Audi A5 S Line 2.0 TDI

Is the A5 an Audi with an identity crisis? Without an established bloodline, the coupé occupies the middle ground between the A4 and A6 saloons, yet doesn’t have the looks to establish itself as a standalone model.

That hasn’t stopped it from carving its own niche in the market, though. Accurate creases and sharp lines give the A5 a business-like appearance, but it can’t match the character of the Renault. However, few can deny its cutting-edge desirability. Designers have been similarly cautious inside the cabin.

The dash is a masterclass in high-quality precision, but it offers very little to differentiate itself from the A4 saloon. In fact, only when you glance over your shoulder at the sloping rear are you reminded that you’re not driving a conventional four-door.

Like the Laguna, the A5 doesn’t demand too great a practicality compromise. The rear seats of the Audi are more suited to carrying children than tall adults, but both cars are credible four-seaters. It’s the A5 that edges into the lead when it comes to carrying luggage, with a 455-litre boot, bettering its two-door rival by 32 litres.

The German model does lose out in the capacity stakes elsewhere, though. In this price bracket buyers wanting a diesel have to make do with Audi’s familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI – even in basic trim the 2.7-litre powerplant weighs in at £31,540, while the smooth 3.0-litre costs £33,255. Don’t write the entry-level unit off just yet, though.

Audi’s engineers have spent plenty of time improving the refinement of their long-serving 2.0-litre diesel engine. Our noise meter confirmed that the A5 is louder than the Renault at idle, but once up to speed, the TDI unit is smooth and surprisingly quiet. The six-speed manual box has a pleasing, short-throw shift, too.

There’s no disguising the fact that the Audi is much slower than its rival. In dry conditions, the heavy quattro 4x4 system offered no advantage in accelerating off the line, leading to a pedestrian 0-60mph time of 9.1 seconds. Where the all-wheel-drive system comes into its own is when you tackle high-speed corners with gusto.

The A5 offers greater composure, reacting confidently to emergency lane changes and hard braking. It’s not perfect, however. The steering feels over-assisted and it doesn’t turn into corners as keenly as the hi-tech, four-wheel-steered Renault.

Priced at £31,805 in S line trim, this A5 is no bargain. What’s more, to get the look and luxury of our test car, you’ll need to fork out £37,310! An ice-cool image helps to justify the expense, but does the Audi leave you feeling like you’ve got value for money?