Audi's Q5 is greener than you thought

Introduction

Okay, so an SUV purchase isn't likely to win you any friends at the local Friends of the Earth group but we're all for choice here and not all SUVs are the gas-guzzlers the media would have you believe. Indeed, the latest SUVs are greener than ever, as Audi's Q5 demonstrates.

What is it?

How does it drive?

The Q5 surprises on the road as, despite its size and lofty stance, it's a very wieldy car to drive. It rides better than its A4 saloon relative, while body control is also excellent. Audi's 2.0-litre turbodiesel offers 168bhp and gives the Q5 easy performance, with an ample 258lb.ft of torque aiding its unruffled pace. It's a smooth revving engine that's also nicely refined; the noise it makes when it is heard is actually rather appealing. The steering feels quick and accurate, even if there's very little information felt through the wheel's rim. At present, the only gearbox is a manual, though the six-speed transmission shifts neatly, the Q5 actually rather entertaining to hustle thanks to its fine chassis and tidy responses.

It is a huge compliment that the Q5 feels just like a tall hatchback rather than an SUV. The quattro four-wheel drive system will take you as far off-road as all but the most adventurous drivers will wish and provides extra traction on the road when it's wet and slippery. Inside, the fascia is largely borrowed from the A4/A5, which is no bad thing as Audi leads the way for clarity, style and quality in its class. Space in the front and rear is decent rather than overly generous, the same true of the boot.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

Nobody here will argue that an SUV is a planet hugger, but it's all degrees of planet friendliness and here the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI does very well. Only just beaten in the CO₂ stakes by its BMW X3 2.0D rival, the Q5's 175g/km is very impressive for a so-called 'gas-guzzler'. Its 42.1mpg official combined consumption also impresses, Audi adding a gearshift indicator to help teach Q5 drivers the most economical driving style. That, along with other emissions and fuel-use reducing technology (including a function on the premium, optional satnav to take the most economical route), make the Q5 one of the greenest SUVs around, with emissions and consumption comparable with regular premium cars.

Verdict

Few would ever question your green credentials if you bought other Audi 'lifestyle' choices such as the A4 Cabriolet, TT or A5 Coupé, yet all (with just one or two exceptions), are bettered on CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption by the Q5 2.0 TDI. If you want an enjoyable to drive family SUV then you could do a lot worse than the Q5; just be sure to tell the neighbours how environmentally friendly it is.

Kyle Fortune

Thursday July 31