Audi A5 Sportback (2016 - ) Review

Audi have updated a lot of their model range with the A5 coupe seeing a complete refresh at the end of 2016 and they did the same with the slightly larger A5 and S5 Sportback. The A5 Cabriolet completed the refreshed lineup, so is the extra five-door practicality worth the money? Read on to find out.

There is a 2.0 TDI ultra diesel engine that comes with 190PS and 400Nm of torque, while the quattro version has a marginally quicker 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 146mph, both using a smooth, 7-speed S-tronic transmission.
For petrol lovers there is a 2.0 TFSI quattro which delivers 252PS, has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph and gets from 0-62mph in just 6 seconds, while the 2.0 TFSI produces 190PS and the 1.4 TFSI, 150PS.

The S5 sportback comes with a 3.0 TFSI petrol engine which has 343PS on tap with a stonking 500Nm of torque, which is 49Nm more than the previous version and all this power is delivered using a redeveloped 8-speed tiptronic transmission, which can be configured for a sportier drive.

With the weight of the A5 sportback reduced by up to 85 kilograms it adds to the agility of the model but it’s still quite a large, long car to throw into corners so it’s more likely to work better as a motorway cruiser rather than a sporty number…which is where the coupe is a better option.

Steering is light but feedback can feel a bit laboured at times so it’s not the all encompassing drive that we expect from Audi, that being said, the ride is very good and comfortable, even on less than perfect UK roads. It is a very enjoyable place to be.

The latest quattro system is available as standard on the S5 sportback so expect the gecko levels of grip as you push that model to its limits.

The new version of the A5 sportback has a very distinctive silhouette with its clamshell bonnet, low roofline, rimless windows and visual delights like the progressive indicators and optional matrix LED headlights which don’t dazzle other road users.
The S5 sportback adds side sills, aluminium mirrors, oval tailpipes and comes in a choice of 11 colours.
With a well insulated cabin there won’t be much engine, road or wind noise and the interior feels a very quiet, relaxed place to be on long drives.

Audi interiors exude a polished, premium look but they seem to lack that wow factor that so many of their rivals now have.

MMI Navigation Plus comes as standard and is displayed on the 7-inch colour display, along with media, phone and car settings that can be operated by voice control, the dial in the centre stack or by the touch system.

The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit is still disappointingly an option on the A5 sportback, which is a shame as the graphics are truly stunning and the different view modes really do enhance the driver experience.

It comes with 3-zone climate control and rear passengers can also operate it for their comfort too.

Heated seats come as standard, are adjustable in many configurations and provide plenty of support and comfort on long journeys.

It measures up to rivals with a 480 litre boot which increases to 1,300-litres with the rear bench seat folded flat but it does fall a little short of the BMW 3 series Gran Turismo which holds 520 litres.

An electronic tailgate comes as standard which is good if you’ve got your hands full and need to open it too.

There’s not huge amounts of interior space for items, the centre stack holds your morning takeaway latte at a push, but two drinks will need you to find room for the ashtray.

Four passengers will fit in easily, although the middle seat should only be used if you really need to. There’s plenty of head and leg room for all, plus it being five doors you don’t have to struggle getting in the rear.

The Audi A5 sportback costs from £31,940 for the 2.0 TDI Ultra 190PS SE version, with the powerful S5 sportback starting at £48,850.
With CO2 emissions as low as 108g/km for the 2.0 TDI Ultra Sport then it will cost £140 for the first year. The 3.0 TFSI lump in the S5 sportback emits 174g/km so will set you back £800.

Expect combined MPG figures to be in the sixties for the diesel engines with mid forties for the 2.0 petrol, and mid thirties for the S5.

Residual values look to be good too retaining 42% of its value after three years/60,000 miles for the A5 sportback 2.0 TDI ultra model.

If you’re looking for high levels of quality then you can’t go wrong with anything from the Audi range, the A5 sportback features that just perfect soft-touch leather, alcantara and the carbon inlays in the S5 are very smart.

As the Audi A5 is new from the bottom up it’s a bit too early to say how it will fare with reliability, but with major improvements from the manufacturer in this area then signs are good for this model.

The A4 and A5 are based on the same platform so in the Euro NCAP tests it scored the full five stars with 89% for adult occupant protection and 87% for a child.

It comes with six airbags, isofix points, seatbelt monitoring and a variable restraint system.

A bonus with the A5 sportback is that it comes loaded with driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, parking assist with 360 degree cameras and Audi’s active lane assist, pre-sense front and pre-sense city warning systems.