What We Like
Handsome looks
Modern and premium cabin
Punchy 2.0-litre engine with respectable real world fuel economy 12.2km/L
Style of a coupe combined with the space of a sedan
What We Dislike
$25,000 more expensive than the equivalent A4
Who doesn't like a coupe, eh? It looks good, it feels sporty, and it just screams cool. However, it invariably comes with some compromises - practicality, ease of use, and the occasional scolding from the missus. So somewhat inevitably, most people end up buying a sedan instead.
But what if you wanted the best of both worlds? Well, Audi thinks it's got the answer for you, in the form of the A5 Sportback. The Audi A5 Sportback has a lot of things going for it. It's handsome and stylish, it delivers fairly good amounts of practicality, and it provides a alternative to your traditional sedan.
The Audi A5 Sportback is an undoubtedly handsome carWhen we drove it last year, the car was powered by a 2.0-litre engine sending 252bhp and 370Nm of torque to all four wheels. Now, it's being offered with a different 2.0-litre engine, dubbed the 'ultra', which sends the power to the front wheels only.
That sounds familiar...
Yes, it's the same engine and powertrain combination featured in the A4 2.0 that we recently reviewed as well. We don't really want to dive into the technical details again, but it's basically a more efficient 2.0-litre engine that trades straight up power for better fuel economy, thanks to some innovative technologies.
The 2.0-litre engine churns out 188bhp and 320Nm of torqueThis 2.0-litre engine develops 188bhp and 320Nm of torque (the same as in the A4), which is more than sufficient power for everyday use. Cruising on the highway is easy and effortless, and overtaking other cars is done briskly and without drama.
As far as fuel economy goes, we managed to do about 12.2km/L in this car, which is by all accounts still a pretty agreeable figure.
So it's just a re-styled A4?
Well, technically you're not wrong. Both cars are built on the same B9 platform, and are pretty similarly sized as well. The A5 is 7mm longer, 1mm wider and 41mm shorter, which of course means it's sleeker and sportier-looking. The A5 also has a 11mm longer wheelbase, but because of the sloping roof, the rear feels a tad more cramped than we would like.
As far as cabin quality is concerned, you really can't complain. The cabin is sleek and minimalist in design whilst still being entirely comfortable and easy to use.
But what if you wanted the best of both worlds? Well, Audi thinks it's got the answer for you, in the form of the A5 Sportback. The Audi A5 Sportback has a lot of things going for it. It's handsome and stylish, it delivers fairly good amounts of practicality, and it provides a alternative to your traditional sedan.
That sounds familiar...
Yes, it's the same engine and powertrain combination featured in the A4 2.0 that we recently reviewed as well. We don't really want to dive into the technical details again, but it's basically a more efficient 2.0-litre engine that trades straight up power for better fuel economy, thanks to some innovative technologies.
As far as fuel economy goes, we managed to do about 12.2km/L in this car, which is by all accounts still a pretty agreeable figure.
So it's just a re-styled A4?
Well, technically you're not wrong. Both cars are built on the same B9 platform, and are pretty similarly sized as well. The A5 is 7mm longer, 1mm wider and 41mm shorter, which of course means it's sleeker and sportier-looking. The A5 also has a 11mm longer wheelbase, but because of the sloping roof, the rear feels a tad more cramped than we would like.
As far as cabin quality is concerned, you really can't complain. The cabin is sleek and minimalist in design whilst still being entirely comfortable and easy to use.
So it's sportier to drive than an A4?
In spite of the styling, the A5 and the A4 drive pretty much the same, though the A5 feels a tad stiffer in its suspension setup. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. The A5 is sure-footed and well-damped, resisting body roll well, and there's ample amounts of grip.
However, it's not particularly involving or exciting. There's neither much feel through your hands or your butt. If you're really looking for driving thrills and more tactile sensations, you're better off with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe instead.
The liftback opens up to a very useable 480-litres of boot space
What's the difference then?
Well, ultimately it's the styling. Having driven both the A4 and the A5 one after the other, there are much more similarities than there are differences.
The cars are similarly sized, and the cabins are effectively copies of one another. One difference is that the A5 Sportback rides on more appropriately sized 18-inch rims, compared to the 16-inch rims on the A4. Other differences? The colour, if you really must.
Comfortable to drive and easy to live with, the Audi A5 Sportback is a stylish choice if you want to stand out from the sedan crowdThe A5 Sportback that you see here is a pleasant car to drive, and stylish to look at. It sips lighter on petrol as well, so that's always a plus. Of course, the A4 Sedan is always going to be the more conventional choice. The A5 Sportback, on the other hand, is a great alternative for someone who wants something a bit more stylish and more interesting to look at.
If you desire a stylish coupe but still need all the practicality of a sedan, this A5 Sportback will certainly cover both bases abundantly.
In spite of the styling, the A5 and the A4 drive pretty much the same, though the A5 feels a tad stiffer in its suspension setup. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. The A5 is sure-footed and well-damped, resisting body roll well, and there's ample amounts of grip.
However, it's not particularly involving or exciting. There's neither much feel through your hands or your butt. If you're really looking for driving thrills and more tactile sensations, you're better off with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe instead.
What's the difference then?
Well, ultimately it's the styling. Having driven both the A4 and the A5 one after the other, there are much more similarities than there are differences.
The cars are similarly sized, and the cabins are effectively copies of one another. One difference is that the A5 Sportback rides on more appropriately sized 18-inch rims, compared to the 16-inch rims on the A4. Other differences? The colour, if you really must.
If you desire a stylish coupe but still need all the practicality of a sedan, this A5 Sportback will certainly cover both bases abundantly.
