With 540 litres of boot space the Q5 boasts better luggage room than the A4 Avant – it can also carry more than alternatives like the Volvo XC60 or BMW X3.

With a wide load area and small boot lip, loading and unloading bulky or heavy objects is easy. Usefully there’s also extra storage hidden below the boot floor and although rear legroom isn’t huge, the Q5 is still practical enough for families. An optional sliding seat allows the rear bench to split fold and slide back and forth independently.

In the front there’s plenty of stowage including decent door pockets, a large central cubby and a good-sized glovebox. There’s also the option of a clever ‘climate cup holder’ which cools drinks to 3C or can heat them to 58C.

How safe is the 2008-2016 Audi Q5?

Audi’s mid-sized 4×4 was crash tested in 2009 under Euro NCAP’s more stringent criteria. This is one overall rating (from one to five stars) that covers adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and a new area of assessment – safety assist.

It was awarded the maxmum five stars and scored impressively well for child safety, so Audi Q5 safety levels are impressive.

Electronic stability control (ESP) comes as standard along with advanced Hill descent Control for off road driving. All cars get six airbags along with Isofix child seat mounting points in the back.