Audi A5 Sportback test drive | New car reviews 2020 – The Car Expert

The A5 Sportback is a barely extra sensible, barely extra passenger-friendly model of Audi’s standard A5 coupé. In a unending quest to fill in any blanks left between fashions, the A5 Sportback slots in between the A4 saloon and the A6 saloon, offering drivers with the smooth seems to be of a coupé however with the spaciousness of a saloon. That’s the concept, anyway.

It’s been up to date this 12 months and the automobile you see here’s a 2.0-litre petrol model within the standard S line trim. We’ve been behind the wheel to search out out what it’s like.

What’s new?

The 2020 updates are a comparatively refined mid-life refresh by Audi. Exterior modifications are minimal, although they do make a distinction. The headlights have been given a brand new design whereas there’s a further grille piece on the entrance – although we’ll get into the best way the automobile seems to be in additional element beneath.

Tools and expertise ranges have been bolstered too, whereas a clear petrol engine beats beneath the A5. On condition that diesel is the normal go-to alternative on this fleet-dominated phase, the fitment in a non-performance oriented mannequin jars considerably, however given the sweeping pattern in the direction of petrol and hybrid over diesel, it’s a transfer that may be understood.

How does it look?

The Audi A5 Sportback is a svelte, well-designed wanting fastback that does handle to encapsulate a few of the appeal of its coupé sibling. The rear doorways aren’t all that noticeable, whereas the raked roofline manages to disguise a few of the automobile’s size.

As we alluded to earlier, Audi has given the A5 fairly a refined elevate by way of design. The entrance bumper has been restyled, for example, whereas the three air vents situated above the grille mirror these discovered on the smaller A1 and the range-topping R8 supercar. As well as, LED headlights are actually normal throughout the board, and these give the automobile slightly extra visible presence too.

It’s a well-judged and premium-looking automobile, and one which actually seems to be good when out on the street. Is it probably the most thrilling automobile to have a look at? Most likely not. However for these after a automobile with some high-end presence then it’ll doubtless match the invoice.

What’s the spec like?

The extent of normal tools which accompanies the A5 Sportback is beneficiant, to say the least. And whereas it won’t boast the very newest widescreen infotainment setup that you just’ll discover within the newest A6 and A7, the pop-out-style show is greater than satisfactory. It now measures ten inches and accompanies the 12-inch digital cockpit show forward of the driving force. The infotainment setup is now normal no matter trim stage – it’s not an elective additional for this or every other A5.

Earlier than any extras, an A5 Sportback 40 TFSI S line begins off at £40,575, which suggests you’re already into the upper street tax bandings. Along with that, our check automobile carried elective extras comparable to a head-up show (£1,025) and a panoramic sunroof (£1,400), in addition to a driver help bundle that brings a spread of lively security options (£2,700), to bump its worth as much as £48,275. Whilst you do get a number of equipment for that cash, it does additionally imply that you’re beginning to rub shoulders with some severe government vehicles within the subsequent tier up, just like the BMW 5 Collection, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi’s personal A6.

By way of security, the A5 Sportback is effectively geared up – even with out our automobile’s elective driver help bundle. The A5 Sportback and coupé fashions share their Euro NCAP security ranking with the A4 household, since they’re all structurally a lot the identical underneath the sheet steel. The A4 was awarded a five-star ranking again in 2015, and this rating was confirmed ealier this 12 months for the facelifted mannequin seen right here.

What’s it like inside?

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In typical Audi vogue, the cabin of the A5 Sportback is an space helped no finish by the inclusion of loads of high-quality supplies, that are in flip met by exceptionally robust construct high quality. Although there are one or two cheaper plastics decrease down the cabin, by and huge it’s an space which is resoundingly effectively made and effectively completed.

There’s loads of area, too. These sitting up entrance have a vibrant and ethereal space to take pleasure in, whereas these within the again have loads of room to stretch out. The A5 is technically a five-seater, however three abreast within the rear of the automobile will doubtless show a squeeze for many. Its boot area can also be good at 465 litres with the again seats in place, however decrease them and – due to the hatchback design – there’s a powerful quantity of baggage room to play with.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

This specific A5 has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine beating away underneath the bonnet, producing 190hp and 320Nm of torque. Despatched to the entrance wheels, on this occasion, by way of a seven-speed computerized gearbox, it makes for a 0-60mph time of seven.2 seconds, whereas all in it’ll handle a wholesome 150mph.

On the subject of financial system, Audi claims 39.8mpg for this S line variant, whereas emissions stand at 161g/km of CO₂. In case you’re after probably the most fuel-sipping petrol A5, then you definitely’ll need the entry-level Sport model, which each cracks the 40mpg barrier whereas additionally providing decrease emissions thanks, partly, to a smaller wheel measurement.

What’s it wish to drive?

The Audi A5 Sportback is a automobile that isn’t tough to shortly and simply grow to be acquainted with. You get behind the well-sized and adjustable wheel, click on the gearstick into drive and also you’re off, wafting alongside, savouring the refinement and luxury that the automobile gives.

Audi’s long-running gearbox niggles stay, nonetheless. Request some further energy from the throttle – notably from a standing begin – and it’ll take a couple of moments longer than you’d count on for it to translate into ahead movement.

This isn’t a automobile which goads you into driving shortly or extra spiritedly, however quite invitations you to take issues at a considerably extra relaxed tempo. On the motorway – the place we count on the overwhelming majority of Sportbacks to spend a lot of the time – it feels comfortably at dwelling, with minimal street noise and refined suspension serving to to create a automobile which actually does breeze by way of the miles with minimal fuss.

Verdict

The Audi A5 Sportback is refined, premium-feeling and good to have a look at, which can little doubt assist it to search out favour with enterprise customers and long-distance drivers. This petrol-powered variant won’t be the obvious alternative, however its smoothness and calmness make it a genuinely believable choice with out an excessive amount of of a downturn in effectivity nor financial system.

The small updates to the general bundle made by Audi have actually elevated its enchantment even additional, making this A5 Sportback a resoundingly good choice within the government saloon phase.

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