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our test drives or view them all

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI SE manual

IT’S more expensive than a Land Rover Freelander2 and you may not like its style – but Audi’s new Q5 4x4 SUV really is the best of its breed.

The market is neck deep in SUVs – an odd twist on the original fuel-swallowing 4x4 leviathans that have fallen so badly out of favour with the environmental lobby.

But in many ways the more compact SUVs are the intelligent choice for drivers seeking 4x4 ability, rugged looks and near executive car performance with enough space for a family or a pair of mountain bikes.

Audi has a superb vehicle in the all quattro Q5 range. It’s my motorsnorth North of Scotland SUV of the Year – and I’m not the only motoring commentator impressed by its design and delivery.

The 168bhp two-litre “common rail” TDI turbodiesel model I’ve been testing is the finest oil-burner of its size on the market and bolted into one of the best value versions of this sizeable five-door. In SE trim it sits near the bottom of the eight models in the range that includes a pair of automatic-only Q5s with seven-speed S tronic systems – a brisk 208bhp TFSI turbocharged petrol model and a range-topping 237nhp three-litre V6 TDI.

Anyone familiar with the Volkswagen/Audi Group’s TDI turbodiesels won’t need to be reminded how well they perform. Incredibly they’ve been around for 20 years – but in its latest “common rail” guise with even higher pressure injection technology, piezo injectors and substantial other refinements it is remarkably quiet at start-up with a “soft” sounding growl in the cruise, better economy and cleaner exhaust. Under load there’s the gentlest of whistles from the turbocharger, but other than that it is acoustically perfect. It’s the best engine of its size on the market and is good for an average 42mpg in general use.

Main road work on the A98, A97, A947 and A96 saw me achieve a steady 42.3mpg on a round trip run from Moray to Banff, Turriff and Huntly. A more brisk drive with a heavy load to Skye and back was less economical, but at 38mpg in a 4.63 metre long SUV that has a kerb weight of nearly 1.8 tonnes and driving on a hilly, twisty route, I couldn’t complain.

Right from the start I liked the Q5. It may sit in the same family as the grotesquely ugly Q7 but the smaller newcomer is a far more sensible SUV for the majority – with better looks.

It’s a pity Audi has decided to make the two-litre TDI available from launch only with a six-speed manual gearbox, but for all that it’s one of the sweetest manuals on the market. An S tronic sequential autobox would certainly work well with this torquey new “common rail” diesel, but for now you’re going to have to be content with the manual.

The SE package is good. The car is well appointed in standard trim and even though my £28,530 model in reality cost £36,195 thanks to a raft of optional equipment supplied by Audi press office, the standard SE will leave you wanting for little – though I don’t like the electronic parking brake fitted to Q5s. It’s too remote and harsh.

All Q5s have industry leading safety – advanced electronic stability programme, front and side airbags, front seat belt pre-tensioners and a protective cage around the passenger area. It all comes together when you are behind the wheel – the vehicle feels solid, safe, competent and, despite its undeniable bulk and weight, turns in a pretty good driving experience.

Like most Audis the steering is a little lifeless, but the vehicle’s firm feel on the road and the excellent driving position cancels out any disappointment on the handling front.

In addition to the standard Q5’s specification the SE gets comfortable soft Milano leather, body-colour bumpers, exterior aluminium trim, electronic climate control, rear parking control, auto lights and rain sensors, multi-function leather rimmed steering wheel, driving information system and outstanding 10-speaker Concert sound system with CD player and 180-watt output.

Audi packed nearly £8000 of extras into my car including a £1995 Technology Park that includes a hard drive full colour satellite navigation system, front parking sensors, a daft powered tailgate and the finest multi-media technology on the market – Audi’s intuitive MMI. It was also fitted with metallic paint at £585, a handy £45 hill holder device, heated front seats at £270, electric front seat adjustment at £510 and Audi’s £170 boot storage rails system that allows you to section off parts of the boot floor to separate cargo and keep it in place. Among the rest of that £8000 bill the car also had a practical load liner (£60) and net partition (£90).

Like all luxury makes options are expensive, but I find it means that after spending the guts of £30,000 on your new Q5 SE, the Ingolstadt builders charge you extra for that hill holder and hit owners with another £215 for cruise control – both should be standard on a car at this level.

I also have a gripe with Audi on the choice of wheels and tyres on the test car. The SE comes as standard with attractive 18-inch 8J alloys shod with 235/60 section tyres. They soften the firmly-sprung Q5’s ride and are quiet in the cruise.

The test car’s £585 optional 19-inch 8J 10-spokers with 235/55 section erode that refinement – though not as much as the daft 20-inch 8.5J option with 255/45 low-profile covers that cost £1175 and in my opinion rob the Q5 of its serenity, just to turn a few heads. Crazy!

And another thing. The test car’s exquisitely-finished interior – by far the best quality on the executive market –  was trimmed in standard aluminium when I think an optional wood trim, like rich natural walnut, provides the perfect finish for the car’s classy interior for just £195 extra.

Though I like SUVs better than full-blown 4x4s, I’m not a particular fan. But the Q5 is an exception.

It’s a satisfying drive with impeccable road manners, outstanding comfort and a degree of practicality that defies its upmarket executive image. It comes with a three-year/60,000 mile warranty and needs intermediate servicing at 9000 miles and major serving every 19,000 miles.

Rating: 8.5/10

FINAL THOUGHT: The best and most refined two-litre 4x4 SUV on the market. The Audi Q5 is expensive but rewards with a solid quality drive, excellent interior space, impeccable safety and great strength. The two-litre “common rail” TDI is one of the most silent on the market with a great performance and pulling power and while the SE 2.0 TDI’s standard six-speed manual gearbox is slick and easy to use, there is currently no automatic alternative. Standard quattro 4x4 gives the Q5 good off-road ability but this is an SUV that’s more at home on the road.

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI SE manual

• Price: £29,320 SE
• Capacity: 1984cc
• Power: 168bhp
• 0-62mph: 9.5 seconds
• Maximum speed: 126mph
• Economy: Combined 42.1mpg; Urban 34.4mpg
• CO2 emissions: 175g/km
• ESP: Standard
• Insurance: Group 14