Audi S5 Sportback, A5 Review

  • Published On: 9 October 2017
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Audi’s latest generation of its mid-size four door coupe is as much about its performance as its looks.

Audi S5 Sportback and A5.
Smooth flowing lines of the Audi.
A5 and S5 posing.
Huge brakes for S5.
S5's alloy wheel design.
Swooping design.
Stunning rear-end on the Audi.
354 hp and 500Nm 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo V6 engine.
Audi's brilliant Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.
High quality materials on the inside.
Rear headroom is tight.
A5's alloy wheel design.
Audi S5 Sportback and A5.
Smooth flowing lines of the Audi.
A5 and S5 posing.
Huge brakes for S5.
S5's alloy wheel design.
Swooping design.
Stunning rear-end on the Audi.
354 hp and 500Nm 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo V6 engine.
Audi's brilliant Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.
High quality materials on the inside.
Rear headroom is tight.
A5's alloy wheel design.

On the outside

This version is essentially a flamboyant sibling to the A4. This new generation of the A5 has made its way to our market within a year of its international debut.

Any version of this new car, be it the S5, TDI or the A5 Sportback is a stunning looking automobile. The car has all the right proportions, with just the right amount and curves and edges. The frameless doors, rear windscreen and finely cut tail lights add to its overall appeal

The ‘sporty’ S5 model features quad exhausts, subtle use of a brushed aluminium finish at the front bumper, mirrors and rear diffuser. The car also features ‘S’ badging on the brake calipers behind it’s racy 5-spoke alloy wheels.

On the inside

While getting into the A5, one has to duck a bit to avoid contact with the car’s low roof. Once inside, the car, naturally, gives one the familiarity of being in an A4. The cabin is very well put together with high quality materials in typical Audi fashion. But, this familiar cabin is too business-like when compared to its stylish exterior design. The dashboard is shared with the A4 and could have done with some A5-exclusive touches. Audi’s sporty three spoke steering wheel does help add some more flair to the A5’s cabin though. The S5’s cabin with its aluminium trim made more of an impression than the unattractive black wood-trimmed A5.

The sloping roof means there is reduced headroom for passenger riding in the rear. Legroom in this new line of Audis is decent, however, if interior space is what you are looking for, opt for the A4. The A5 is not a vehicle to be purchased for its five-seater abilities. Both versions of the A5 Sportback come with Audi’s friendly MMI Touch infotainment system that features a touch pad. Also onboard is the wonderful Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, Audi’s smartphone integration suite with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car also features a large sunroof as part of the kit.

Under the hood

The A5’s 2-litre diesel makes 190hp and 400Nm, and this engine is right out of the A4’s 35 TDI. This motor is known to have top class refinement and muted diesel clatter, so much so that passengers could think they are driving in a petrol. The diesel motor is responsive and the car feels as light on its feet as the A4. This engine proves to be sufficient in the city but lacks the outright performance one would wish to have on the highway. Just like the A4, the A5 diesel engine’s power is sent only to the front wheels. The car has a numb feel to the steering and has hints of torque steer under hard acceleration. The car is a more of a cruiser than an all-out sports car; it also has the ride to be a good one at that.

The S5’s low speed ride quality is good and this is thanks to the German manufacturer’s decision to stick to smaller rims and taller tyres. The S5 felt well tied down and better damped than the regular A5, the car also felt more connected to the ground. The S5 was grippy and predictable but not electrifying, typical of most Audi sportscars.

The engine in the S5 makes 354hp and 500Nm helping the S5 build speed really quickly. The big sedan does 0-100kph in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its turbo V6 engine. The car has close to no lag and will leave one grinning all the way, and it makes a good noise while doing so too. Putting the car into Dynamic mode gets the quad exhausts to let out a deep rumble with timely crackles and pops, suiting the sporty S5’s styling.

Should I buy one?

If you aren’t looking for a car to be driven around in and can ignore the rear seat headroom and low seating, the A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI could be the luxury car you didn’t know you wanted. The car has good ride quality, pleasant diesel engine and high-quality cabin on offer. It will set you back ₹54.02 lakh, ex-showroom, India.  If you do have a bigger budget, we would recommend you go for the S5 (₹70.60 lakh). This version provides the powertrain and the noise to match the Sportback body style’s show.

Author: Droom

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