Audi unveiled its striking new compact performance SUV at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show, which ends on April 28, 2009.

The Cross Coupé quattro concept combines the design and dynamism of a compact premium sports car with the spaciousness and versatility of a four-seat SUV.

Its typical Audi silhouette, painted in liquid silver, is reminiscent of the sporty models produced by the Ingolstadt brand.

The proportions and the large 20 inch wheels point towards the car’s offroad potential, whilst inside the car is packed with clever features.

A new element is the fabric folding roof, which, when it is open, gives optimum levels of headroom and fresh air.

The transversely installed four-cylinder inline TDI engine with common-rail fuel injection and piezo injectors is a completely new development.

With power output of 204 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, the Cross Coupe gives a sporty performance and a surprising degree of efficiency – on average, the ultra-modern 2.0 TDI needs just 5.9 litres of diesel per 100 km.

The sporty Audi S tronic dual-clutch gearbox executes gearshifts in a matter of milliseconds, whilst the running gear, featuring a McPherson-strut front axle and a four-link rear axle, is ideal for sporty and agile handling that retains a high degree of stability.

As an additional quality, the driving comfort of the running gear impresses on all types of road and in rough terrain, meeting even the standards expected of a vehicle in a higher class.

The Cross Coupe also features ceramic brake discs for non-fading deceleration, as well as numerous electronic systems to support the driver.

The Audi drive select system makes it possible to preselect three different configurations for the engine, gearbox, steering and adaptive shock absorbers, which means the car can be enjoyed in three completely different ways using the ‘dynamic drive’, ‘sport’ and ‘efficiency’ select modes.

A further innovation is the MMI control panel, which is operated by a touch pad. The monitor of the system employs, for the first time, dual-view technology.

The system can produce different images for the driver and front-seat passenger, visible only when viewed from a specific angle.

This allows the driver to read data from the on-board computer while the front passenger watches a TV programme, listening to the sound through headphones.

Click through the numbers in our picture gallery below to see more…