No niche is sacred…or impossible to create when it comes to German carmakers – Audi has unveiled more images and information on its coupé/station wagon hybrid, the A5 Sportback.By Gareth Dean
Audi’s bid for market domination, culminating in projected vehicle sales of 1,5 million units annually by 2015, means the Ingolstadt firm has been on something of a new model offensive of late. The company is in the process of unveiling a supermini in the A1 hatchback, a high-end coupé in the A7, and has now released information and images of a Sportback version of its A5 coupé.
The A5 Sportback’s elongated five-door body is described by Audi as a design that combines the elegant styling of a coupé with the practicality of an Avant (station wagon) with 980 dm³ of load space freed up when the rear seats are folded flat, or generous accommodation for four adults with them in place. The aforementioned coupé-esque profile results from a long, tapering roofline that sits 36 mm lower than that of the A4 saloon, a longer wheelbase (2 810 mm), and short overhangs at the front and rear.
The engine line up will initially comprise a two petrol units and a trio of diesels. The entry-level petrol-engined model will feature the VW Group’s 2,0-litre TSFI unit with 155 kW and 350 N.m of torque being channelled through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. There will also be a 3,2-litre V6 developing 195 kW. Both of these units will feature Audi’s valvelift power/fuel economy optimising technology.
The diesel line kicks off with a 2,0-litre TDI with 125 kW and 350 N.m of torque mated with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop system. Next up is a 2,7-litre TDI pushing out 140 kW and 400 N.m. At the top of the diesel pile sits a 3,0-litre V6 TDI developing 170 kW and 500 N.m of torque – this unit will most likely feature Quattro all-wheel drive.
The A5 Sportback will also feature a newly developed electronic stability program with an electronic differential lock on the front axle, a 3-preset Audi drive select dynamic driving system that influences throttle response characteristics/shift points for the seven-speed S tronic or multitronic transmissions, and supports the servotronic steering. MMI-equipped models will sport a fourth, freely programmable setting.
European sales will commence shortly after the car’s official debut at Frankfurt Motor Show with a pricing for the base 2,0-litre TDI model set at around €33 650 (roughly R390 000). Audi has however, confirmed that an even cheaper model will arrive towards the middle of next year. More details will emerge closer to the car’s September launch.
