Compact SUV champs

There are star buys across the Audi range, and here’s another depreciation class champ from the firm. Topping the compact SUV chart, the Q5 also rides the wave of novelty value as it represents Audi’s debut in this market sector.

The Q5 merges the appeal of the compact executive A3 and A4 with the rugged attributes of an SUV, and aims to appeal to buyers who want a premium model in a practical rough-road package. It’s a formula that hasn’t paid dividends for BMW with its X3, but demand for the Q5 is expected to remain strong. The 141bhp 2.0 TDI is priced at £25,995, and after three years and 30,000 miles it’s tipped to be worth £13,985.

This variant hits the sweet spot of economy, performance and desirability, and has a higher residual value than the more powerful 168bhp 2.0 TDI, as well as the bigger-capacity 3.0-litre diesel model. Opting for the lower-cost entry-level oil-burner really isn’t a false economy, though, as you get the same desirable image as more costly variants, but without the financial pinch. Over the course of three years you lose £12,010, or 40 pence per mile – for an off-roader, these are great figures.

With a healthy 320Nm of torque, the TDI delivers strong mid-range pace, while the handling inspires confidence, too. And although it’s not a true off-roader, the all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance ensure the Q5 can take muddy campsites or rough rural tracks in its stride. If it continues to produce models with such a breadth of abilities, Audi looks set to keep depreciation to a minimum.

TOP 5 COMPACT SUV CHAMPS
1. - Audi Q5 - 2.0 TDI (143) quattro - 53.8 per cent
2. - Volvo XC60 - DRIVe 2.4D - 49.0 per cent
3. - Audi Allroad - 3.0 TDI quattro - 46.8 per cent
4. - VW Tiguan - Escape 2.0 TDI 140 - 46.3 per cent
5. - LR Freelander 2 - S 2.2 TD4e - 44.8 per cent

TOP BUY: Audi Q5 2.0 TDI (143) quatTRO
Sector: Compact SUV
Price: £25,995
Residual after 3yrs/30,000 miles: £13,985/53.8 per cent
Engine: 2.0 4cyl, 141bhp
Econ/CO2: 43.5mpg/172g/km