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Audi A5 Sportback: sparkling performer

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16 January 2011

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS S tronic road test report

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS S tronic

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS S tronic

What is it?

SITTING between the Audi A4 and Audi A6, the Audi A5 Sportback provides hatchback practicality, although it’s only a four-seater. Tested here with the 211PS 2.0-litre TFSI engine with automatic S tronic gearbox, priced at £30,640 on the road.

What’s hot?

  • Elegant and practical, Sportback has loads of small business appeal
  • Better to drive than the diesel version thanks to lighter petrol engine
  • It also rides better than the diesel, too
  • Turbo engine provides urgent acceleration
  • Accompanied by sporty exhaust growl
  • Auto changes are smooth; kickdown responsive
  • Quiet and refined on the motorway
  • Good SE spec includes Milano leather and attractive 17-inch alloys
  • Clever boot configuration allows unrestricted access…
  • …there’s no heavy rear shelf in the way of the load area

What’s not?

  • You can easily spend another £10k on desirable options
  • Rear legroom is fine…
  • …but it’s a squeeze getting your legs out of the car
  • Four-seater layout may reduce appeal
  • Lip on rear boot means loading practicality reduced
  • Tailgate lifts high – check you can close it!
  • Emissions on auto above 160g/km tax break

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 30,355
Monthly Rental*: 449 (CH)/£539 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted: 24%, 25%, 26%
Monthly BiK: Click link for BIK
Engine: 2.0 turbo 4cyl petrol
CO2 Emissions: 175g/km
Power/torque: 211PS/350Nm
Economy: 37.7mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

Without doubt, the A5 Sportback with this petrol engine and auto gearbox is a far finer drive than the diesel version: it feels more alive, lighter to the touch, and quieter on the motorway. But those 175g/km emissions damage its company car appeal – so small business owners might want to consider personal lease options if they still want the petrol A5. Otherwise, the diesel makes more business car sense.

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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