Used Audi A5 Sportback 2007-2016 review

It may have started life sitting between the Audi A4 and Audi A6 saloons, with something of the feel of a niche product, but the success of the Audi A5 Coupé soon meant it was joined by a convertible model and this Sportback version.

By Sportback, Audi means a blending of coupé style with saloon practicality, and you get a pair of extra doors and a useful hatchback rear tailgate over the regular coupé. It’s lower, wider and shorter than the contemporary A4 saloon on which it’s based, so some space has been sacrificed inside on the altar of design.

Underneath, its running gear is all pretty familiar to Audi aficionados, with a wide range of punchy and efficient petrol and diesel engines; there’s even a mega-quick Audi S5 version for the wild at heart. They’re all pretty refined, too. On the road, the A5 Sportback is safe, stable and competent in its behaviour, if not terribly exciting to drive. The ride can be firm, though, especially if you opt for one of the sportier suspension set-ups.

Inside is an impressive interior of good quality, with good use of soft-touch plastics and high-quality leather. The driving position is excellent, and the dash and all the surrounding controls are all logically laid out and feel good beneath the fingers. There’s not as much leg and head room as in the A4 saloon, but the boot is the same size and its capacity is perfect for grand touring.

In 2012, the A5 was given an overdue facelift, which gave the whole range a sharper, more intense presence on the road. Key to this was the new headlights and rear lights, LED daytime running lights and bumpers, along with a revamped front grille.

You can buy an early A5 Sportback for around £7000, at the time of writing, but it would likely be a high-mileage affair. Better to spend between £8000 and £10,000 and look for a 2011-2012 car with an average mileage for the year and a full service history, bought from a trader. If you are lucky enough to be blessed with £11,000-£15,000 to spend, you’ll net yourself a good 2013 or 2014 car with all the same criteria outlined above.

In theory, the A5 Sportback shouldn’t cost any more than running the equivalent Audi A4 saloon. The diesel cars are the most economical, with the 2.0 TDI 143 achieving an average claimed figure of 58.9mpg. The best-performing petrol model is the 1.8 TFSI with 48.7mpg.

Insurance costs are reasonable, considering the car’s desirability, with groups ranging from 24 to 41 for the top S5 model.

There are plenty of independent specialists that will service an A5 at prices considerably less than what an Audi main dealer would charge. However, main dealer service plans will be available for the later models, at varying prices and with different ways of paying, such as upfront payments or direct debit.

The entry-level model is a four-cylinder petrol 1.8 TFSI with 168bhp. Other petrol motors include a 211bhp 2.0 TFSI and a 268bhp supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6. S5 models get a 328bhp supercharged 3.0-litre V6. The 2.0 TDI 143 is the entry-level diesel. There's also a 175bhp 2.0 TDI unit that offers an excellent blend of performance and economy, which is our favourite. Two 3.0-litre V6 engines complete the diesel line-up with either 201bhp or 242bhp.

You have predominantly three trims to choose from: S line, Black Edition and the mega-sporting S5. S line is hardly an entry-level model, so expect a host of equipment such as 18in alloy wheels, a 6.5in MMI infotainment system with sat-nav, DAB and Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, xenon headlights, auto lights and wipers, nappa leather seats, heated front seats and an aggressive S line bodykit.

Black Edition models get a black styling kit and Audi's music interface, along with 19in alloys and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Our favourite Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI 177 S line

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (2014-2022) is good to drive, with the usual range of strong engines, although diesel models can be a little noisy. It’s not quite as dynamic as some other BMW models and it’s not as roomy, but it’s a classy car that’ll appeal to those after a sporty but practical car.

The Kia Stinger (2017-2023) is long, low and sporting, and deeply out of character for the Korean firm. It’s good to drive, though, with fantastic performance available in the GT S version. It’s still quite new, so there won’t be many used ones out there.

Or try the larger Mercedes-Benz CLS (2011-2018), the car that started the craze for four-door coupés. It’s great to look at and to drive, and it's comfortable too. It’ll cost more like for like than the A5 Sportback, though, since it’s more of a rival for the larger Audi A7 (2010-2017).

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