Overview

It may have four-doors and look similar to the Audi A4 Saloon, but the Audi A5 Sportback is designed to be quite different.

For starters it’s actually a hatchback – giving it extra practicality – while there’s also more passenger space for those in the back. So why is it part of the A5 range?

Well, according to Audi, its coupe appearance is more in keeping with the sporty A5 line-up, plus it’s unique with few obvious alternatives.

It’s an ideal choice for those who need more versatility than a standard saloon like the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class, while a refined cabin make it great for long distance driving. As you’d expect from an Audi, build quality is superb while every engine in the line-up offers impressive performance and strong economy.

Hatchback practicality

While the Audi A5 may appear much like an Audi A4 saloon, the A5’s rear hatch lends it far more practicality.

The wide hatch entrance makes it ideal for loading large items and the boot is a generous size at 480 litres. Folding the rear seats is easy and they are divided 60/40, fold almost flat to the floor and leave a cargo bay of 980 litres that can cope with most demands.

A small lip form the load sill to the boot floor is present, but it’s not insurmountable for hefting in weightier items. With the boot in normal configuration, there’s a clever load cover built into the tailgate that keeps prying eyes away from any valuables in the boot.

Firm ride

Most drivers will find the ride quality in the Audi A5 Sportback on the firm side. It makes the Audi a little more tiring on longer journeys or for driving in town where it picks up on road imperfections its competitors dismiss with ease.

However, for others, the firm ride is a pay-off for the A5’s sporting good looks and decent handling. It enjoys excellent body control and responsive steering, though the steering does not offer the same feel or involvement as a BMW 3 Series’.

If you go for the S line model, it has firmer sports suspension, which may be too firm for most drivers.

So does this hatchback have what it takes to stand out from the crowd? Read on for our Audi A5 Sportback review to find out.