traffic to keep-up with the Q5. It was none other than the black Q3 we are all familiar with. But one may ask why would Audi be testing a car that has already been launched?
Well, if you remember Audi had announced that it will also launch a cheaper-FWD version of the Q3. We reckon the German car-maker has already started testing the cheaper-Q3, in order to make the Audi brand-name more accessible. Not to forget, Audi also has a target in hand so as to snatch the top-spot from BMW within the upcoming 18 months. A cheaper Q3 will only make it easier to achieve the feat.
