A5 hatch scores on the draw

By Craig Thomas

12th June 2009

Audi is hatching plans for a new A5! Following the unveiling of the Sportback concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January, we can reveal this exclusive sketch – and it confirms that a version of the coupé with a hatch-like boot is on the way. As you can see, the car still has the A5’s stunning looks, but with a twist of Avant-style estate thanks to an increased length of just over 8cm.

On sale in September, the Sportback should offer a load-lugger-rivalling capacity of 480 litres – more than in a BMW 3-Series Touring or Mercedes C-Class Estate. Audi also promises that despite the long, tapering roofline, there is more head and legroom than in an A4 saloon.

Initially, buyers will get a choice of five engines. The TDI diesel line-up comprises 167bhp 2.0-litre, 187bhp 2.7 and 236bhp 3.0 V6 units – the latter with quattro four-wheel drive. There will also be two petrol variants: a 2.0-litre TFSI quattro with 207bhp and the top-of-the-range 261bhp 3.2 V6 quattro.

There’s no word yet about an S5 Sportback, although it’s unlikely to be far behind – and it could feature the supercharged 3.0 V6 from the S4 and S5 Cabriolet. A base car will arrive in 2010, probably with a 1.8-litre TFSI engine.

Audi will offer all its latest technology in the A5 Sportback – including Drive Select, which lets the owner switch between three modes to change the throttle, steering and gearshift responses. Prices for the new range are expected to start at £30,000.

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