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Audi stays ahead with A5 Sportback - Audi A5 Car Review

Review

Added: 02 Nov 2009
Last update: 24 Dec 2009

AUDI'S huge range of classy cars seem to change almost every month offering new models to its fans.

And sales of the German cars in the UK continue to hold steady when other manufacturers are still suffering from the effects of the recession.

One of the latest models is the sleek and sexy A5 Sportback - now with stop/start technology to improve economy and cut emissions

Its coupe shape with the emphasis on sweeping curves gives the Sportback a distinctive look and with its longer wheelbase it offers even more boot space offering 480 litres which is almost as much as the estate A4 Avant.

Fold the rear seat backs and this increases the load capacity to a very useful 980 litres which will suit the family motorist.

It also sits closer to the tarmac which increases its sporty stance on the road.

Viewed from the front and back it is still definitely an Audi, with its aggressive front grille and LED daytime running front and rear lights.

The Sportback is based on the A5 coupe but its wheelbase is 86mm longer and has a wider wheelbase allowing for additional interior leg and shoulder room inside.

There's plenty of legroom in the back, but this is strictly a four-seater. The rear seats are separated by a central armrest.

The Sportback I tried was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine which produces a useful 170bhp.

I found it more than adequate with good pulling power and nippy acceleration.

Top speed is claimed to be 142mph and its sprint time from rest to 62mph is 8.7 seconds.

The A5 Sportback, with six-speed manual gearchange, is claimed to return around 54mpg on a combined run and CO2 emissions are low at 137g/km.

This latest Audi also has a stop-start function for greater fuel and CO2, which cuts the engine when it comes to a halt and restarts immediately the clutch is depressed.

On the road the Sportback, like all Audis, gave a comfortable and confident drive with excellent road-holding and very little road, engine or wind noise.

Build quality is of the highest order with comfortable seating and a good driving position.

The SE model, which costs £26,400, comes with a good range of equipment, including 17-inch alloys, space-saver wheel, CD with MP3, six airbags, alarm and immobilizer, climate control, rear parking sensor, automatic headlights and rain sensor, three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, electric windows, remote locking, rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, anti-locking brakes, electronic stability programme, front and rear fog lights and twin exhaust pipes.

I think this is a quality motor offering classy looks, generous space, good performance and economical fuel consumption.

Audi seems to stay ahead of the game and the all-new Sportback will help to keep it there.

Words: Stewart Smith

Keywords: audi, a5-sportback


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