Audi Q5 review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

The fact that the current Audi Q5 is is 90kg lighter than the old model helps to cut fuel consumption. The other highlight that will boost efficiency is the quattro ‘ultra’ part-time four-wheel drive system. The engines themselves are either brand new to Audi or new to the Q5, so they ought to deliver better fuel economy in general. However, you can't compare the old engines with the new ones directly, as the latest WLTP economy tests are tougher than the old NEDC tests.

Under WLTP testing, the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol produces 188-203g/km of CO2, depending on trim level. However, the 2.0 TDI diesel is still the better pick. The 40 TDI produces 185-196g/km of CO2, with fuel economy of up to 39.8mpg, compared to 34.0mpg for the 45 TFSI.

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Low running costs are the order of the day with the 50 and 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid models. The 50 TFSI e returns between 113.0 and 117.7mpg, depending on specification, all the while emitting just 55 to 58g/km. The more powerful 55 TFSI e returns a claimed 104.6-117.7g/km, with emissions of 55-61g/km. It’s a great choice if you regularly switch between shorter urban commutes and longer journeys; keep the batteries topped up and an all-electric range of around 26 miles is possible.

Insurance groups

Insurance ratings are from 29-31, which is similar to figures quoted for the likes of the BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace.

Depreciation

The original Audi Q5 was the darling of the premium SUV sector and had rock-solid residuals that broached the 60 per cent barrier. With the introduction of plenty of rivals, the current car isn't quite as sound an investment, but residuals in the sector are still among the strongest on the market, and the Q5 has figures in the low 50 per cent region. The super-expensive Vorsprung model is rather poor, though, with residuals of around 41 per cent demonstrating that this is the model to go for as a used purchase, as it'll be about the same price as other cars after 3 years, but will have far more kit.

It’s worth noting, though, that the second generation of Q5 has moved its production base from Ingolstadt in Germany to Puebla in Mexico. Audi has gone to great lengths to ensure that build quality remains as strong at the all-new plant than in in its home country, and it needs to - because any early problems could have a detrimental effect on resale values as buyers resist a car built outside Europe. Our early encounters with the car have flagged up no obvious reasons for concern, however.