JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We try out Audi's classy Q5 SUV and look at why GEM is backing eye tests for drivers of all ages

The Audi Q5 is a good example of a premium SUV that is comfortable, roomy, loaded with technology and is very refined and still powered by ICE units.

In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John tries out Audi's classy Q5 SUV and looks at why motoring safety organisation GEM is backing eye tests for drivers of all ages.

We may gradually be moving to electric power but some manufacturers thankfully are not ready to abandon petrol and diesel power just yet.

The Audi Q5 is a good example of a premium SUV that is comfortable, roomy, loaded with technology and is very refined and still powered by ICE units.

The mid-size SUV delivers on all fronts and is ideal for town and city journeys or long motorway treks.

It comes with a choice of engines and all versions offer hybrid technology and four-wheel drive.

The Q5 is the German company's biggest seller and last year 300,000 were sold worldwide.

Earlier this year the third generation model arrived with extra style and tech as well as hybrid technology. Prices start from just over £50,000 and go all the way up to more than £77,000.

Three trim levels are available, standard equipment with Sport trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels, an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit display, a 14.5-inch central OLED touchscreen, heated leather seats, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a powered tailgate, full LED lights at the front and rear, and a full suite of safety kit including a 360-degree parking system.

S Line trim costs around £3000 more over the equivalent Sport model, and you get the usual S line styling treatment, including unique bumpers, grille and exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, sports suspension, privacy glass and special red badges, while inside there’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel, different fabrics, and S logos on the headrests.

The Edition 1 model with diesel power I sampled cost £63,060 and added a set of 21-inch wheels, matrix LED lights with customisable signatures and lots of black exterior detailing such as the roof rails, grille surround and air intakes.

Inside, there’s a mix of quality materials and leather, plus an additional 10.9-inch display for the front-seat passenger that can be used to stream content on the move without annoying the driver.

The diesel is perfectly suited to the Q5 and provides all the performance you need.

It tackles the sprint to 62mph in just 7.4 seconds and is capable of 140mph if you can find anywhere legal and safe to do it.

The 7-speed S Tronic transmission makes things smooth and relaxing and the excellent suspension copes with all kinds of surfaces.

Thanks to the quattro drive system grip is fantastic and the Q5 always feels well planted.

A choice of drive modes is available and the spacious cabin can easily take five adults, while the large boot can take 520 litres of kit and 1473 litres when the rear seats are collapsed.

The Q5 looks great in Grenadine Red and provides everything you could want from a premium SUV including all the latest safety equipment and driver aids and it is also capable of averaging over 47mpg.

FAST FACTS:

Price: £63,060.

Mechanical: 2.0-litre, 4 cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via automatic gearbox.

Max speed: 140mph.

0-62mph: 7.4 seconds.

Combined mpg: 47.1.

Insurance group: 24.

CO2 emissions: 168g/km.

Bik rating: 37 per cent.

Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles.

Overall rating (out of 5): 4.6.

In other motoring developments, road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist welcomes the prospect of changes to current UK driver eyesight regulations.

GEM has long campaigned for reforms to these rules, and has described recent proposals for compulsory eyesight tests as long overdue.

The road safety organisation believes all drivers should be tested, not just those aged 70 or over.

GEM is also urging the government to implement an ambitious, first-rate communications strategy alongside any legislative change.

GEM’s head of road safety James Luckhurst said: "Regular eyesight tests would help protect all road users by identifying visual impairments that could compromise safe driving.

"For too long we have relied on self-reporting of eyesight problems, and we welcome the prospect of this welcome shift toward proactive safety enforcement.

"Too many people - and not just those aged 70 or over - are driving with defective eyesight that has deteriorated to a dangerous level.

"To reduce this risk, we want all licence holders to undergo a professional eye examination every two years as a matter of individual responsibility and public safety.

"We believe that reform to driver eyesight rules shows a commitment to making the roads safer for everyone and has nothing to do with unfairly targeting people because of their age, or seeking to restrict anyone’s freedom.

"Mandatory eye tests are essential for everyone’s safety.

"Let’s also ensure that details of these updates reach road users who don’t currently see road safety as relevant to them and bring the public on board to help change minds and behaviours which ultimately save lives.

"We need to ensure the communication mistakes made at the introduction of the Highway Code 'hierarchy of road users' in 2022 are not repeated."

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