WITH around 60 models in its range in the not too distant future it's clear Audi is an ongoing success story, despite reecent tribulations at parent group VW.

The new A4 has been launched, but even those models which have been around for longer than you think are very often the leader, or close to it, in their sector of the market.

It's not often that you can beat the official fuel consumption figures, or other official figures, which are achieved, how can we put this, under special conditions.

To achieve it with a high-end three-litre turbo-charged V6 diesel is something else.

But both the on-board computer and my rough calculations over 700-odd miles showed more than 50mpg as against the official 47.1mpg.

An unexpected, but pleasant surprise from this efficient, but powerful engine. You can be lulled into a false sense of economy by the 75 litre fuel tank, but the cash left in the wallet did not lie.

For the business user, that could be music to the ears of a potential purchaser, particularly in the executive sector of the market where Audi is one of the top dogs.

It only seems like a couple of years since the premium Q5 was launched, but it has been around since 2009, taking on BMW X3 and Range Rover Evoque in the medium crossover market.

It's a premium car, with a premium price tag, featuring excellent build quality, quattro four wheel drive and a road presence that continues to dominate for the German brand.

Despite its SUV/Crossover looks and relative height from the ground, it has car like handling qualities.

It feels agile and composed on bends, gripping well, while delivering a firm, but still comfortable ride on long motorway journeys.

It is a practical vehicle, offering generous space for four and reasonable space for five occupants. The boot is also generous with s 540 litres expanding to 1,560 litres with the rear seats folded, while there are generous pocket bins and cubby holes throughout the vehicle. The S-Line model tested here also has a powered tailgate.

The 254bhp unit offers blistering pace as well as good economy and is a quiet and refined unit.

Mated to with the seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission, it slips through the gears seamlessly while powering from 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds while delivering official carbon dioxide figures of 161g/km.

Switch to manual sport mode with the paddles behind the steering wheel for an even more engaging drive.

It's not really a full blown off-roader, but the quattro grip should be more than enough of muddy fields and tricky road conditions, delivering that extra traction.

SUV/crossovers are not necessarily the sexiest looking on the road, but the Q5 still has a sleek look despite the beefed up bumpers and wheel arches.

The stylish headlamps are framed by now ubiqitious LED daytime running lights and if you were in any doubt it is an Audi, the huge deep signature grill proudly display the four Audi rings.

The tail light also feature LEDs while the twin tailpipes add a sporty touch.

The interior is pure class with the highest quality fixtures and fittings. The soft touch finish is complemented by piano black trim with chrome insert added throughout.

The controls, again, are high quality with robust control stalks and the dash dominated by the 6.5-inch screen linked to the Multi Media Interface on the central console which operates vehicle settings, connectivity and infotainment.

The flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel is also another classy touch.

All models include alloy wheels varying in size from 18 inches to 20 inches, leather upholstery, electronic climate control,colour monitor, rear acoustic parking, light and rain sensors, a hill descent assist function and split/folding rear seats, while roof rails and crossbars are also standard equipment.

It's a practical, cheap to run luxury vehicle although itself not cheap. Start piling on some of the optional extras - this model had a full nine grand's worth - and it becomes eye-wateringly expensive.