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1st: Audi Q5 3.0 TDi S line
Class-leading premium compact SUV sets benchmark on quality
Photos: Pete Gibson October 2010
Audi’s four-wheel-drive quattro models have entered motoring folklore, so it was only a matter of time before the firm used this expertise to build a proper compact SUV. And the Q5 hasn’t disappointed.
It certainly isn’t short of fashionable kerbside appeal. At the front is Audi’s bold trademark grille, which is flanked by large headlights. In S line trim, these incorporate eye-catching LED daytime running lamps, and the flagship model also features a styling pack and attractive 19-inch alloys as standard.
Look past the glitzy styling, and it’s clear the Q5 is far smaller than its rival, particularly in terms of length. The compact exterior dimensions have an impact on cabin space, with occupants in the rear feeling the pinch both in shoulder and legroom. Up front, it’s a similar story, with the high-set centre console and imposing dashboard creating a much more intimate feel. However, the Q5 has the upper hand on carrying capacity thanks to a generous 540-litre boot, which stretches to a healthy 1,560 litres with the rear bench folded flat.
As you’d expect, the Audi’s cabin takes the honours for premium appeal. Fit and finish are first rate, while the quality of the materials is straight out of the top drawer. It can’t match the Murano for standard kit, but its beautifully built interior feels ina different league altogether.
The Audi extends its advantage on the road – and much of this is down to its smooth and punchy 237bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel. At the test track, it raced from 0-60mph in a hot hatch-rivalling seven seconds. Better still, with a thumping torque output of 500Nm, the Q5 serves up blistering mid-range pace.
This impressive display is boosted by the slick-shifting seven-speed S tronic gearbox, which can be operated manually using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Turn into a corner and it’s instantly obvious that the Audi is the more agile choice, thanks to its nimble, car-like responses. The stiff S line suspension offers strong body control, while the incredible traction of the quattro all-wheel-drive transmission helps inspire confidence in slippery conditions. This sharp handling comes at the expense of comfort, as the Audi crashes into potholes and suffers from intrusive tyre noise. However, it’s worth noting that buyers can specify the softer chassis settings from the SE model as a no-cost option.
When you consider the performance the Q5 promises, our 26.1mpg test fuel return is respectable, although the 75-litre fuel tank is seven litres smaller, so you’ll still have to fill up more often than Murano owners.
While it’s not as roomy or well equipped as the Nissan, the Audi is still a very classy and desirable car. With its smart design, punchy engine and agile chassis, it represents a stern test for any premium compact SUV.
2rd: Nissan Murano 2.5 dCi Does SUV’s first-ever diesel engine complete the package?
October 2010
The best things come to those who wait – at least that’s set to be the case with the Nissan Murano. Now well into its second generation, the sporty Japanese crossover has finally been fitted with the diesel engine that British buyers have been crying out for. The 2.5-litre unit promises to mix punchy performance and strong fuel returns, while a host of styling revisions aims to further boost the car’s showroom appeal.
One thing that the Murano has on its side is its size – it dwarfs the Audi in almost every dimension. Yet thanks to its huge 20-inch alloy wheels and chrome detailing, it manages to avoid looking bulbous or clumsy. New headlamps and tail-lights further boost the Nissan’s visual impact. Inside, it immediately feels more roomy than its German rival.
But it’s not the space you’ll notice first; rather, it’s the huge amount of standard kit that catches the eye. Sat-nav, reversing cameras, heated and leather-trimmed seats, keyless go and cruise control are all fitted – you’ll have to hit Audi’s pricey options list if you want the same toys on a Q5.
Unfortunately, no amountof gadgets and gizmos can make up for the interior’s slightly low-rent feel. With its cheap-looking leather gearlever, hard plastic sat-nav surround and some dated switchgear, the Murano’s cabin lacks premium appeal.
However, the high-set driving position gives a great view of the road, while occupants in the rear get masses of leg and headroom. The shallow 402-litre load bay is far smaller than the Q5’s, at 540 litres, although folding the rear bench flat frees up a sizeable area. An automated mechanism makes this extremely easy to do.
The Nissan also had to accept second place at the test track. With its smaller 2.5-litre engine, it’s no surprise that the Murano was slower. It took 10.5 seconds to complete the 0-60mph sprint – that’s a full three-and-a-half seconds longer than the Q5.
On the road the differences are harder to detect, due to the four-cylinder unit’s muscular 450Nm of torque, which is available from a low 2,000rpm.
Performance tails off sharply further up the rev range, though, and while the six-speed auto box shifts smoothly, its sluggish responses further hamper progress. What the car lacks in performance it makes up for with comfort, thanks to a supple ride and decent refinement. The pay off for the soft ride is plenty of body roll through corners.
Light steering and the slow-witted transmission further blunt the Nissan’s driving dynamics. The brakes are positive, though – for a model of this size, a stopping distance of 49.9 metres from 70mph is good.
Neither of these cars promises to be particularly economical, but the Murano’s return of 25.1mpg was especially disappointing. Adding to the newcomer’s woes is an emissions figure of 210g/km, which is higher than the faster and more powerful Q5.
Class-leading premium compact SUV sets benchmark on quality
Photos: Pete Gibson October 2010
Audi’s four-wheel-drive quattro models have entered motoring folklore, so it was only a matter of time before the firm used this expertise to build a proper compact SUV. And the Q5 hasn’t disappointed.
It certainly isn’t short of fashionable kerbside appeal. At the front is Audi’s bold trademark grille, which is flanked by large headlights. In S line trim, these incorporate eye-catching LED daytime running lamps, and the flagship model also features a styling pack and attractive 19-inch alloys as standard.
Look past the glitzy styling, and it’s clear the Q5 is far smaller than its rival, particularly in terms of length. The compact exterior dimensions have an impact on cabin space, with occupants in the rear feeling the pinch both in shoulder and legroom. Up front, it’s a similar story, with the high-set centre console and imposing dashboard creating a much more intimate feel. However, the Q5 has the upper hand on carrying capacity thanks to a generous 540-litre boot, which stretches to a healthy 1,560 litres with the rear bench folded flat.
As you’d expect, the Audi’s cabin takes the honours for premium appeal. Fit and finish are first rate, while the quality of the materials is straight out of the top drawer. It can’t match the Murano for standard kit, but its beautifully built interior feels ina different league altogether.
The Audi extends its advantage on the road – and much of this is down to its smooth and punchy 237bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel. At the test track, it raced from 0-60mph in a hot hatch-rivalling seven seconds. Better still, with a thumping torque output of 500Nm, the Q5 serves up blistering mid-range pace.
This impressive display is boosted by the slick-shifting seven-speed S tronic gearbox, which can be operated manually using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Turn into a corner and it’s instantly obvious that the Audi is the more agile choice, thanks to its nimble, car-like responses. The stiff S line suspension offers strong body control, while the incredible traction of the quattro all-wheel-drive transmission helps inspire confidence in slippery conditions. This sharp handling comes at the expense of comfort, as the Audi crashes into potholes and suffers from intrusive tyre noise. However, it’s worth noting that buyers can specify the softer chassis settings from the SE model as a no-cost option.
When you consider the performance the Q5 promises, our 26.1mpg test fuel return is respectable, although the 75-litre fuel tank is seven litres smaller, so you’ll still have to fill up more often than Murano owners.
While it’s not as roomy or well equipped as the Nissan, the Audi is still a very classy and desirable car. With its smart design, punchy engine and agile chassis, it represents a stern test for any premium compact SUV.
2rd: Nissan Murano 2.5 dCi Does SUV’s first-ever diesel engine complete the package?
October 2010
The best things come to those who wait – at least that’s set to be the case with the Nissan Murano. Now well into its second generation, the sporty Japanese crossover has finally been fitted with the diesel engine that British buyers have been crying out for. The 2.5-litre unit promises to mix punchy performance and strong fuel returns, while a host of styling revisions aims to further boost the car’s showroom appeal.
One thing that the Murano has on its side is its size – it dwarfs the Audi in almost every dimension. Yet thanks to its huge 20-inch alloy wheels and chrome detailing, it manages to avoid looking bulbous or clumsy. New headlamps and tail-lights further boost the Nissan’s visual impact. Inside, it immediately feels more roomy than its German rival.
But it’s not the space you’ll notice first; rather, it’s the huge amount of standard kit that catches the eye. Sat-nav, reversing cameras, heated and leather-trimmed seats, keyless go and cruise control are all fitted – you’ll have to hit Audi’s pricey options list if you want the same toys on a Q5.
Unfortunately, no amountof gadgets and gizmos can make up for the interior’s slightly low-rent feel. With its cheap-looking leather gearlever, hard plastic sat-nav surround and some dated switchgear, the Murano’s cabin lacks premium appeal.
However, the high-set driving position gives a great view of the road, while occupants in the rear get masses of leg and headroom. The shallow 402-litre load bay is far smaller than the Q5’s, at 540 litres, although folding the rear bench flat frees up a sizeable area. An automated mechanism makes this extremely easy to do.
The Nissan also had to accept second place at the test track. With its smaller 2.5-litre engine, it’s no surprise that the Murano was slower. It took 10.5 seconds to complete the 0-60mph sprint – that’s a full three-and-a-half seconds longer than the Q5.
On the road the differences are harder to detect, due to the four-cylinder unit’s muscular 450Nm of torque, which is available from a low 2,000rpm.
Performance tails off sharply further up the rev range, though, and while the six-speed auto box shifts smoothly, its sluggish responses further hamper progress. What the car lacks in performance it makes up for with comfort, thanks to a supple ride and decent refinement. The pay off for the soft ride is plenty of body roll through corners.
Light steering and the slow-witted transmission further blunt the Nissan’s driving dynamics. The brakes are positive, though – for a model of this size, a stopping distance of 49.9 metres from 70mph is good.
Neither of these cars promises to be particularly economical, but the Murano’s return of 25.1mpg was especially disappointing. Adding to the newcomer’s woes is an emissions figure of 210g/km, which is higher than the faster and more powerful Q5.
