Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term tests

Audi A5 Sportback

A hi-tech service at Audi’s flagship dealer has seen our Sportback restored to full fitness

Pros
  • Despite its rakish coupé looks, the Sportback actually makes a surprisingly practical family car. The cabin is spacious with plenty of useful storage cubbies, while opening the hatchback tailgate reveals a well shaped 480-litre boot. Folding the rear bench flat increases the space to a useful 980 litres.
Cons
  • The A5’s four-seater-only layout really is inexplicable. For such a versatile machine, the omission of a fifth chair is a massive oversight. Given that VW now offers a five-seater version of its sleek Passat CC, it can’t be long before Audi follows suit with the Sportback.
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 decided it’s time to kiss and make up with our Audi A5. After slamming the sleek German’s wayward handling in my last report (Issue 1,159), I thought it should be given the chance to redeem itself. 

And what better way to get the Sportback fighting fit again than with a bit of mechanical pampering? So, with the car’s service warning light encouraging me along, I booked the A5 into the flagship West London Audi dealership for a little bit of mechanical TLC.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’ve ever come into the capital along the M4, then you’ll be familiar with this incredible looking metal and glass structure that towers above the motorway. Spread over seven floors (five above ground, and two below), it opened around 18 months ago and is a one-stop-shop for all things Audi.

Once inside I was met by Sinead Readman, who was assigned as my service advisor for the duration of the A5’s stay. She explained that before the dealer’s technician’s laid a spanner on the Sportback, they would give it a free visual health check. Better still, thanks to a little hi-tech help, I could view the Audi being given the once-over by an expert eye.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Aygo X-Wave

2016 Toyota

Aygo X-Wave

72,753 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £5,400
View Aygo X-Wave
Ibiza

2025 SEAT

Ibiza

19,258 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,900
View Ibiza
Leon

2024 SEAT

Leon

26,792 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,900
View Leon

So, while the A5 was whisked away to one of the site’s 32 subterranean service bays, I settled down in front of a computer screen. After a 

couple of minutes, the monitor flickered into life and I could see our car up on a ramp. 

Using a small camera and microphone mounted to his head, master technician Nick White was able to talk me through the inspection as well as answer any questions I had. Given it adds nothing to your bill and takes only around half an hour to complete, this handy extra brings some welcome peace of mind.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As expected, Nick spotted the worn front tyres and recommended that the A5’s tracking should be checked. Other than that, the Sportback passed with flying colours. With the health check completed, the Audi went off for its service.

This gave us the opportunity to look around the sprawling showroom. The first three floors are run by the Sytner franchise and contain almost every conceivable new and used Audi model, a café and children’s play area. However, it’s the top two storeys that will get enthusiasts’ hearts racing. Known as the Quattro Rooms, this area has a number of cutting-edge conference suites rented out to corporate clients. It’s also packed with a number of the firm’s historic models, from a Thirties Auto Union Wanderer through to a fearsome-looking Quattro S1 Group B rally car. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Often the rooms are booked out to high-flying executives, but if it’s a quiet day then customers of the dealership can take alook around. As a result, I spent a happy half an hour drooling over the rare and exotic machines in the company of sales manager Justin Blythe.

After a fresh dose of oil and new filter, the A5 was ready to be collected. The total cost of the service was an eye-watering £874, although this figure included £539.50 for a pair of new 245/40 18 Bridgestone tyres – I guess this is the hefty price you pay for fashionable wheels. At least the Sportback had been cleaned inside and out.

We’ve only done a few miles with the reinvigorated A5, but already the handling feels more secure. There’s still the occasional wiggle from the front end, but it’s nowhere near as bad as before.

Only time will tell whether the new rubber and tweaked tracking have cured the car’s waywardness. Until then I’m just going to start enjoying the A5 again!

Second Opinion

“It’s been a while since I’ve driven our A5, and while the new rubber and tracking adjustments seem to have transformed the experience, it’s the cabin that sticks in my mind. It feels special, and is incredibly well put together.”  

Graeme Lambert

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,224
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £14,900
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,510 off RRP*Used from £11,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return
Ford Fiesta exclusive image

New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return

The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here’s everything we know so far
News
20 May 2025
Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales
Luxury car tax

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales

Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
News
22 May 2025
Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution
Connecting charger to Hyundai Tucson PHEV

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution

Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate
News
19 May 2025