Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI SE Technik

With its coupe looks and practical hatchback layout, the Audi A5 Sportback has plenty of appeal. In 175bhp 2.0-litre TDI trim, it also benefits from a big performance advantage over the 318d. It comes second here because of its firm ride and dated-looking cabin.

At the launch in 2009, Audi called the A5 Sportback a modern embodiment of the grand tourer – a model designed to blend coupé style with saloon comfort.

Four years on, with the benefit of a very mild facelift in 2011, it still looks great. Lower, longer and wider than the A4 saloon, with a roofline that’s only 19mm higher than the A5 Coupe’s, the five-door has an aggressive front end that’s virtually identical to the two-door’s.

It looks svelte next to its taller rivals, and the frameless windows, curved roof and tidy rear end all add to the smart, coupé-like image. As you’d expect, the cabin’s neatly laid-out and smartly trimmed, while the driving position is perfect.

However, it’s beginning to look a little bit old-fashioned compared to the interiors of newer Audis such as the A3. There’s nothing wrong with the top-notch quality, but the dated dials and last-generation sat-nav betray the car’s advancing years.

Passengers don’t fare too badly, though, as the 2011 update saw the arrival of a three-seat back bench, while head and legroom are similar to the Citroen’s – although both lag behind the cavernous BMW’s. The sculpted rear seats are supportive, even if the middle passenger’s comfort is compromised by the intrusive transmission tunnel. The Audi’s hatchback versatility, long 480-litre boot and split-fold seats are further bonuses.

Our smooth 175bhp 2.0-litre TDI has a performance advantage over the 318d and was quicker at the track, while on the road it felt more responsive. A less powerful 134bhp TDIe is available, but it’s only £505 cheaper to buy than the model tested here.

Unfortunately, despite small 17-inch rims and standard non-sport suspension, the Audi has a firmer set-up than the 3 Series. As a result, there’s a rigid edge to the ride. Still, it’s not crashy like the Citroen, and overall refinement is good, with very little road and wind noise disturbing the calm of the cabin.

Impressive handling and body control plus plenty of grip mean the front-wheel-drive Audi is capable in corners. However, compared to the 3 Series GT it seems a little detached, and the electromechanical steering isn’t as natural as the BMW’s, with a slightly artificial feel and inconsistent weighting.

Yet given its performance advantage, the Audi’s CO2 emissions of 120g/km are impressive, plus we averaged close to 40mpg over the course of our test. Factor in strong residuals of 54.3 per cent and a standard kit tally that includes cruise and climate control, navigation, Bluetooth, parking sensors and leather seats, and the well equipped SE Technik makes a strong financial case for itself. Will that be enough to offset its slightly dated cabin and numb driving dynamics?