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Audi Q5 40 TDI Quattro Vorsprung 5dr S Tronic Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

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Assuming you’re willing to consider a diesel these days, the 40 TDI is a brilliant engine. It's effortlessly strong from low revs and the acceleration arrives smoothly and progressively as the revs rise.

40 TDI Quattro

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Range-topping Vorsprung is lavishly equipped, with pretty much every creature comfort you can think of, but it's very pricey indeed. Too pricey.

Vorsprung

40 TDI Quattro Vorsprung 5dr S Tronic

40-tdi-quattro-vorsprung-5dr-s-tronic

Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors

Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers

4 way electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger

Electronic stabilisation control including ABS, ASR and EDL

6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side airbags

Electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory

Audi Phone Box with wireless charging - Qi enabled compatible phone and additional bluetooth interface

Audi matrix LED headlights with OLED rear lights + dynamic front and rear indicators

Extended LED Interior multi coloured Lighting Pack - Q5

Audi Q5

The Q5 is a fine choice if you're after a big, posh SUV and don't need seven seats. It's smarter inside than a BMW X3 and better to drive than a XC60. Go for entry-level Sport trim if you want the most comfortable ride.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement. A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.

The Mazda CX-5 is firmly road-focused, but its 2.0-litre petrol engine is a strong, refined performer, making it looks good value for less than&nbsp;£25k. If you can stretch the budget a fair bit, the Audi Q5 provides a combination of comfort, driving prowess, quality and space that's hard to beat. Unlike some rivals, it can't be had with seven seats, though.

A more affordable, yet well-equipped alternative is the Peugeot 5008. It’s more than capable of coping with family life&nbsp;– and all versions have seven seats as standard.&nbsp;

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Audi Q5 40 TDI Quattro Vorsprung 5dr S Tronic Review

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41.5

510

litres

177

g/km

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