Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro SE

Oct 23 2009 Peter Keenan

AUDI'S new compact Sport Utility Vehicle is one of those cars blessed with a certain aura that can't help but turn heads.

Indeed, if Simon Cowell was judging cars rather than pop star wannabes the Q5 would win the X-Factor and be singing the Christmas No.1.

It is a feast for the eyes sporting a deep front grille and a profile that has more in common with a coupe than a chunky off-roader.

The Q5 is not as muscular as its big brother - the Q7 - but has a style and a presence that more than makes up for the smaller dimensions.

The cabin is finished to a high standard sporting a dashboard - nabbed from the Audi A4 - that is clear and easy to use while the MMI central controller allows the driver to find and use the various goodies included with ease.

The shape may be coupe-like but the driving position is totally SUV offering a commanding view of the road.

The sporty look is also achieved without impinging on practicality as there's ample space for four adults and still room for 540 litres of luggage. Folding the rear seats - they also recline and have the option of runners giving them plenty of fore and aft adjustment - gives the Q5 cave-like dimensions for transporting bigger items. A folding front passenger seat is also offered as an option by Audi.

The cabin is a pleasant, peaceful place to spend a journey as wind and road noise are largely kept at bay. The seats seem to mould themselves to your body and are extremely comfortable.

Audi lavish equipment on the Q5 with the SE trim getting a colour driver information system, three-zone climate control, leather seats, chunky 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, parking sensors and four powered windows. The standard stereo with ten speakers makes a great sound but there are various other audio options should you wish to splash some more cash.

Other options include the excellent HDD satellite navigation system that was fitted to the car I tested and is well worth the extra expense. Step up to the S Line versions and the Germans add numerous sporty extras and Xenon headlamps.

When you finish playing with the toys it's time to find out what the Q5 is like to drive. The ride is pretty firm - but not uncomfortably so - while the handling is top notch as there is loads of grip, great body control and steering that gives plenty of information to the driver.

It perforrms the neat trick of providing endless entertainment on twisty country lanes as well as being a relaxing drive on the motorway.

Off-road the Q5 is fine although low ground clearance will hinder it in more extreme situations. That said Audi have fitted electronic hill descent control and there's also an off-road setting that helps provide the best traction on slippy surfaces such as snow or gravel, so performance is respectable on rougher terrains.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine is super smooth and powerful - especially when linked to the seven-speed automatic transmission that provides seamless gear changes.

Fuel economy and emissions figures are not going to satisfy the green brigade, but for an SUV they are acceptable.

As far as the price-tag is concerned, yes the Q5 is expensive but on this occasion you do get what you pay for and in my view it is worth every penny.

FAST FACTS

Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro SE auto

Price: £30,785

Mechanical: 210bhp, 1,984cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 7-speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 137mph

0-62mph: 7.2 seconds

Combined mpg: 33.2

Insurance group: 15

CO2 emissions: 197g/km

BiK rating: 27%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles