Audi A5 Sportback 2021 In-Depth Review - More Sophisticated & Desirable

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When it comes to prestigiously-badged compact executive German cars, traditional thinking suggests that estates are fine but five-door hatchbacks aren't. Audi however, hasn't made it to the top of the pile by traditional thinking and their second generation A5 Sportback continues to turn such thinking on its head, with coupe styling married to a couple of rear passenger doors and hatchback practicality.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:46 Background
03:42 Driving Experience
15:37 Design & Build
31:19 Market & Model Range
55:29 Cost of Ownership
01:08:22 Summary

Background

Back in 2010, the original version of Audi's A5 Sportback was the first hatchback in the compact executive segment, the area of the market dominated by models like Audi's A4, BMW's 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class. Previously, we'd seen estates in this sector, but never a hatch. The A5 Sportback changed that - and was so successful that BMW was forced to copy its concept with subsequent 3 Series Gran Turismo and 4 Series Gran Coupe models. Audi though, reckons that the original is still the best and aims to underline that perspective with the second generation version we look at here.

Like the MK2 model A5 Coupe which shares this car's underpinnings and engineware, this Sportback is sharper-looking, more efficient and lighter than its predecessor. It's also much better equipped and more technologically advanced. Time to check it out in a little more detail.

Driving Experience

You'd think, when it came to driving dynamics, that this A5 Sportback would be starting out with a disadvantage over its BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe arch-rival. Its front-driven layout will, after all, never reward an enthusiast in quite the same way as that rear-driven BMW. But in originally developing this car, Audi was convinced that it could be made to feel almost as good. To prove the point, three different suspension systems are being offered, two of them passive and one featuring adaptive damping. Whatever your choice, you'll find the set-up firmer than it would be in an equivalent A4 saloon.

Under the bonnet, a range of 2.0-litre TFSI petrol and TDI diesel MHEV engines has a familiar look. Petrol people get either a front-driven 190PS 40 TFSI or a 245PS quattro 45 TFSI. Both are quick; even the 40 TFSI manages 62mph in just 7.5s en route to 130mph. The 45 TFSI improves that to 6s and 155mph. Diesel drivers choose between a front-driven 163PS 35 TDI. Or a quattro 190PS 40 TDI variant. The 40 TDI makes 62mph in 7.6s en route to 130mph. The S5 TDI six cylinder model, now diesel-engined and offering 347PS, uses a 48-volt MHEV electrical system, an 8-speed tiptronic auto and of course have quattro 4WD. The top RS5 Sportback uses a 450PS 2.9-litre petrol V6.

Design and Build

Audi designers have brought together dramatic shapes and taut surfaces to update this A5 Sportback, creating a familiar yet very contemporary silhouette for the five-door coupe design that retains the original's handsome good looks. The stretched wheelbase, short overhangs and long, wraparound bonnet featuring a power dome emphasise the sporty silhouette. The Singleframe honeycomb grille is wider and flatter, and above it ventilation slits reference the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. A bold blade forms the lower edge of the bumper, which features larger air inlets. A new sill provides for a slimmer appearance when viewed from the side, while at the rear a diffuser insert with trapezoidal tailpipes makes the car appear wider. In profile, the wave-pattern shoulder line is a key contributor to the A5 Sportback's elegant stance.

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