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New Audi A5 Sportback
Audi A5 Sportback.
- Audi A4 sedan first drive review
Audi has given its A5 Coupe, Convertible and Sportback early Christmas presents.
New Quattro drivelines for the premium trio have followed similar changes to the A4, which include extra power for 2.0 litre petrol models and new hardware for its diesel sibling.
Audi says the front-wheel-drive A5 2.0 TDI with its multitronic continuously variable transmission is now only available through special order, replaced in effect by a new 2.0 TDI Quattro model equipped with a dual clutch transmission.
The A5 line currently consists of a bewildering 22 models ranging from the $64,200 1.8 TFSI coupe to the $146,000 S5 Cabriolet, with the sweet spot of the range arriving in the form of four cars available for $75,900 plus on road costs.
The Quattro quartet gives drivers the choice of an A5 in either Coupe or Sportback form with a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engine under the bonnet.
The petrol motor has gained 10kW for a new total of 165kW and 350Nm that outguns the diesel’s 130kW and 380Nm outputs.
The diesel uses less fuel, sipping 5.3L/100km compared to the petrol variant’s 6.7L/100km.
Keen drivers will be happy to learn that the diesel’s CVT has been swapped for a dual-clutch transmission that works as a crisp companion for the grunty engine. Shift paddles help control freaks tap into torque reserves, and the new Quattro driveline gives it plenty of grip in the wet and dry.
We drove the diesel A5 Sportback on winding country roads where the car performed well on tarmac and gravel.
The five-door felt surefooted in all conditions, with responsive steering and a low centre of gravity that could make some buyers reconsider larger SUVs.
Audi’s $75,900 sticker represents $5000 in savings compared to the previous model A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro, while additional equipment including a standard reversing camera adds to the value.
Other models have benefited from the running changes, with three-zone climate control and a colour driver’s display for the entry-level, $64,200 1.8-litre model.
