The Audi Q5 is a new compact SUV from the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer. Like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, the is not a serious off-roading tool. It would be more accurate to say that the Audi Q5 is more of a mid-size estate with an elevated driving position.

Unlike bigger brother Q7, the Q5 hints at a subtle design with elegant lines. For instance, the front end is less brash and imposing. The Q5’s low height at 1.65m and sloping roof does lend a compact feel. However, a S-line or offroad "dress-up" package is strongly advised: standard 18in alloy wheels look lost here.

As with most Audis these days, adjustable damper control and variable-ratio steering are part of Audi’s Drive Select package (Comfort, Dynamic and Auto). Regardless of which mode is selected, the Q5 struggles to provide a thoroughly serene ride.

Town driving reveals the Q5’s nemesis: small to medium-sized intrusions. Our test car came equipped with optional 19in S-line RS style alloy wheels, but in this case the problem runs deeper than just big wheels. The combination of stiff spring rates and damper settings doesn’t allow enough suppleness over less extreme bumps.

Perhaps the stiff ride is to reinforce the sporty message that comes from the 2.0 TFSI engine. Mated with the fast up-shifting 7-speed S-tronic gearbox, the 1.740 kg SUV hurrys from rest to 100 km/h in an impressive 7.2 secs. Perhaps Audi still needs more work on their new gearbox as the downshifts are somewhat jerky. Regardless, the impressive performance is backed by equally impressive fuel efficiency, 8.5 litres per 100 km. That's actually better than it's smaller-sized cousin, the Volkswagen Tiguan (9.9 litres per 100 km).

Despite the elevated driving position, the Q5 turns with little body roll and changes direction without protestation. The low height - for a SUV - contributes significantly to the way it drives. The new comer shows rivals the door with the way it handles. The steering may be light but there is accuracy and some feedback for the driver to be sure where the front wheels are pointing.

Other than the standard quattro all-wheel drive (which as a default distributes power with a 60 per cent rear bias), hill descent control and an off-road ESP setting, Q5s have little extra technology to help should their owners wish to head off road. Which few are expected to, of course, but it is worth noting that the Q5 does without the height-adjustable air suspension of the Q7, instead running conventional steel springs.

Prices start at a seemingly reasonable S$167,400 for the base 2.0 TFSI model. That's prior to raiding the options list. The thin sounding audio system screams for a need to upgrade to the Bang & Olufsen Sound system (S$2,085) and the "Keyless Entry" (S$2,794) is shockingly non-standard. And would the glaring missing empty parts in the central console urge you to throw in another S$9,944 for the MMI navigation?

Regardless, the Q5’s cabin is a prime example of excellent ergonomics that has been long associated with Audi interiors. The dials and the air-con and entertainment controls are all cleanly designed, logically placed and manufactured from quality materials, for the most part.

Elsewhere, the cabin is impressively spacious, with plenty of leg and head room for four adults, five at a push. Hardcore campers, picnic-ers, barbeque-ers and golfers would be pleased to know that the deep 540-litre load bay is the biggest in its class, shading even the XC60 and putting the Freelander’s 405 litres to shame.

Driving the Audi Q5 reminds me of the first two generations of the Subaru Forester, a perennial favourite among lesbians: the Foresters back then is sort of an SUV for people who don’t want an SUV, but needed one – it’s higher-riding than a normal car, but nowhere near as lofty (or clumsy?) as a ‘proper’ off-roader. That means you get the benefit of more car-like handling, but a still-roomy cabin and slightly elevated driving position.

The third and current generation of the Subaru Forester has ditched the jacked-up wagon stance for a conventional SUV look and inevitably loses the car-like handling. Well, Audi has done a great job for its first compact SUV and has come from nowhere to fill that void left by the Subaru Forester, but at a price. 

Engine	4 cyls in line, 1984cc, turbocharged
Transmission	7-speed S-tronic (Dual-clutch)
Wheels Driven	All four wheels
Max. Power	211bhp @ 6000rpm
Max. Torque	350Nm @ 1500-4200rpm
0-100 km/h	7.2 seconds
Top speed	222km/h
Fuel Economy	8.5 l per 100km
CO2 Emissions	197 g/km
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4629mm x 1880mm x 1653 mm / 1740kg
Price with COE*	S$167,400

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