ONE OF the first models to comes out of Audi's new manufacturing plant in Mexico will add a little spice to the SUV market.

The latest version of the popular Q5 has better connectivity, ride comfort, handling dynamics, efficiency and as much driver assistance as you can shake a stick at.

This new version from the land that gave us tortillas, might be 90kg lighter than its predecessor but boasts an increase in interior space, with better headroom and rear kneeroom. Enough room, in fact, for a full Mariachi band.

There's just one petrol engine, a TFSI and two TDI engines to tempt you and top end power has been increased by 26bhp.

Mainstream engine, though, is a 187bhp version of the well-proven 2-litre TDI motor, which promises much improved fuel economy. A 2-litre TFSI engine will also be available later and it will push out 250bhp, yet still return up to 41.5mpg on the combined cycle.

At a later date, the full burrito in the shape of a Q5 with a revised 3-litre TDI which can produce 283bhp, will be available, making it an ideal towing vehicle.

Road handling is improved thanks to its sturdy, but flexible five-link suspension – there's an optional adaptive, five stage air suspension also available – and 'drive select' fitted as standard, featuring lift/offroad and allroad modes.

Transmissions include a six-speed manual transmission or the excellent seven-speed S tronic and the latest quattro drivetrain with ultra technology is also standard equipment for the 2.0 TDI and the TFSI.

For the V6 diesel, Audi will offer an optional 'sport' differential for the rear axle which distributes torque between the wheels as necessary and is said to better match the power output.

It is available with Xenon headlights as standard and either LED or high-resolution Matrix LED with dynamic indicators as options.

First deliveries to the UK will be in spring, 2017, though you can order now.