Audi to launch trio

Following in the footsteps of the Q7 crossover SUV, the prestige brand will soon introduce a smaller variation to compete with BMW and its X3. Dubbed the Q5, the vehicle will join the Q7 as the brand's second model in the SUV segment and is due to arrive in the UK in 2008. Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of management of Audi, said the new model would commence production in Germany with around u300m (£205m) set to be invested in the production facilities over the next few years. “The Audi Q5 will be an overtly sporty vehicle that will add an important product to the Audi model range,” said Winterkorn. “The Audi Q5 will take us a big step closer to vehicle sales of 1.4 million per year, a target that we have set ourselves for 2015.” The other models include the S3, a three-door model with a sporty engine that will be hitting dealer showrooms in the second half of 2006. Also joining Audi's model line-up is the A5 Coupe, which will also be built in Germany and launched in the first half of next year.