• Fewer engine options than the A4 it’s based on
• Diesels and petrols are all 2.0 litres
• All versions capable, but not as rewarding as BMW

Petrol engines

The A5 Sportback receives the more powerful engines from the A4 range and as a result, even the slowest 35 TFSI model gets to 62mph in less than 9.0 seconds. The 40 TFSI knocks a second off that, with the 45 TFSI taking another half second off that. Go for an automatic model and this drops a little more, while the all-wheel drive version cuts that to will get you there even quicker, with barely any wheelspin as power goes to all four tyres.

As all engines aside from the entry-level 150hp petrol are available with Quattro all-wheel drive – the more powerful models including it as standard – the Sportback has no problem transmitting its power to the road.

Diesel engines

The TDI diesel line-up really suits the character of the A5 Sportback with strong in-gear acceleration and relaxing punch that means you make swift progress without expending much effort. There’s the choice of 35 and 40 TDIs with between 163 and 204hp – and both are great all-rounders, blending running costs with plenty of pace.

Of the two, the more powerful version is worth paying the premium for because although it’s significantly quicker than the entry-level diesel there isn’t a penalty to be paid at the pumps. The small fuel tank does impact the range though, so although it’s well suited to long-distance touring you’ll make more frequent fuel stops than you might expect.

High performance engines

The S5 Sportback is unusual for being powered by a turbocharged 349hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. It’s enough to sprint from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 155mph.

The RS5 Sportback is another level. It gets a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 TFSI petrol that has been tuned to produce 450hp. Like the S5, the gearbox is the traditional-technology eight-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual override. It also features torque-sensing Quattro four-wheel drive. Performance on the RS5 is intoxicating, with 0-62mph dispatched in 3.9 seconds.

What’s it like to drive?

• Bags of traction from Quattro models
• Ride comfort benefits from adaptive dampers
• Majors on speed rather than fun

Whether you go for a two- or four-wheel drive version, the A5 Sportback feels safe and secure on the road. The steering is direct and provides a reasonable feeling of control, proving light enough for easy manoeuvring, while weighing up nicely at speed. Yes, it doesn’t have BMW levels of precision or feedback, but it’s more than adequate for the car’s sporting pretentions.

Go for a front-wheel drive diesel and the Sportback offers plenty of grip in the bends, though the all-wheel drive petrol we drove felt like it rolled more in the corners, offering less confidence in the level of grip available. Cornering is confidence inspiring with ample grip, and low levels of bodyroll, backing up the car’s sporting looks and image. Again, if you want to enjoy a more enjoyable drive, go for a BMW 4 Series, but the Audi really isn’t that far behind.

In terms of ride comfort, even without adaptive dampers and on 18-inch wheels, the A5 rides more smoothly than Audis of old, with only really rough roads unsettling it unduly. We also tried a 2.0-litre diesel with Quattro and the £600 optional Damper Control suspension, and that improves things even more – this model felt very planted around bends, absorbing bumps without being thrown off course despite the large 19-inch alloy wheels fitted to our test car.

The S5 and RS5 Sportbacks prove sharper still, with total traction from the all-wheel drive system and very sensitive steering at lower speeds in our test car, which was fitted with the £950 Dynamic Steering option and Damper Control – in this case £900. Use the full power of the engine, however, and the car feels soft, with the suspension allowing a little too much roll in turns to satisfy faster drivers.