Audi Q5 Sportback – smooth and secure

YOU wouldn’t generally describe a family-size SUV as ‘dripping with style’ or ‘oozing class’ – then along comes a model like the Audi Q5 Sportback with its elegant silhouette and sloping roofline.

In truth, this latest arrival to the premium brand’s sports utility portfolio could accurately be described as part SUV, part coupe . . . and partly electrified.

And the beauty of the Sportback is that despite that chic-looking profile there’s actually no compromise on interior space and carrying capacity compared to the regular Q5 line-up.

The Sportback is up for grabs with 2.0 or 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines plus plug-in hybrids, in four main trim grades and all featuring a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission as standard.

Prices start at £46,415 rising to £75,040 and our tested TFSI petrol model in comprehensive S line trim cost £50,735 – around £2,000 more than a standard, and less stylish, Q5.

This model proved a treat to drive – a lovely smooth and powerful car with excellent visibility from the raised driving position and a stable feel on the road.

The 265PS of punch from the 2.0-litre petrol engine ensured spirited performance of 0-62 in a mere 6.1 seconds and on to a potential top speed of 149mph – all held solidly together by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

It’s reasonably economical for a vehicle of this size – 7cms longer than the Q5 – and returned an average 31.9mpg over 200 miles of mixed motorway and urban motoring, just short of the manufacturer’s own consumption figure of 33.6 miles per gallon.

But the actual day to day experience of spending time in this car is what makes it so rewarding, from the fit and finish of the overall build, to the quality of the fittings and degree of sophisticated on-board kit.

Inside, the layout is simple and minimalist in a blend of grey and black soft plastic complemented by brushed alloy panelling with elements of piano black – particularly around the compact gear shifter.

The perforated leather steering wheel is perfectly balanced and the seats, power adjustable up front, are a mix of fabric and soft leather.

Passenger space is excellent for four with plenty of legroom and the raised roofline ensures headroom is fine too. In fact the only downside is a common one – a wide transmission tunnel making things awkward for a centre rear passenger.

To make matters worse that centre rear seat is also narrow and perched, the back of which is the arm of the flip-down armrest.

Otherwise there are plenty of stowage options and a powered tailgate giving entrance to a large boot made all the more useful courtesy of 60/40 split-fold rear seats.

Up front the dash area is dominated by the easy to operate Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus set-up with 12.3-inch panoramic display including MMI Navigation Plus, voice control and a pin-sharp reversing camera.

Listing the standard equipment would take all day but there’s everything from Matrix LED headlamps plus daytime running lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, climate control for front and rear, wireless smartphone interface, parking sensors, cruise control and S line sports suspension included.