I drove the Audi Q5 Sport – it’s sophisticated, comfy and a hugely satisfying family motor

THERE are many ways to transport a family of four.

Thailand, tuk tuk.

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I drove the Audi Q5 Sport – it’s sophisticated, comfy and cool[/caption]

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From tip-toeing through a Kasbah to fast-going in the shadows of the Atlas Mountains, the Q5 was completely unflustered[/caption]

Sweden, sledge.

Morocco, moped.

I’m not even kidding. Look at this photo from the other day. Never going to end well, is it?

At home in Great Britainland, we’re more sensible.

We like to ferry the kids around in SUVs.

Big, safe, high-riding SUVs.

Preferably an Audi Q5 if we can make the monthlies work. Hushed and hovercraft-smooth. Air suspension helps.

Quattro all-wheel drive, naturally.

Let the silky S tronic auto do its thing.

Basically, you’re buying a baby Bentley Bentayga for not Bentley money.

The SQ5 with its snorting 367hp 3-litre V6 petrol is top dog.

There’s a petrol plug-in hybrid coming soon that can do 50-odd miles as an EV. Plus, a regular 204hp 2-litre petrol mild hybrid.

But I was more interested in the new 204hp 2-litre diesel mild hybrid.

Really good friends

Yes, I said “new” and “diesel” in the same sentence.

I won’t say it drinks like a camel but it nudges 40mpg.

The 48-volt hybrid system adds a slug of performance and lowers CO2 at the same time.

We became really good friends.

From tip-toeing through a Kasbah to fast-going in the shadows of the Atlas Mountains, the Q5 was completely unflustered — and I didn’t get a numb bum once. Not in two days of driving.

Which brings me neatly to the cabin.

Sophisticated. Comfy. And cool. Typical Audi, really.

Almost every new car has a twin-screen set-up nowadays but very few integrate Google maps as well as an Audi.

There’s another display screen for your passenger to be DJ.

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You’d have to be a proper Audi nerd to spot any changes on the outside[/caption]

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Almost every new car has a twin-screen set-up nowadays but very few integrate Google maps as well as an Audi[/caption]

And it wants for nothing: Heated seats front and back, heated steering wheel, B&O sound system, Head-up Display, three-zone air con, charging ports and drink holders galore, even sliding rear seats for more legroom/boot space.

It really does have the lot.

You’d have to be a proper Audi nerd to spot any changes on the outside. The front grille is higher and wider. The headlights are slimmer and more technical. The four rings badge is now flat 2D. That’s about it.

The Q5 is Audi’s best-selling car globally. Which isn’t exactly a surprise. It’s a hugely satisfying family motor.