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Those who know me know how I love exercising, specifically weight training. I've spent 20 years working out and love what this time spent has done for my mind, body and soul. 

Gym rats, like other fundi's of modern day culture, have created their own terms that translate dialect of the culture. One such term that is often thrown around when the summer season dawns are "shredded" or another "ripped". These “bro” terms sum up the concept of dropping weight in the form of fat to reveal your hidden muscle. The bloated or rounded fullness of the body gives way to a honed chiselled physique. 

You're thinking, where is he going with this story? Bear with me. The all-new Q5 from Audi has arrived. Although it was first seen it last year September at the Paris motor show, it has officially arrived. 

The Q5 is the most successful Q-car in Audi’s arsenal of SUVs. Global sales of its predecessor were phenomenal. Logic would say, why tamper with a winning formula? So, Audi hasn't. In pictures, and in person, the new Q5 is only subtly different from the car it replaces. But on closer inspection, like an athlete who has decided to get "shredded", the new Q5 reveals tighter lines that reveal an athletic physique. 

The Q5, placed in the premium mid-sized SUV category, plays against the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Jaguar F-Pace. 

As the newest entrant to the field, the Q5 is class-leading in many regards by comparison. 

Designed is a subjective topic but ride quality, engine refinement and technology aren't. And it is in these regards that the Q5 excels. 

Locally, our Q5 lineup will feature three engines: the TDI feature Audi's outstanding 140 kW 2.0 turbocharged diesel, the TFSI features the powerful 185 kW 2.0 turbocharged petrol engine and finally until a diesel derivative is available, the SQ5 features the same 260 kW 3.0 V6 turbocharged petrol motor as the swerve S5. 

Both 2.0 models, the TDI and TFSI feature Audi ninja quick S tronic (dual-clutch) 7-speed gearbox, while the S model runs its throaty V6 via an 8-speed gearbox. 

All models come standard with Audi's famous Quattro AWD system. Now further enhanced and called Quattro Ultra. The system, for efficiency, disengages the rear wheels drive relying on the front wheels until one of its 150 sensors detect slip and within 200 milliseconds activates the Quattro system to optimise driving dynamics. 

Personally, I'd select the diesel model for its brisk performance (0-100 km/h 7.9 seconds) combined with low fuel consumption (Audi claim 4.9 L/100km). 

Nicely spec’d both the TDI and TFSI in standard guise come with the following:

• 17-inch wheels
• Ambient lighting package (30 colours)
• Audi drive select®
• Audi sound system
• Bluetooth interface
• Collapsible spare wheel
• Cruise control
• Driver information system
• Dynamic suspension
• AUX-IN and USB
• Electromechanical power steering
• Energy recovery
• Indirect tyre pressure monitoring system
• Leather multifunction plus steering wheel
• Leather/artificial leather combination
• LED rear lights
• quattro® with ultra technology
• Rear parking aid
• Side airbags at front and head airbag system
• Stainless steel loading edge protection
• Three-zone automatic air conditioning
• Start/Stop (petrol engines!)

My personal preference would be to opt for the Sport package, which adds R50 000 to the car’s price, but buys you: 

• 18-inch wheels
• Aluminium door sill trim
• Bumpers in full paint finish
• High gloss package
• Interior inlays with aluminium
• LED headlights
• Line specific radiator grille
• Line specific rear diffuser and air intakes
• Sport seats
• Steering wheel with chrome

The flagship SQ5  has even further creature comforts; it is also able to dart to 100 km/h in around 5.5 seconds, but expect a higher fuel consumption figure.

Pricing:
Audi Q5 2,0TDI quattro: R698 000
Audi Q5 2,0TFSI quattro: R747 500
Audi Q5 2,0TDI quattro sport: R748 000
Audi Q5 2,0TFSI quattro sport: R797 500
Audi SQ5 quattro: R1 044 000

www.audi.co.za/za