ROAD TEST: Audi Q5 3.0 TDI S quattro
Pavement-hopping machinery is becoming big business for Audi.
In fact, Audi boss Rupert Stradler believes that by the year 2020, a third of all Audis sold will be SUVs.
Of course, by then there will be no numbers to play with as they'll have an answer to all of BMW's 'coupe-SUV' models with a Q2, Q4, Q9 and so on. Pointless, certainly. Exciting, most certainly.
Yet for now, Audi SUV enthusiasts seemingly have one flavour to choose from in three different sizes. If the Q3 feels a bit like it was shrunk in the wash and the Q7 is pure overkill, then the Q5 is going to give you that 'just right' feeling as you step inside.
Seen here is the 2013 model, which recently underwent a raft of updates to keep it from going stale, but they were subtle updates on the exterior-chiselling front and the most notable changes are a bolder grille and Xenon Plus headlights, with LED daytime running lamps, which are standard on the V6 models and optional on the others.
Still, the Q5 isn't going to stand out in a crowd but it is still a very elegant, pleasant and easy-on-the -eye kind of design.
ENTICING 3-LITRE DIESEL
The Q5 can be had with five different engine options and the one featured here is the most expensive, but it also strikes the best balance between performance and economy.
The 3-litre V6 turbodiesel will treat you to 180kW between 4000 and 4500rpm but the most enticing number is its 580Nm torque output, which is delivered right at the pits of the rev range, between 1750 and 2500rpm.
You can feel this twisting force right from the get-go, there's absolutely no lag to speak of here, just a strong wallop and a good, meaty sound that's more sporty than clattery.
At the coast it'll pounce to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and Audi claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.4 litres per 100km, although you can add a few l/100 to that in real world driving.
It's not just the engine that provides pleasure in abundance - the rest of the car plays along to give you a driving experience that's very sporty by crossover or SUV standards. With its 18-inch rims and quattro all-wheel drive, the Q5 is an agile vehicle and the direct, relatively communicative steering system adds to the zippy feel.
The ride, on the other hand, is firm but without being punishing in any real way.
GOOGLE’S YOUR FRIEND
Inside the Q5, Audi has made some subtle, mainly cosmetic, changes and the result is that it looks as classy as ever inside this Audi.
As with its stable mates the crossover is now available with Audi's connect services - which treats the passengers to a WLAN hotspot and the driver to navigation with Google Street View and Google Earth as well as Google Point of Interest search.
You might expect navigation to be standard on a car costing north of R600K, but you have to pay an extra R22 200 for it in the Q5. On the upside, the 3.0 TDI is rather well equipped with standard fare including cruise control, Audi Music Interface, three-zone automatic climate control, electrically-operated front seats and front and rear parking sensors.
Getting back to this vehicle's 'just right' sizing, there is a fair quantity of interior space. It doesn't feel like a barn, but it should fit a family of five.
VERDICT
The recent updates keep the Q5 at the cutting edge and all round it's a likeable and sophisticated crossover that's particularly desirable in 3.0 TDI guise.
At R637 500, it's also priced close enough to its rivals, although that ballpark is far from wallet-friendly.
PRICE
Q5 3.0 TDI S quattro (180kW) - R637 500
Range starts at R480 000 for 2.0T FSI
ALTERNATIVES
BMW X3 3.0d (190kW) - R635 501
Infiniti EX 3.0d GT (175kW) - R635 870
Volvo XC60 D5 AWD (158kW) - R541 000