What is it?
The A5 has been a core part of Audi’s line-up for some time now, providing a sleek-looking alternative to the more regular A4. Despite the two sharing the same platform, the A5 has always felt like the sportier of the two, yet the introduction of a Sportback version, with its rear doors and larger boot, meant that there wasn’t much of a penalty in terms of practicality either.
But what else does the A5 have to offer and is this Sportback version any good? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
The A5 Sportback was given a pretty recent mid-life refresh by Audi, bringing a series of tweaks and changes to help keep this car looking sharp. So the headlights have been given a new design while the grille has been slightly modified - though it’s still pretty large.
The amount of standard equipment has been boosted too, while efficient petrol and diesel engines remain available across the range.
What’s under the bonnet?
As mentioned, you’ve got a great choice of engines available throughout the A5 range, with diesels no doubt being the go-to option for long-distance drivers. However, the one we’re looking at incorporates a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 188bhp and 320Nm of torque, equating to a 0-60mph time of 7.2 seconds.
Where efficiency is concerned, Audi claims that this model will return a respectable 39.8mpg, while CO2 emissions are decent too at 161g/km. Remember that opting for versions with larger alloy wheels will dent efficiency slightly.
What’s it like to drive?
Ease-of-use is what the A5 Sportback is all about - this isn’t a car that feels particularly alien or intimidating when you’re behind the wheel for the first time. It’s a refined car, that’s for sure, and one which is at home when cruising at motorway speeds where its lack of wind and engine noise makes for a really relaxing experience.
It’s better, too, when driven at a more relaxed pace. Though it’ll quite happily handle twisty sections of road, it feels more comfortable travelling down flowing corners instead.
How does it look?
The A5 Sportback encapsulates a lot of Audi’s traditional design touches and combines them into one good-looking model. Its raked roofline gives it that stereotypical coupe silhouette, yet the additional doors on the Sportback means there’s no practicality drawback because of this.
The front bumper has been restyled, while there are a trio of air vents above the grille which mirror those incorporated into cars like the R8 and A1.
What’s it like inside?
As you might expect from an Audi model, the interior of the A5 is finished to a very high standard with plenty of good-quality materials used throughout the cabin. There are a few harsher plastics lower down the cabin, but this is pretty commonplace across the segment as a whole.
Even though the A5 Sportback is technically a five-seater, three people may feel a bit snug sitting in the back, though two will be able to sit in comfort. In terms of boot space, there’s a very respectable 465 litres on offer.
What’s the spec like?
Audi is very generous with the standard equipment which is aboard the A5 Sportback. So, for example, you get a 10.1-inch infotainment screen which is both clear and easy to use, while the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit ahead of the driver is just as good to look at as it is in other Audi models.
This screen setup is now included regardless of trim level, too, though as with almost all Audi models you can quickly ramp up the A5’s price with the optional extras list.
Verdict
The A5 is an example of what Audi does best. It’s refined, comfortable and great to look at, while its interior is finished to the kind of level that you’d expect from a premium model like this.
A good number of engines means there’s something for most drivers, though it feels as if the A5 will be a particularly good option for those who spend a lot of time on the motorway.