Ingolstadt, Germany - Audi has announced that its new compact SUV, the Q5, will be available in European showrooms by autumn 2008 with the basic model selling for 38,300 euros (60,000 dollars). 

Combining the characteristics of a sports sedan with off-road qualities, Audi is offering the Q5 in three engine versions - two petrol and one diesel. 

According to Audi, the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder is a complete redesign with turbo charging, direct injection and Audi's new valve lift system. Maximum power output is 155 kW/211 hp. Fuel consumption averages 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres. 

The 2.0 TDI is listed with a power output of 125 kW/170 hp and an average fuel consumption of 6.7 litres. 

The little brother to Audi Q7 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), the Q5 measures 4.63 metres in length and 1.88 meters in width, but only 1.65 meters in height. The roof contour with flat roof rails is designed to give the SUV a more coupe-like appearance. 

Aimed at active consumers, the rear seats can be adjusted and laid flat to increase load capacity from 540 to 1,560 litres. 

There is a second storage compartment under the floor panel. Audi also offers the option of another rear bench seat, which can be adjusted longitudinally by 100 millimetres and incorporates a load-through hatch. There is also the option of a folding seat back for the front passenger's seat. 

The electromechanical parking brake, the intelligent key, the automatic air conditioning and the display in the instrument cluster are standard. A large central monitor is also standard on all models. If the car is fitted with MMI navigation plus, many of the operating functions are grouped together in the MMI terminal on the centre tunnel. (dpa)