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Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line

Four-door coupe gets styling tweaks, smoother ride and a cleaner engine

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line front tracking

Text: Steve Fowler / Photos: Matt Vosper

December 2011

If the goal of a facelift is to give a new lease of life, then Audi might just have come up trumps with the revamped-for-2012 A5.

Other than some stunningly-styled LED driving lamps and equally striking light graphics at the back, the visual changes to the A5 are of the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it variety. We’re told the bumpers, grille and bonnet have been changed, too, but we struggled to tell the difference. The A5 remains a great looking car, though.

Inside, the few tweaks to the materials are hardly noticeable, either. The quality is still strong, but BMW’s new 3 Series has the edge. However, the 3 Series isn’t available (yet) as a five-door coupe like the A5 Sportback, while the 3 Coupe is a four-seater only – new to the Audi is a three-seat rear bench, for an extra £250.

That may add a great deal more practicality to the A5, but the middle passenger will have to sit with knees together and feet apart due to the (unused in front-wheel-drive cars) transmission tunnel. That aside, the rear is surprisingly practical with adequate head and leg space, while the boot is long, but shallow.

The biggest changes are to the ride (good) and the steering (not so good). Suspension tweaks have softened the previously over-firm ride to a level that’s much more acceptable; comfy even. Our A5 had the twin peril of S line sports suspension and 19-inch wheels, yet still rode reasonably well over the worst lumps and potholes.

The new, eco-friendly electromechanical steering may save fuel, but it feels more detached than before and a bit artificial. Grip levels are high, but the A5 doesn’t feel as sporty as a 3 Series – you’re more likely to get your kicks admiring those flowing lines. 

The updated 2.0-litre diesel is more frugal, too, now claiming a useful 60mpg and tax-friendly 120g/km of CO2. The upgrades have had more to do with 
economy than performance, but the engine is lively enough; power is delivered smoothly and it’s quiet on the move. Helping with economy and emissions is the standard stop-start, which is one of the least intrusive systems we’ve encountered.

At £31,250, the A5 Sportback is reasonably priced and there’s a decent smattering of standard kit, too: a quality stereo, Bluetooth, climate control and leather seats, plus the S line’s smart alloy wheels, sporty exterior styling bits and posher interior trim.

For an alternative review of the latest Audi A5 Sportback visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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10 Comments

Its not a Coupe

Its no more a coupe than a Mondeo or Insignia are, its a 5 door hatchback, which Audi produce, call a coupe and charge you extra for the privilege, and they dont even have the decency to fit a rear wiper.

By Shaun34 on 31 December, 2011, 10:41am

Why ?

Cannot understand why Audi has another sportback out is the A4 and A3 getting one too. Far too many options and can you double the price of this one with the options list ?

By Scottishdriver666 on 31 December, 2011, 10:51am

Same Old

How come four stars for something with "reasonable steering"

Its an Audi, so AE default to top scoring...

Its a pontless car in a nonexistant niche, just an excuse for Audi to charge more for another A4 lookalike

By Richard_H on 31 December, 2011, 6:39pm

AUTOEXPRESS THE ADVERTISING DEPT; OF THE VAG GROUP !

AUTOEXPRESS THE ADVERTISING DEPT; OF THE VAG GROUP !

By BEREAL on 1 January, 2012, 1:20am

What Recession

Non stop tweaking and endless gizmos creating cars who's costs to buy are simply astronomical! Who can afford all these constant new models? Why do magazines keep talking as if these cars are actually run of the mill affordable!

By littledude on 1 January, 2012, 6:06pm

lockjaw from yawning

the one consolation is it stops me from laughing myself to death. when o when is this laughable nonsense from audi really going to stop, more importantly, when are you 'journalists' going to stop getting sucked into it, with huge free advertising for them. waken up and smell the roses lads, and really cop yourselves on and rid us of this utter bullsh-t.

By brendan on 2 January, 2012, 4:25pm

info please

what is the color i mean the exact color of this model?
thanks

By namir on 3 January, 2012, 10:35pm

evo review says the real story

Go to evo for a more honest review of this car. They don't say "negative" "negative" "negative" and then give it a 4 star. Anything with numb steering doesn't deserve a 4 star.

By PAAdam on 4 January, 2012, 6:47am

@namir

Hi @namir, the paint colour is called Monsoon Grey. Did you need any more details?

Thanks,
Auto Express

By Rhian on 4 January, 2012, 1:06pm

happy new year autoexpress

thank you very much , i had to translate : i think it is "gris mousson" in french

By namir on 6 January, 2012, 3:35am

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Pictures

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line front tracking
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line rear tracking
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line dash
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line badge
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line panning
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line rear seats
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line detail
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line boot

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FIRST OPINION

    An effective facelift that mildly tweaks the A5’s great looks and successfully addresses its few weaknesses. Ride quality is no longer the problem it was – the A5 is now comfortable even in sporty S line trim – while improved engine efficiency is always welcome. What’s more, a new three-seater rear bench increases the Sportback’s appeal for anyone who wants a stylish car that has to take care of family duties, too.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £31,250
    Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Power/torque: 179bhp/380Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 8.5 seconds
    Top speed: 142mph
    Econ/CO2: 60.1mpg/120g/km
    Equipment: Bluetooth, climate control, leather seats, bodykit
    On sale: Now
     
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