Audi has been one of the biggest automotive success stories of the past ten years.

The German manufacturer has more than doubled its model range while grabbing a growing share of the UK car market.

And these ambitions now extend to the Audi Q5, pitched at the posh end of the medium SUV market, where it will compete with the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and Volvo XC60.

First impressions are good.

The Audi Q5’s looks aren’t a great surprise, coming as it does as a baby brother to the Audi Q7.

But the more conservative size of the new car mean its smart, stylish looks are easier on the eye than those of the mammoth seven-seater (even so, the Q5 is still taller and longer than its rivals).

“Sporty” is a goal for many SUV manufacturers and Audi is no exception with what it dubs its coupe roof line. The front is dominated by the distinctive Audi grille while the daytime running lights and LED rear lights available on range-topping models fit snugly in with the family design.

Quality craftsmanship

A feeling of understated quality continues into the car and stepping in for the first time I was impressed by the doors that close so sweetly to invite repetition and appreciate the craftsmanship a second time.

The same goes for the interior which boasts aesthetically-pleasing, quality materials laid out intuitively. Within minutes of beginning our test drive from Granada airport in Spain I felt at home in a car which ensures driver needs and wants are swiftly translated into action.

It’s practical too. The interior feels spacious, there are versatile storage solutions and boot space ranges from 540 litres with the rear seats in place to 1560 litres when they are flat.

View our Audi Q5 slide show

The model range at launch consists of three turbocharged engines – two diesel and one petrol – already found in other models in the Audi range.

The petrol offering is powered by the 211bhp 2.0 TFSI engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox and Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive system. This can power the car from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 137mph.

Undercutting the petrol model by around £1,500 and expected to be the big seller in the UK, is the 170bhp 2.0 TDI Quattro, featuring a six-speed manual gearbox as standard (though Audi says it will be possible to specify the aforementioned auto’ as an option soon after launch). This covers 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 126mph.

Minimal noise

The 240bhp 3.0 TDI Quattro tops the range, and adds a little under £4,000 to the price of the petrol for its 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds and top speed of 139mph. It features the automatic ‘box as standard.

All three engines add to the feeling of quality with minimal noise finding its way inside the car for a route which combined the mostly well-made motorway between Granada and Malaga but also saw us striking out on more uneven twisting rural roads.

Particularly impressive is the fact that each model’s CO2 emissions are below 200g/km. The two diesels return an average 37.6mpg and 42.1mpg with that figure dropping to 33.2 for the petrol model.

Many manufacturers promise their SUVs will combine the lofty driving position, comfortable ride and practicality buyers seek with a great driving experience – pledging to make their vehicles as “car-like” in handling as possible.

Audi is no exception and has plenty of credentials to suggest it will deliver with the renowned quattro all wheel drive system supplying the 4×4 credentials. The automatic S tronic ‘box supplies silky smooth gearchanges and a superb kickdown for overtaking manoeuvres plus Intelligent ESP control and options including Audi drive select with dynamic steering to improve the experience further.

And deliver it does, with little to suggest the steering is controlling a 1,730kg car (albeit the lightest of its rivals). The car feels stable at speed and extremely competent.

Loads of options

Standard model equipment includes 17-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, climate control, six-speaker CD/radio, front and rear electric windows and electronic parking brake. SE models feature 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, aluminium exterior window trims, leather upholstery, four-spoke leather-rimmed multi-function steering wheel, 10-speaker sound system and light and rain sensors. The range-topping S Line Models bring 19-inch five spoke alloy wheels, LED lights front and rear, exclusive styling and sports seats.

There is also a tempting range of extras: many of which featured on the models we drove.

We liked the £1,100 panoramic sunroof and the £375 electrically-operated tailgate and though we didn’t have the opportunity to try the £100 high beam assist which automatically dips full beam headlights when another vehicle is approaching sounds like a good investment. And, if you’re one of the two per cent who likes taking your SUV on rougher terrain, £3,000 will purchase the off-road styling pack (available on SE models only) including stainless-steel under-body protection. It wouldn’t be hard to spend a considerable amount on the range of options and packs.

Audi has made a storming entry into a new market and even a global recession seems unlikely to knock it off its objective of increasing its model range to 40 (the Q5 is the 29th alternative in a range which only covered 12 different cars in 1998).

Unlike its rivals Audi has yet to feel the ill-effects of the credit crunch but admits this could yet have an impact on projections for 2009 – which include 6,000 Q5s finding homes in the UK.

However, even with uncertain economic times ahead Audi has declared its determination to hit the ground running when the upturn arrives and the addition of excellent models like the Q5 should ensure that bold prediction is not too far off.

Key facts

Models tested: Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro SE
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro SE
Audi Q5 3.0 TDI quattro SE
Price as tested: £29,950, £31,440, £35,390
Price range: £27,650 – £37,540
Date tested: November 2008
Road tester: Adrian Higgins