Gauges on the Q5 include illuminated figures showing, for instance, if the doors are open.

Maybe it was the precipitous drop in gas prices earlier this year, or Americans' unwavering fondness for larger, high-riding cars and trucks. Whatever the case, the sport utility vehicle has staved off premature reports of its death.

That doesn't mean things are like they were, however. Aware that lower fuel costs can be fleeting, buyers are spying models that are powerful yet nimbler and more misery at the pump.

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"People are looking for fuel economy," said Scott Firth, sales manager for a South Carolina Audi dealer. Mr. Firth said the new Audi Q5 midsize sport utility fits the bill. Bolstered by a 3.2-liter V-6 engine generating 270 horsepower, the Q5 lists its fuel economy at 18 miles per gallon city and 23 mpg highway: Audi claims, however, that models can reach 27 mpg on the open road.

The base price is $37,200, and the cost fully loaded is about $50,000. A smaller, redesigned version of the existing full-sized Q7 sport utility, the 2009 midsize has a new waterfall-style grille and LED (light-emitting diode) daytime running beams giving it a distinctive, firmer appearance.

As with all Audis, it has the brand's "quattro" all-wheel drive and a host of other standard features such as Electronic Stabilization Program, anti-lock braking system, hill descent control, driver and front passenger air bags including chest side and air bag head protection for all passengers, Sirius satellite radio, roof rails for carting luggage and six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic clutchless manual mode.

There's 39 cubic feet of cargo space; and the rear door, which lifts electronically, can be adjusted by height.

The German automaker is rolling out the model in three versions -- the "premium" level, "premium plus" and "prestige." Features primarily in the "premium plus" or "prestige" include panorama sunroof, 19-inch rims and Bluetooth hands-free phone. An optional "S line" package offers 20-inch wheels, headlight washers and multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles. And the navigation package comes with a mapping system and backup camera.

The Q5 is entering an increasingly crowded field, the smaller to midsize sport utility, aka "crossover." Competitors include the new Mercedes-Benz GLK, BMW X3 and Acura MDX.

In fact, Audi indirectly pokes fun at a main rival, the sales-leading Lexus RX, in national TV spots. In one ad, a woman in a darkened parking garage clicks the remote and dozens of beige-gold sport utilities light up next to the one distinctive model, a Q5; another commercial shows a dad driving a black Q5 to pick up his son from school, going to the head of the pickup line which has all-the-same appearance, staid-colored SUVs.

The Q5's dark exterior color, by the way, is technically called "brilliant black" and is one of several eye-catching choices. Others are "garnet red," "deep sea blue" and "ibis white." Along with distinctive looks, the model boasts a group leading 4,400-pound towing capacity -- an important feature "in this [South Carolina] area, when you are on the coast," Mr. Firth said.

Audi is looking to carve out at least a portion of the crossover market with the Q5. Judging from a recent few-hours drive, the carmaker is on the way.

The test vehicle, which had many of the available options, was steady on the road and motored smoothly on the open highway. While the rear space might be a bit cramped for three passengers, the shorter wheelbase of a midsize sport utility was comforting in terms of visibility. Steering was tight and responsive, and the suspension was superb in absorbing bumps.

Electronic hardware was more than gadgetry but quite useful, such as the rear door rising up automatically. The dashboard control panel was eminently user-friendly: A dial controls scrolling movements up and down such as surfing through radio stations, while buttons, located on four corners surrounding the knob, switched the user among various media. Leather seating was comfy, and outside noise, minimal.

If the Q5 needs some work, it's with the vehicle's get-up-and-go. Audi lists an impressive 243 pounds-feet of torque for the sport utility, but its pickup lagged. Actually, the vehicle moved more fluidly using the manual system, so perhaps an adjustment to the automatic's gearing would help.

Another question mark is the price, which can run halfway to six figures with all the perks.

Nonetheless, Audi clearly set itself apart with the Q5, a sleek, versatile and practical sport utility that's also fun to drive.