Audi Q5

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Introduction

Audi has scaled its Q7 SUV formula down to create the Q5, which is based on the A4. If the Q5 follows the success of Audi's other niche models, it should prove to be a more than worthy addition to the premium SUV market and give its rivals a scare

What are its rivals?

The BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 are the two main rivals for the Audi Q5, vying for buyers' attention and money. The BMW is getting long in the tooth and is due to be replaced in the near future, yet it's still a sporting drive, living up to its BMW badge. Refinement is not an X3 strong suit, however. Volvo has got it spot on with the XC60, which has bags of image, quality, style and space. It's also loaded with every conceivable safety gadget. Only the slightly gruff engines let the Volvo down. Others to consider are the Land Rover Freelander if you want to do some proper off-roading, while Nissan's Murano serves up masses of standard equipment and a toothsome grille.

How does it drive?

The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine produces a handy 237bhp, as well as 368lb.ft of low- to mid-rev shove. This makes the Q5 3.0 V6 TDI surprisingly nippy off the mark, covering 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and heading on to a top speed of 139mph. At any speed and any revs, the V6 engine pulls clean and hard, while the seven-speed automatic gearbox (standard on this model) blends its way from one gear to the next with ease. There's a slight jerkiness off the line when pulling out of junctions sharply, but otherwise the Q5 is a smooth operator. It's also very refined and quiet at all speeds.

The handling is unlike most SUVs in that the Audi loves a corner, keeping body lean well in check while providing ample grip. There's permanent four-wheel drive from Audi's quattro system to make the Q5 stable and poised on the road, but you can forget any notions of hitting the trail as limited ground clearance and the expense of repairing any damage will soon have you back on the straight and narrow tarmac. On proper roads, the Q5 soaks up the potholes of daily driving life with aplomb, though the occasional urban ridge can be felt as the car passes over.

What's impressive?

Build quality. Audi is famous for it, but the Q5 really shows the rest of the pack how to join one component to the next in style. There isn't a surface or join where the Q5 doesn't speak of superb construction. It adds up to a cabin that is free from any creaks, rattles or groans, and it also helps seal out other audio disturbances from the tyres, wind and engine bay.

The other point that impressed us in the Q5 is the generous amount of space there is for passengers. Not only is the driver treated to great comfort, but everyone else is too. There's enough space in the rear seats for three kids to sit amicably, or two adults will have no trouble spending a long trip back there. With a boot offering 540 litres of load space with the rear seats in use, the Q5 manages a family's holiday luggage with ease too, or the rear seats can be folded down flat to free up a massive 1,560 litres of cargo capacity for excursions to the DIY store.

Fuel economy of 37.6mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 199g/km are good for this size and class of SUV. They help the Audi avoid sitting in the highest road tax and company car bands, so both private and business drivers will be attracted to the Q5.

What's not?

The Q5 in SE trim may come loaded with climate control, CD stereo, leather seats, electric windows and door mirrors, rear parking sensors and 18-inch alloy wheels, but it's still a pricey machine. In the specification we tested - Q5 3.0 V6 TDI quattro SE - it tipps the price scales at £34,650. Add to that the £585 metallic paint, £1,910 satellite navigation and £215 for cruise control and it's an expensive car. This is especially so when an Audi A4 Avant with the same engine and four-wheel drive comes in at almost £3,000 less than the Q5.

Should I buy one?

If you're considering a Q5, you've probably already made the leap in your mind from the A4 Avant estate to the Q5 SUV. In that case, the Q5 is one of the very best of its breed. It's supremely well made, spacious, comfortable, refined and swift, and it puts almost every rival in the shade when it comes to handling too. Audi has done it again with the Q5 by coming into a niche late and installing itself as the must-have machine.

Alisdair Suttie