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Audi A5 Sportback vs VW Passat CC

Audi’s all-new A5 Sportback claims to offer coupé style in a practical hatch package. Can it beat VW’s shapely Passat CC?

September 2009

Curves are back! It’s no secret that clever design can make even the most functional shape look attractive – just take the dramatic building in our picture.

The aircraft hangar at the RAF Museum Cosford in Shropshire is much more than just a metal box.

Motor makers know all about the power of good design, and have used their talents to bring about a coupé renaissance in the luxury market in recent years. The stylish Mercedes CLS and BMW X6 hark back to the days when individual coachbuilders would take an existing chassis and add their own unique bodywork. Such cars give buyers the chance to really stand out.

More affordable models are now joining this booming sector – and the latest contender is Audi’s svelte A5 Sportback. It’s longer, lower and wider than an A4 saloon, and has a more stretched wheelbase, plus an extra pair of doors and a hatchback tailgate. So it provides smart looks and practicality in one prestige package. The 2.0-litre petrol and diesel cars get stop-start, too, so the Sportback promises to be efficient.

But how will it fare against the first mainstream coupé-inspired model in this class: the Volkswagen Passat CC? We put 2.0-litre TDI versions of both head-to-head.

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

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2 Comments

What's the point?

Why did these cars come as a review?
They are from the same COMPANY!!!!
VW-Audi????
VW is the cheaper alternative to Audi.
FACT!!
So what was the point?
At least test the Audi against the Mercedes CLS.
That is a genuine rival.
This was a silly test.

By lucasworld on 28 November, 2009, 10:55pm

Useful Review

Contrary to the previous comment, I think this is a useful review - these cars are similar, both in cost & styling. They will appeal to the same demographic, and hence differenciation is most useful. Unlikely that someone considering an base model A5 will be able to stretch the additional £10k for a CLS.

Personally, having just spent 3 days driving an A5 Sportback, I found the sport seats uncomfortable and the handling less than awe inspiring. But it's easily one of the most beautiful cars on the road today. A triumph of style over substance? Possibly. But such style!

By Phantomhelm on 11 December, 2009, 11:23am

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Full Car Reviews

1st A5 Sportback TDI SE

Five-door adds practicality to coupé package – but is entry-level diesel model the best buy?

2nd VW Passat CC GT TDI DSG

Traditional VW quality and smart styling make CC a tempting choice.
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

Both contenders in this test have their strengths. The Passat CC’s unique curves stand out from the crowd and it’s generously equipped, well built and competitively priced. Standard adaptive dampers provide a superb ride, and executive car refinement makes it a great long-distance cruiser, while the quality cabin and generous boot add to the appeal.

In contrast, the Audi is incredibly practical with its hatchback layout, plus it’s sharper to drive – although the trade-off for this is that it’s not as comfortable as the Passat, due to its firmer suspension. Crucially, though, Audi’s excellent Start/Stop technology delivers low emissions, so the A5 Sportback is a far cheaper car to run for company users. Private buyers are better off, too, as the stronger residuals will offset its higher purchase price. So, the Audi wins by the narrowest of margins.

 
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