Damien O’carroll.

It’s certainly upmarket, but don’t call the new Q5 soft, says

Just recently it has seemed like a case of ‘‘another week, another Audi launch’’ as the German manufacturer continues an onslaught of new and refreshed models.

It isn’t finished yet: between now and this time next year Audi has a number of exciting new models coming, including the massively hi-tech A8 that will (possibly, depending on local infrastructure and legislation) be the first Level 3 autonomous car in New Zealand, and the Q8 supersuv.

But for now, it’s the volumeselling Q5 SUV that is the centre of attention because Audi has just launched an all-new version.

Initially available in NZ in TDI diesel, TFSI petrol and – for the first time locally – petrol SQ5 guises (more models, including the diesel SQ5 will be considered when available), Audi expects the Q5 to make up a substantial chunk of its sales locally.

The Q5 range starts with the $92,900 TDI quattro Design that packs a 140kw/400nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine hooked up to a seven-speed DSG transmission.

The TDI comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, ‘‘twin’’ leather upholstery (a mix of real and artificial leather), LED taillights, daytime running lights and automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, phone mirroring, keyless access/start, satellite navigation and an electric tailgate.

Next up is the TFSI quattro Sport that lands at $99,900. The TFSI gets a 185kw/370nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine also hooked up to the seven-seed DSG transmission.

It comes standard with the same spec as the diesel, but also adds 20-inch alloy wheels, park assist, a 360-degree camera system and full Milano leather upholstery.

The SQ5 rounds out the range at $121,900 and features Audi’s