Audi’s understated Q5 continues its subtle conquest of the premium compact SUV sector. This second generation model gets a range of more efficient engines and even more car-like driving dynamics that are great on tarmac and are even pretty effective for light off road use. There’s loads of advanced technology and a beautifully practical interior crafted in Audi’s own inimitable style. In short, if you can afford it, you’d like one.

Compared to the previous model, this second generation Q5 has grown in nearly all of its dimensions and takes a defined and taut stance on the road. This remains a five-seat model and the rear seat is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. Depending on the rear seat position, the basic volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 550 to 610-litres, 10-litres more than in the previous Q5.

Most Q5 customers will want the 190PS 2.0 TDI diesel engine, but low mileage owners shouldn’t discount the much improved 252PS 2.0 TFSI petrol unit. You can also talk to your Audi Centre about a 286PS 3.0 TDI six cylinder diesel too. And at the top of the range, the sporting SQ5 variant now switches to petrol power, offering a potent 354PS 3.0 V6 TFSI unit.

Dynamically, Audi has tried to make this Q5 feel sporty yet extremely comfortable. Creating the basis for this are the newly developed five-link suspension set-ups and also the new electromechanical power steering system. Choose a model with adaptive damping and you’ll be able to tailor the ride quality via the various settings of the standard ‘Audi drive select’ vehicle dynamics system. You can do the same thing with the even more sophisticated adaptive air suspension package that’s available as an option. Those venturing ‘off piste’ will be interested in the two new settings added to the ‘drive select’ set-up - ‘lift/offroad’ and ‘allroad’.

This second generation model now faces much tougher competition, but the well considered package of changes made to this smarter, better equipped and higher-tech mid-sized premium SUV should keep it very competitive with cars like Mercedes’ GLC and BMW’s X3 in the chasing pack. Certainly it’s not cheap - but then neither is anything else in this segment and at least you’ll get a decent part of your money back at resale time. Resolutely hi-tech and resolutely real world, the Q5 remains resolutely right.

CAR: Audi Q5
PRICES: £38,035 - £42,150 – on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 29E-T1 - 35E-T1
CO2 EMISSIONS: [2.0 TFSI] 157g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0 TDI SE] 0-62mph 7.9s / Max Speed 135mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 TFSI] (combined) 40.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags, anti lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4663/1893/1659