As many manufacturers are moving to crossover SUVs, the option for a diesel motor has slowly disappeared; however, not for the Audi Q5.

Adding diesel to the ultra-modern Q5 has created the 2019 Audi Q5 TDI.

On the outside, the Audi Q5 has aged gracefully due to the futuristic front- and rear-light designs. The soft, round shape of the SUV blends with its standard futuristic LED lighting package and its slim chiselled appearance. There’s nothing externally to tell you that you’re driving a diesel, and that’s the point. There’s no need for owners to feel like they’re doing something out of the norm.

Inside, it’s the same theory. Slip into any of the seats and passengers are showered in the two Cs: comfort and convenience. There’s plenty of space to carry goods: human or otherwise. Opening the panoramic sunroof gives the cabin an extra sense of space as the sunlight rushes in. At night, things are even more welcoming.

Press the button to open the door and all four handles light up as well as the front scuff plates. Close the door and the soft interior ambient lighting adds to a calm, night-driving environment.

Reaching out and touching the switchgear ratchets up the luxury. All major functions are automated,to be set and forgotten. The wipers come on once moisture hits the windshield. The LED headlights do the same, adjusting their pattern automatically as to not blind oncoming drivers. Simple things like operating the interior map lights with a soft tap or the way the heat and ventilation controls scale larger when touched confirm you’re not driving just any SUV. Double tap the remote to open the rear hatch for those hands-filled shopping moments. Even better, lower the second row from the trunk area with the touch of button. The Audi MMI system is easy operate via the several control schemes, steering wheel mounted buttons or the console dial. Whatever method of connection used, it pumps out quality sound into a very refined cabin.

That refinement defines every pore of the Audi Q5. Fire up the 2-litre diesel motor and there’s no indication it’s diesel-powered. From a filled tank, the SUV offers 730 km of range.

190bhp and 295lb/ft of torque can be called into action for spirited driving and still retain moderate fuel efficiency. The chassis has the ability to soak up road imperfections without disturbing occupants.

In the end, the Audi Q5 TDI stretches the vehicle to a level beyond the petrol version. It’s fun to drive fast, utterly relaxing at lower pace, packed with the convenience and luxury one expects from an Audi SUV, while offering the fuel efficiency benefits associated with diesel.