Audi’s new compact SUV, the Q5 made its U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show alongside the Q7 TDI, the first Audi model with the company’s latest clean-diesel technology to be sold in the U.S.

Scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2009, the Audi Q5 made its world debut at the 2008 Auto China Exhibit in Beijing. For the U.S. market, the Q5 is powered exclusively by a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 FSI with direct injection, quattro all-wheel drive and a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission.

A sporty, compact SUV, the Q5 features a wide stance, bold fender flares and available 20-inch wheels. The clamshell cargo hatch is similar to the styling of the larger Q7, providing both a wide opening for easy loading while needing little space behind the vehicle to raise the hatch. Split taillights, like those on the Q7, leave lights visible even with the hatch open. Inside is a large cargo area that can be expanded by either sliding the rear seats forward or folding them flat.

While the Q5 is not yet available with the TDI clean-diesel engine in the U.S. market, and Audi has not announced any plans to sell a diesel version here, the Q5 TDI did participate in a recent 5,000 mile cross-country tour of Audi TDI vehicles that showcased the Q7 TDI, which will go on sale here in a few months.

The Audi Mileage Marathon was designed to showcase clean diesel as an alternative fuel option. Teams of drivers in four different Audi models equipped with TDI technology attempted to achieve the best possible fuel mileage, with impressive results.

The top mileage for the Audi Q7, a full-size 7-passenger SUV powered by a 3.0-liter V6 TDI producing 406 lb-ft of torque, was 33.1 mpg. The Q5 TDI recorded 38.5 mpg and the A4 TDI 44.8 mpg, but the mileage champion was the A3 TDI at more than 50 mpg.