We
got our hands very briefly on the new Audi A5 Sportback and the new Audi S5
Sportback. Though we drove the cars barely for a few kilometres on a turf that
was not the right one, we must admit that both the models exude panache and
character. The latter, however, blew our mind with its sheer intensity and
aggressiveness.
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
|
AUDI A5 SPORTBACK
|
AUDI S5 SPORTBACK
|
Engine
|
Inline 4 cylinder 1968cc diesel engine
with VTG turbocharger
|
2995cc TFSI quattro tiptronic V6
petrol engine
|
Power
|
190 hp @3800-4200rpm
|
354 hp @5400-6400rpm
|
Torque
|
400Nm@1750-3000 rpm
|
500Nm@1370-4500
rpm
|
Transmission
|
7-speed dual clutch transmission
|
8
speed tiptronic with DSP and sport programme
|
Suspension
|
Front
|
Independent-wheel suspension
|
Independent-wheel suspension
|
Rear
|
Independent-wheel suspension
|
Independent-wheel suspension
|
Drive
Type
|
Front wheel
drive
|
Quattro permanent all-wheel drive with self-locking centre
differential
|
Brakes
|
Dual-circuit brake system split
between axles / Ventilated discs in front
|
Dual-circuit brake system split
between axles / Ventilated discs
|
Tyres
|
245/ 40 R18
|
245/ 40 R18
|
|
|
|
The moment I got off at the
Jaipur Airport and saw the Audi A5 Sportback, I was mesmerised by the elegantly
designed looks of the five-door family coupe. The new A5 Sportback has a very
sporty profile. The singleframe grille looks impressive and gives a bold stance
to the front end. The side air intakes have bold edges.
The new Audi S5 Sportback that
I drove later is basically the sporty version of the A5 Sportback and the only
thing that distinguishes the two is the powertrain, apart from some subtle
design elements. As the word “Sportback” goes, the A5 and S5 have a very sporty
back, not to say the rest is not.
From the flowing bonnet, to
the A-pillar, then to the roof extending over the athletic body with its
frameless doors, the car has very neat design to boast. The front and rear side
windows are given emphasis by a trim strip in aluminum silver. The stretched
luggage compartment lid in aluminum has a smart spoiler edge. The LED
headlights with DRLS and fog lamps do justice in front while at the rar are
slim, three-dimensionally shaped LED lights. The brake light on the upper edge
of the rear window glows along the entire width of the glass frame.
The S5 Sportback comes with a
beefier engine. The rear too is distinct with the A5 Sportback having two
exhaust pipes on the left side while the S5 Sportback comes with four tailpipes
(two on either side). Rather than a lot of chrome and aluminium, the S5
Sportback has a lot of matt finish.
Both the cars boast of super
rich interiors with ample seating space, both in the front and in the rear. A
continuous air vent strip and the plunging centre console give the impression
of a floating instrument panel. Just a few buttons and dials are sufficient for
convenient control. When a finger approaches one of the rocker switches, the
function is shown enlarged on the dark LCD display and selected at the push of
a button.
The three spoke steering wheel
makes the car a lot sporty from inside. Not to miss is the dashboard with a
dull black charcoal kind of wood finish at the bottom. The S5, on the other
hand, is a bit more brighter with its brushed aluminium finish.
The rear seat back splits 40:20:40. Luggage
space is around 480 litres and with the rear seats folded the space increases
to 1,300 litres. Audi also offers the option of sensor control for opening and
closing the standard-fit electrically powered luggage compartment lid on the
five-door coupé. A proximity sensor in the rear bumper responds to a kick
movement if the optional convenience key is detected.
The new Audi A5 Sportback has
a large, easy-to-read analog speedometer and tachometer as standard. Between
them is the display of the driver information system (DIS).
While
it was a treat to drive the 1,968 cc four-cylinder TDI diesel engine
powered new Audi A5 Sportback , it was a lot more fun to step on the S5
Sportback powered by a 3 litre V6 TFSI quattro titronic engine. The difference was obvious. While the former develops
190 hp and a peak torque of 400 Nm, the S5 Sportback develops a whopping 354 hp
and a peak torque of 500Nm. Driving the latter on the Dynamic mode was like
flying your jet too low on the ground. All in all, the limited experience we
had with the two cars left us wanting for more. After all, your tryst with
something beautiful does not have to end on your first date. We look forward to
a much longer drive where we can get to know the cars a lot better.