Say Hello To The Lighter, Roomier New Audi Q5

While the hot RS3 Saloon may be the Audi product that’s stealing our attention at the Paris Motor Show, the Q5 SUV deserves an honorable mention. Thanks in part to the car adopting VW Group’s new MLB architecture (think MQB but for longitudinally-mounted engines) it’s lost a lot of weight, and it has a whole load more room on the inside.

Audi says it’s up to 90kg lighter than the old one despite growing in pretty much every dimension, resulting in more capacious cabin with more head and legroom. The boot’s 10 litres larger too - useful for your next Candyup run.

On the outside, it’s Audi business as usual, with the older car’s softer, plump shape made all sharp and pointy. Nothing ground-breaking, but it’s handsome enough.

The range kicks off with a 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel, and is topped by a 282bhp 3.0-litre V6 TDI oil-burner. There’s also a 249bhp 2.0-litre petrol, and there’ll be SQ5 and RSQ5 versions coming along eventually.

Prices haven’t yet been revealed, but expect a starting figure of around £32,000. It’ll be built in Audi’s new Mexico factory, and will go on sale next year.