Audi has always been towards the front of the pack with its SUV models, so the release of its mid-sized SUV in 2009, the Q5, was hardly a surprise.

But it was well accepted as buyers took advantage of the vehicle’s modest exterior dimensions compared with some of the then-current old-school behemoths such as Audi’s own Q7 model.

Based on the same platform as the Audi A5, the Q5 was released only in Quattro, all-wheel-drive form. Which means, of course, that there was no two-wheel-drive version, a layout that is increasingly popular in this market segment.

That said, Audi was truly one of the global pioneers of permanent all-wheel-drive, so it stands to reason that it would make its Q5 Quattro-only.

When shopping now, the earliest versions of the (8R model, in Audi-speak) Q5s are the ones that represent the best value.

So, you’re looking at engine choices that started with the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder, a 2.0-litre petrol turbo, a 3.2-litre petrol V6 or a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel.

To be honest, the petrol engines are faster than the diesel options, but they don’t really add much to a car that is sporty for an SUV but no sports car in its own right. And the turbo diesels provide a more relaxed feel with better fuel consumption, so they kind of make more sense in a car like this with a couple of important caveats.

The first of those is that you don’t use the Q5 exclusively for running between home and school.

At that point, the diesel is a false economy since it will be more expensive to service and will need more frequent servicing in the first place.

Also, modern diesels simply don’t like this sort of treatment and need regular highway runs to stretch their legs.

On top of that, you need to be prepared to smell of diesel and have dirty hands every time you fill up. Diesel is filthy stuff, even before it’s been burned in an engine, and even the cleanest service station will have a greasy, grimy filler nozzle.

Whichever engine you opt for, your Q5 will be fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DSG) and no manual was offered in Australia.

Another fact to consider is that the Q5 wasn’t sold with a seven-seat option. It’s a five-seater and if you need the third row of seats, then the bigger Q7 is for you.

As it is, though, even the five-seat layout of the Q5 wasn’t perfect with rear knee-room a bit tight for taller adults. It should be okay for children however.

Like we said, any of the engines do the job and the rest of the dynamic package is up to speed.

The only slight exception to this would be ride quality and the Q5’s hefty kerb mass (around 1700kg) and the high centre of gravity imposed by the ride height, meant that the Audi was a little stiffly sprung. That makes the ride a little choppier than you might have been expecting, but some owners won’t notice it.

Like any Audi fitted with the seven-speed DSG transmission, a close pre-purchase inspection by somebody who knows their DSGs is crucial. These transmissions have given enough trouble over the years for us to make such a blanket statement and an independent check-up is the only way to go.

That said, you can initially eliminate any Q5 that shudders on take-off, loses power unexpectedly or offers up a weird shift-pattern. In any of those scenarios, it’s very possibly a transmission on its way out that’s at fault.

The engines are less of a worry, but even then, these are pretty highly-tuned engines in petrol form and any turbocharged engine (like the 2.0-litre here) needs a closer-than-average inspection to avoid the problem ones.

Speaking of which, the Q5 was – inevitably – caught up in the Volkswagen Group’s infamous Dieselgate emissions scandal, and any Q5s fitted with the 2.0-litre diesel engine have been recalled for rectification. The good news is that Audi Australia says there will be no adverse performance or fuel economy effects from the fix, so it’s worth having the work carried out.

Cars fitted with the optional sliding sunroof were recalled to replace that glass panel. Apparently, the glass could break at temperatures below minus-20 C (an unlikely scenario in this country) and replacement glass was the fix.

Even then, the sunroof was not finished with creating mischief; another recall for cars made from 2010 was the check that the sunroof had not been allowing water to leak into the headlining, corroding the gas-generator for the side-curtain airbag.

There have also been recalls to fix problems with brake boosters, fuel leaks and even loose pieces of interior trim that could become projectiles in any crash that triggered the airbags.

A check with an Audi dealer will determine whether a particular car was affected by these recalls and whether it’s been attended to.

The Q5 was upgraded in late 2011 (for the 2012 model-year) and with that change came new engines and technology.

That’s has made these earlier versions the best value now, but lovely ergonomics and classy layouts aside, they need an experienced eye to check them out before any money changes hands.

Nuts and bolts

Engines: 2.0-litre petrol/2.0-litre turbo diesel/3.2-litre V6 petrol/3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel economy (combined): 8.5 litres per 100km (2.0 TFSI)/7.5 litres (3.0 TDI)

Safety rating (courtesy of www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au): 5 stars

Our rating: 3.5 stars

Likes:

• Quattro all-wheel-drive gave good grip.
• Diesel engines strong and relaxed.
• V6 petrol engine was a proper performer.
• Classy, logical interiors.

Dislikes:

• No seven-seat option.
• Questionable reliability of transmission.
• No off-road abilities.
• Expensive then and now.

Competitors:

• BMW X3 – Early X3s left a fair bit to be desired. Later efforts much better and a range of engine options to suit everybody and every budget. Good looking but could feel small inside. 3 stars
• Lexus RX350 – High-end Japanese build quality is what made this (and every other) Lexus a bit special. V6 engine is smooth and it’s a strict five-seater. Off-road smarts? Er, no. 3.5 stars
• Ford Territory Ghia – One of the cleverest vehicles to come out of Australia with an incredibly versatile and roomy interior. Falcon-sourced mechanicals are tough and cheap to maintain. Will use plenty of petrol. 3.5 stars

What to pay (courtesy of Glass’s Guide):

Model                   Year       New      Now

2.0 TFSI                2009       $59,900  $17,700

3.2 TFSI                2009       $69,900  $21,100

2.0 TDI                 2009       $59,900  $17,700

3.0 TDI                 2009       $71,900  $19,500

2.0 TFSI                2010       $61,614  $21,000 

3.2 TFSI                2010       $71,714  $25,000

2.0 TDI                 2010       $61,700  $21,000

3.0 TDI                 2010       $73,714  $23,200

2.0 TFSI                2011       $61,614  $24,900

3.2 TFSI                2011       $71,714  $29,000

2.0 TDI                 2011       $61,700  $24,900

3.0 TDI                 2011       $73,714  $28,000

2.0 TFSI                2012       $62,900  $29,700

3.2 TFSI                2012       $73,000  $34,900

2.0 TDI                  2012       $62,200  $29,400

3.0 TDI                  2012       $75,000  $34,000