I COULDN'T have had a better time to road test Audi's smaller Q5 4x4 with winter tyres.

All the recent ice and snow gave it a fantastic workout – and showed just how good this chunky, up-market Tonka toy really is.

I found some fairly deep snow and drifts and it just powered through them without a problem.

It also handled steep, icy hills without even thinking about slipping – very impressive indeed.

The car was powered by the 140bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel, which, while not the fastest, is quite man enough for the weight and with a six-speed gearbox, is very economical.

It's comfortable over the worst of surfaces on and off road and four wheel traction control means it doesn't seem to need low ratio gears.

It even has a hill descent control system to make sure you get down the steepest without a hitch.

There is plenty of room for five and their luggage and the Q5 makes a nonsense of buying the Q7 to my way of thinking.

Interior

The easy adjust seats are heated and comfortable, the clutch is light and the steering positive.

Equipment in the cheapest TDI I drove includes start/stop, climate, MP3 player connection, alloys, split fold back seat, loads of airbags and stability control.

FAST FACTS

Audi Q5     

Price: £28,020

Mechanical: 141bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 118mph

0-62mph: 11.4 seconds

Combined mpg: 45

Insurance group: 22

CO2 emissions: 162g/km

BIK rating: 25%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Main rival: Range Rover Evoque