Forget the notion that a diesel passenger vehicle puffs out black smoke and stutters on take-offs. After driving the Q5 TDI, this reviewer appreciated the ‘Ultra Low-Sulfur/Diesel Fuel Only’ reminder provided via a discreet dashboard sticker. Why? Because it’s easy to forget that the Audi Q5 TDI is diesel-fueled. This compact luxury crossover handles exceedingly well, thanks to a five-link front suspension with stabilizer bar and electromechanical vehicle speed sensitive power steering. Simply stated: Q5 superbly mixes sporty handling with a dreamy, quiet ride. Both the Q5 TDI and the high-performance SQ5 (shown in images) are new to the 2014 Q5 model line-up.

The 110.5-inch wheelbase Audi Q5 TDI is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 that churns out 240 horsepower between 3750-4000 rpm and 428 pounds-feet of torque between 1750-2250 rpm. Cargo space with the rear seat upright is 29.1 cubic feet, but the stow-zone increases to 57.3 cubic feet with rear seat folded. And folding the rear seat is quick and easy. An effortless tug of a cargo bay pull-lever (located on each side panel) puts the corresponding seat- back into a fold-down position. Audi Q5 TDI with eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro permanent all wheel drive collects estimated fuel economy of 24 city/31 highway and carries a MSRP of $46,500.