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Audi A5 Sportback 2.0TDI 190 S Line S Tronic

Date: 16 February 2017   |   Author: Debbie Wood

Standard equipment: Automatic tailgate, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, three-zone climate control, Audi Drive Select, sat-nav (Sport and above), Apple CarPlay
Engines: Petrol: 252hp 2.0 Quattro Diesel: 190hp 2.0, 2.18hp 3.0
Trims: SE, Sport, S line
Transmissions: 7-speed auto

It's crazy to think that Audi had just 17 models in its line-up in 2001 when today there are a grand total of 49 cars to choose from.

Trying to ensure that every niche is filled to suit every driver's individual requirements has become something of a specialty for Audi and here is one of the firm's more bespoke offerings, the A5 Sportback.

First launched in 2009, this second-generation model arrived on UK shores last month boasting more technology, sportier driving dynamics and greater practicality than ever before - but is it a worthy entry to user-chooser lists?

Improved running costs

Thanks to a weight loss of up to 85kg, fuel economy in the new A5 Sportback has been improved by as much as 22% while CO2 emissions have fallen by a maximum of 17%.

Under the bonnet of our test car is the firm's 2.0-litre TDI diesel, which offers some impressive figures of 190hp and 400Nm of torque, a combined fuel economy of 68.9mpg, and CO2 emissions from 106g/km. Our car comes equipped with upgraded 18-inch alloys, which pushes CO2 up to 112g/km and drops fuel economy to 65.7mpg.

The powerful diesel makes easy work of getting up to speed. Officially, 0-62mph takes 7.9 seconds, while the quick and responsive steering proves excellent in the corners.

Inside

It lacks some of the driver engagement found in the BMW, but comfort levels impress, and the engine is quiet and refined at cruising speeds, with a lack of road and wind noise entering the cabin.

In S line trim the suspension is lowered further by 20mm, which makes the car feel sportier and more engaging behind the wheel. This comes at the expense of ride quality, though, which is a little on the firm side - especially if you upgrade to 19-inch alloys. If your budget can stretch we'd recommend considering the adaptive suspension, which eradicates much of this issue.

S line luxuries

You can choose the A5 Sportback in the familiar three trim line-up: SE, Sport and S line. Here we're testing the latter and the car comes loaded with standard equipment. Among the highlights are LED headlights, sat-nav and sports seats, as well as the heated front seats, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and three-zone climate control available on all cars.

Interior quality is superb and the infotainment system proved easy to use and navigate around thanks to the rotary dial touchpad. We're also particular fans of the LED lights that adapt automatically to the weather conditions.  

Now 21mm longer, 5mm lower and 9mm narrower, the car not only looks more sporty than before, but also offers more legroom too, which is especially noticeable to those in the rear. Boot space remains the same as the previous car at 480 litres, matching its main rival the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Rear

And that's not the end of the good news either: a residual values of 42.7% beats the comparable 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and whole-life costs of 72.3p per mile betters both rivals too.

Technically a hatchback but closer to a coupe in looks, the A5 Sportback is something of an oddity. But different doesn't mean bad - far from it.

Its beautiful looks, economical engines and luxurious cabin are just some of the reasons we think the A5 Sportback should be offered as a credible alternative to its popular A4 sibling - you've just got to be prepared to pay for that extra style.

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0TDI 190 S Line S Tronic

P11D Price: £38,075
On sale: January 2017
Residual value: 42.7%
Fuel: £5,078
Service, maintenance & repair: £2,874
Cost per mile: 72.3p
Fuel consumption: 65.7 mpg
CO2 (BIK Band): 65.7g/km (22%)
BIK 20/40% per month: £140/£279
Boot space: 480 litres
Engine size/power: 1,968cc/190hp

Verdict


8/10
  • Elegant looks
  • Superb interior quality
  • Low running costs
  • Strong residual values
  • Standard kit could be better
  • Expensive over more sensible A4

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