Audi A5 Sportback

The A5 Sportback gets a lot of great reviews. It’s virtually the same as the A5 Coupe but it is more practical thanks to two extra doors. Critics are fairly positive about it, with no one calling it a bad car, but a couple being a little disappointed. There’s no denying that it’s one smart looking 5 door coupe.

Interior

The Sportback version of the A5 has much better space in the back than the equivalent coupe thanks to being slightly taller and longer. It also has a hatchback tailgate enabling it to carry more goods in the boot.

Just like all other Audis, quality is very impressive with soft touch plastics and a choice of aluminium, wood or Piano Black trim pieces. All cars get four seats as standard with Audi making you pay extra for a fifth seat.

Driving

Reviewers complained that this Audi isn’t very exciting to drive despite having the word ‘Sport’ in its name. The car does handle well but the numb steering and the fact you don’t have a choice of rear wheel drive mean that it’s not as engaging to drive as you think.

Some drivers may feel that they are a bit twisted behind the wheel because of the offset pedals and the ride is poor over rough surfaces especially if you choose an S-Line model and large alloy wheels. It’s a good motorway cruiser, though.

Engines

There’s a huge choice and all give good performance. Petrol choices are a 1.8 TFSI and a 2.0L TFSI with a 3.0 V6 TFSI in the S5. Diesels include an economical 2.0 TDI which the company car buyers will favour and V6 diesels. Experts also favour the 2.0 TDI because it’s the best all round package.

Value for money

It’s a jump in price from the A4 saloon to the A5 Sportback but the dashing good looks mean that it will hold its value much better. If you like lots of options then beware, as Audi charge a small fortune for them (a fifth seat costs over £200!)

Worth noting

If you really want a 4 door coupe but you find that the Audi is a bit expensive then consider its Volkswagen rival, the CC. It too will stand out in the car park and be as practical as the Passat on which it’s based, but costs much less to spec up than the Audi.

Conclusion

You might not see the point of the Audi A5 Sportback. It’s not as sporty to drive as the ‘Sport’ name suggests and it’s more expensive than a normal A4 saloon. Once you set your eyes on it though, you’ll wonder why the A4 Saloon and A5 coupe even exist.