Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term tests

Audi A5 Sportback

As the holiday season arrives, the queue is growing to get behind the wheel of our stylish new five-door...

Pros
  • THE dynamic highlight of the Audi is its 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine – which is the same unit you’ll find in our VW Golf GTD and SEAT Leon FR hot hatches. Despite the A5’s extra weight, the refined powerplant delivers strong pace. However, it’s the oil-burner’s remarkable 47.5mpg fuel return which has really impressed me.
Cons
  • AS with all manual Audi A4 and A5 models, the Sportback features a rest for your clutch foot in the side of the footwell. But it is too close to the pedal for my liking, meaning I catch it on the side of my shoe every time I shift gear. Only by adopting a slightly awkward driving position can I avoid this, although it isn’t something all testers have complained about.
Find your Audi A5
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

I’VE discovered a surefire short-cut to instant popularity – and all you need is an Audi A5 Sportback! Ever since the sleek five-door model arrived on our fleet, I’ve been treated to a constant queue of people willing to offer me gifts and bribes in exchange for the keys. In fact, I’ve barely had a chance to get behind the wheel myself.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Take a look at the Audi, and it’s easy to see why the car is in such hot demand. The stylish exterior hides a spacious, well equipped cabin, a huge load area and a fuel-efficient diesel engine. If you’ve got a big trip planned, then the A5 will be at the top of your list. In the month the German machine has been here, it has already racked up more than 2,000 miles.

The bulk of this was added by senior road tester Owen Mildenhall, who used the A5 to travel down to Le Mans, France, for the famous 24-hour race. He returned raving about the car’s long-distance refinement and fuel economy. With three adults on board and a boot full of camping gear, the A5 achieved a decent 41.9mpg on the trip.

Owen’s praise has led quite a few colleagues to put in a request to use the Audi for their annual holidays. That means I’m having to make the most of the A5 while I’ve still got the chance. So far,I’ve been hugely impressed with the Sportback. With its bold red paint and optional 18-inch alloy wheels, it certainly looks the part, while the cosseting cabin is a great place to spend time.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

31,180 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £20,500
View Model 3
Model Y

2023 Tesla

Model Y

12,963 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £25,700
View Model Y
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

41,588 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,100
View Puma
Tucson

2023 Hyundai

Tucson

31,009 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £18,200
View Tucson

This is partly down to the desirable extras fitted to our car. Included in the comprehensive specification are the heavily bolstered sports front seats, sat-nav, cruise control and an iPod connection.

Elsewhere, you’ll discover powerful xenon headlamps with high-beam assist – which automatically dips the lampsfor oncoming traffic – and LED tail-lights. While all these extras certainly boost the A5’s appeal, they do add an eye-watering £4,890 to the price.

There are no complaints about the smooth 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine. Notonly does it deliver strong pace and decent fuel returns, but its auto stop-start system works effectively, killing the powerplant at traffic lights and firing it again the instant you dip the clutch pedal.

There are one or two niggles, though. Despite the generous size of its cabin, the Audi is a strict four-seater, as there is no third safety belt in the middle of the back bench. I’ve also found the rear screen quickly gets dirty, an issue exaggerated by the lack of a wash/wipe system.

And while the wide wheels look great, they can crash into potholes and cause the A5 to pull to the left or right over cambers.

But even these problems fail to detract from the strong appeal of the Audi. With the recent arrival of a baby girl in the Disdale household, I’m appreciating the extra practicality of the A5’s hatchback layout and its huge load bay, which swallows our chunky pram with room to spare. Better still, this versatility is wrapped in desirable and stylish clothes. I’m certainly looking forward to the next 11 months – although I might have to join the queue to get a go behind the wheel!

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,884 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025