The recent facelift to the ever-popular Audi A4 brought a host of changes, most notably to the exterior design, cabin equipment and the drivetrain. And of course, alongside the updated A4 comes the updated A5 range, offering drivers something a little bit different. 

So, pining after the practicality and utility of an A4, but with an added touch of style and character? Then this car is what you need - the facelifted Audi A5 Sportback. 

Shine bright
Let's get one thing out of the way - the A5 Sportback looks fantastic. With its sharp nose pointed decidedly towards the ground, fronted by the Singleframe honeycomb grille, the A5 Sportback has ample road presence and visual appeal. Sidle on along the sharp lines across the car's flank and to the rear, and there's a diffuser insert with trapezoidal tailpipes that make the back of the A5 look wider. This handsome, athletic-looking car is one that you definitely won't get tired of looking at. 

Enter the cabin and it's immediately familiar - it looks, feels and smells like an Audi. So, build quality is top-notch, equipment is comprehensive and futuristic-looking, and the cabin delivers an immediate sense of quality. 

A key change in this facelift is the new MMI touch system, featuring a 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback. However, we still did wish that Audi hadn't made the decision to ditch the rotary button. While this new layout is understandably cleaner-looking, reaching out and touching the screen while driving isn't the most convenient thing to do. On the plus side, the newly created cubby hole is great for storing your mask. 

You also now get a full-HD 12.3-inch virtual cockpit through which you can utilise the updated navigation system, among a host of other displayable information. 

The raked roofline of the A5 Coupe does compromise rear cabin space slightly. I'm 1.71m short and sitting in the rear seats, my (un-gelled) hair is already grazing the roofliner. So yes, it'll fit normal-sized adults adequately, but over long distances your rear passengers may feel a little cramped. 

Feeling light

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre engine that produces 148bhp and 270Nm of torque, but it actually doesn't feel that 'little'. Acceleration is brisk, and the rev-willing engine powers you up to highway speeds quite easily. The car is also quite light on its feet, and handles with accuracy and confidence. 

The powertrain features a mild hybrid system integrated into the 12V electrical system. This allows the A5 to coast with the engine completely switched off between 55km/h and 160km/h, though this happens on rare and specific instances. Audi says this helps to reduce fuel consumption slightly, but don't expect miracles. We managed 11.2km/L during our four days with it.

The A5 also excels when it comes to driving comfort. The steering is well-weighted and accurate, and the suspension very well-damped. Bumps in the road are soaked up well, but the suspension never feels too soft or floaty.

Sharp and right

Understandably, the A4 and A5 (in this five-door Sportback guise) are functionally quite similar. The A5 Sportback delivers a sharpened sense of style and personality without significantly compromising utility and practicality (compared to say the three-door Coupe). 

While the A4 will still be the staple choice for most buyers, the A5 Sportback is definitely a worthy choice for buyers looking for something slightly different.

Want a better look of the A5 Sportback's sharp looks? We have just the thing for you, watch our video review here to get more on the car!