Audi doubles SUV range with new Q5

What is it?

The Q5 is Audi's new Land Rover Freelander and BMW X3 rival. Despite the supposed anti-SUV zeitgeist it seems that we still love them, and many will be queuing up for the Q5. Audi reckons it'll shift around 8,000 in the UK in a full year, and given how quickly the brand is growing we don't doubt that. Being very late into the market Audi has had the chance to really size up its rivals, and while it doesn't bring anything revolutionary to the segment it's a very serious contender indeed.

Is it any good?

Based on the underpinnings of the Audi A4, the Q5 benefits from its saloon relative's longish wheelbase. The wheel in each corner stance actually helps off-road, but despite some trick ESP settings, a downhill speed controller and the availability of an off-road styling pack the Q5 isn't likely to ever venture off road. Like all manufacturers these days Audi repeatedly calls its new offering 'sporty' and its styling 'coupé-like'; only the sporty part has any truth in it, the Q5 feeling rather agile and responsive for a tall off-road enabled car. The BMW X3 might edge it on road for ultimate thrills, but few customers are ever likely to notice.

Instead they'll be impressed by the Q5's punchy engines, the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines being the choice units. Indeed they're good enough to forget about the 3.2-litre petrol V6 and 3.0-litre turbodiesel flagship units. The Q5 rides well, is hushed at speed, has plenty of space inside and, of course, sets the benchmark in the class for interior quality. Conscious of the ever-growing need to be seen as being green Audi has worked hard to ensure that CO₂ emissions and economy are among the best in class: three of the four engines produce less than 200g/km of CO₂. Opt for the cool 3D satnav system and you can even choose the most economical route alongside the more usual fastest and shortest choices.

Should I call the bank manager?

Audi has yet to confirm UK prices for the Q5, these being released nearer the late '08 on-sale date. Don't expect any change from £30,000 for the entry-level model though, close to £40,000 if you choose one of the bigger engines and tick a few choice optional extras. That's bang-on BMW X3 money. Audi is so confident in its new Q5 that it's initially only being offered in luxurious SE specification.

Summary

It might have taken Audi a while to come up with a mid-sized SUV contender, but it's been worth the wait. Sure, it doesn't move things on a great deal, but it drives very competently, feeling more like a regular car than a tall SUV. Neatly styled inside and out, well built, refined, decently specified and coming with a range of engines that are both punchy performers and very competitive on fuel consumption and emissions, the Q5 is a serious contender among its rivals.

Kyle Fortune