In the Q5 the outstanding component is its fine diesel engine. With common-rail technology and twin balancer shafts, the 168bhp/258lb ft 2.0-litre unit is impressively smooth. Taking 9.9sec for 0-60mph and 7.8sec to go from 50-70mph in fifth, the heavier Q5 is slower than the 141bhp front-wheel-drive A4 we tested last year, but the Q5 feels brisk enough.
Offset driving position aside, the six-speed manual is satisfying to use, the slick, weighty and direct change feeling quite different from the thin-feeling gearbox we sampled in the A4. As both use the same transmission, we can only put this down to a different linkage.
With a shorter final drive ratio, the Q5 is lower geared than the A4, presumably to help the engine overcome the extra weight. This results in an unnaturally short first gear. Sixth is also a touch low. While the engine is refined, but at 80mph the constant 2700rpm thrum intrudes on the Q5’s otherwise quiet cabin.
The Q5 stops adequately but, predictably, prolonged track use resulted in extended pedal travel, though stopping distances remained acceptable.
Of all the environments in which you might find yourself while driving a Q5, the one where it excels is on a cross-country strop. Despite the elevated driving position, the Q5 turns with little body roll and changes direction without protestation.
Unfortunately Audi has overlooked the Q5’s abilities in two more relevant habitats. At speeds below 20mph the steering is finger-light, but beyond this it weights up suddenly.
Town driving reveals another dynamic flaw: the ride is too firm. The problem is small to medium-sized intrusions. Our test car came equipped with optional 19in alloys, but in this case we feel the problem runs deeper than just big wheels. The combination of stiff spring rates and damper settings doesn’t allow enough suppleness over less extreme bumps.
