Audi A5 Sportback launches as five-door coupe alternative
Audi expands the A5 line-up with the Sportback, offering five doors, a spacious interior and a range of efficient engines, with sales beginning from €33,650.
Audi has added the A5 Sportback to its range, positioning the new five-door model as a blend of coupe styling, saloon comfort and estate practicality. Sales started in July 2009, with prices from €33,650. Audi plans to introduce a lower-priced entry-level model in 2010.
The A5 Sportback sits alongside the existing A5 Coupé and Cabriolet, but adds a longer, flowing rear end with a large tailgate. The model is aimed at buyers who want the appearance of a coupe but need easier rear access and more luggage space than the two-door version provides. Audi quotes a luggage compartment of 480 litres, almost matching the A4 Avant, and up to 980 litres with the rear seats folded.
Rear seat passengers benefit from increased leg and shoulder room compared to the A5 Coupé, thanks to the 2,810mm wheelbase. The Sportback’s dimensions are 4,711mm long, 1,854mm wide and 1,391mm high, making it only slightly shorter than the A4 saloon.
Engine range and efficiency features
At launch, Audi offers three petrol and three diesel engines for the A5 Sportback. The petrol line-up includes two versions of the 2.0-litre TFSI (132kW/180hp and 155kW/211hp) and a 3.2-litre V6 producing 195kW (265hp). All feature direct injection and Audi’s valvelift system, which adjusts valve lift for improved performance and economy. Petrol models are paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
Diesel options start with the 2.0 TDI (125kW/170hp), which achieves an average consumption of 5.2 litres per 100km. The 2.7 TDI offers 140kW (190hp), while the range-topping 3.0 TDI delivers 176kW (240hp) and is also available with the S tronic gearbox. All engines comply with Euro 5 emissions standards and include a recuperation system to recover energy during braking and deceleration.
- 2.0 TFSI: 132kW (180hp) or 155kW (211hp)
- 3.2 V6 FSI: 195kW (265hp)
- 2.0 TDI: 125kW (170hp), 5.2l/100km
- 2.7 TDI: 140kW (190hp)
- 3.0 TDI: 176kW (240hp), S tronic
Manual transmission models feature a gear-change indicator for efficiency, and 2.0-litre manual versions come with Audi’s start-stop system as standard. This shuts down the engine when stationary to save fuel, restarting automatically when needed.
Design and equipment highlights
The A5 Sportback features a sharply tapered rear with integrated spoiler lip and a large hatch, combining coupe lines with practical access. LED lighting technology is used throughout, including a third brake light formed by 24 diodes in a narrow strip at the top of the rear window. Buyers can choose from 15 exterior paint colours, including three solid and twelve effect finishes.
