Audi S5 Sportback

Swoopy five-door liftback has style and substance

- Scott Newman

ENGINE 2995cc V6, DOHC, 24v, turbo

POWER 260kW @ 5400-6400rpm

TORQUE 500Nm @ 1370-4500rpm 0-100KM/H 4.8sec (claimed)

WEIGHT 1675kg

PRICE $106,5004.5 Rating

LIKE: Stylish looks; performance; engaging handling; practicality

DISLIKE: Ergonomic foibles; reactive ride needs the right drive mode

PITY THE HUMBLE, traditional sedan. Not only is it under attack from the burgeoning ranks of SUVs but also curvier, coupe-ier cars like the Audi S5 Sportback.

As the name suggests, the S5 Sportback is closely related to the S4, Audi’s traditional performance-oriented mid-size sedan offering.

As such, mechanically the two are very similar: there’s a 3.0- litre turbocharged V6 under the chiselled bonnet producing 260kW from 5400-6400rpm and 500Nm from 1370-4500rpm.

This is connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox – a torque converter auto, not a dual-clutch –and drives all four wheels. The drive split is 40:60 front-torear under normal conditions but can send up to 85 per cent of the torque rearwards depending on the driving situation.