Audi has unveiled an SUV-coupe crossover concept at the Shanghai Motor Show. The silver-painted Cross Coupe quattro is described as "the compact performance SUV", and it's a safe bet that it's a preview of the upcoming Q5. The Q5 may not get this concept's electrically-folding fabric hood, but the 2.0-litre, 204bhp/295 lb ft diesel engine (capable of returning 47.9mpg and fitted with the emissions-reducing Bluetec catalyst system) is a dead cert for production.

The Cross Coupe uses the Haldex-clutch four-wheel drive quattro system, with Audi's S-Tronic double-clutch gearbox, a MacPherson strut front axle and four-link ear suspension; it's not a hardcore off-roader, but should be fairly adept. It sits on 20-inch wheels with ceramic brake discs.

Biased more towards on-road handling and performance, it has three-mode selectable settings for the engine response, gearbox, steering and adaptive shock absorbers: dynamic, sport, and efficiency. In the latter, energy-sapping functions such as the air conditioning compressor are deactivated, as well as the adoption of economy-optimised gear ratios.

There's a new iteration of Audi's MMI (multi-media interface) control system in the ambiently-lit cabin, operated by a touch-pad and with two separate views (according to angle) for the driver and front-seat passenger. This allows, for example, the driver to read info from the trip computer, whilst the passenger watches TV. Audi promises that the audio/entertainment system, with prominent extending tweeter speakers, 'sets a new infotainment standard in the class'.

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