Audi Q5 2.0 TDI SE

Costs

Basic prices for the Q5 are not cheap and adding options can quickly see the purchase price escalate. Insurance should not be too expensive and fuel efficiency has been maximised to reduce running costs. Impressive residual values have also been predicted, ensuring a reasonable return.

Space and practicality

There's no shortage of head or leg room in the Q5 but, because of the narrow interior and the transmission tunnel that bulges from the floor, the rear bench is unlikely to seat three adults in comfort. The boot is large and adaptable with folding and sliding rear seats and the model's four-wheel drive and impressive towing capacity offer greater practicality, too.

Controls and display

The Q5 adopts the traditional Audi approach to the controls layout, which is mostly intuitive and easy to use. Dials are large and figures easy to read on the colour screens. If specified with the Audi MMI system the centre console and transmission tunnel has the potential to get a little clustered with buttons, knobs and controls, but once familiar with the various functions it quickly becomes second nature. Light steering and a slick gear change are bonuses. However, for the manual model, the raised footrest next to the clutch pedal can be annoying.

Comfort

Comfort is one of the Q5's aces, offering a cosseting ride that's extremely refined even in the diesel engined models. A well equipped interior, including climate control air-con, means both front and rear occupants should be able to get comfortable. Seats are supportive and well-cushioned, with the exception of the thin centre rear seat, which is firmer than the others.

Car security

Naturally, for a prestige vehicle such as the Q5, a Category one approved alarm and immobiliser are standard. Items kept in the boot can be shielded from view with a rolling parcel shelf and there's additional covered storage in the cabin.

Car safety

The Q5 is big on both passive and active safety with copious airbags and collapsible elements to the body. Even more advanced is the intelligent ESP that can adjust to on and off-road driving and sense when the roof rails are loaded and the risk of roll-over is increased. Hill descent also enables safe descending. Auto-dimming headlights are another area of safety innovation.

Driver appeal

Although not a sporty vehicle, the Q5 drives with a great deal of assurance and competence in a variety of conditions. There's limited body roll, excellent grip from the Quattro four-wheel drive system and responsive steering and brakes. The 2.0 TDI unit is extremely impressive, delivering progressive and lag-free performance. Although more suited to the road than the track, the Q5 is reasonably capable off-road, too.

Family car appeal

The Q5 would make an excellent family vehicle while doubling as a suitably upmarket business drive. The rear will comfortably seat three children and there's room for plenty of luggage. Strong safety features will also make it a popular choice among parents.

First car appeal

The Q5 will be too expensive and large for the vast majority of young drivers and first time new car buyers.

Quality and image

Audi's stock has been on the rise for some time, with the German manufacturer considered among the best for build quality and driving dynamics. The Q5 ought to continue that trend with its near faultless execution. Considerably smaller than the eco-baiting Q7 it's also a less contentious choice for drivers worried about the image of SUVs. Exterior and interior build qualities are superb and the vehicle has both kerb appeal and road presence.

Accessibility

The Q5 has few issues with accessibility, with a tall body, large doors and impressive ride height. The full width rear tailgate, which opens and closes automatically if specified, also allows generous ingress for the boot.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

Music fans can upgrade the single slot CD player and radio system to Audi MMI system with sat-nav, reversing camera and a comprehensive music system with space for thousands of songs on a hard drive. There's also the option of iPod connectivity and SD card readers. It's not cheap, but it is an impressive system and easy to navigate using central and wheel-mounted controls. Sound quality is great through the standard 10-speaker system, but there's a Bang and Olufsen upgrade for aficionados. The picture on the colour screen is crystal clear.

Colours and trim

As with the majority of Audi's models, the executive stylings lend themselves to blacks and silvers in terms of exterior colour choices. Body coloured bumpers and mirrors plus aluminium exterior trim are standard kit on the SE. Inside, high quality leather is present and a choice of wood or metallic effect trim is available across the range.

Parking

The Q5 is not a small vehicle, but it is a very manageable shape and has a good turning circle. Parking sensors are standard and obviously help as does the optional rear view camera. Visibility is good thanks to the large windows and high driving position, and the mirrors are a good size and fold in.

Spare wheel

Space saver fitted as standard.