GOOD SPORT; Audi go from strength to strength and this load-lugger is no slacker.Byline: Graeme Lennox AUDI'S assault on the premium car market has been a relentless onslaught. The German firm are an unstoppable force right now... in every sense. In 2008 when every other manufacturer was notching up multi-billion dollar debts they defied the markets to make a $3billion profit and are now launching a staggering 10 models this year. The A5 Sportback joins the A5 Coup and S5 as the latest member of the firm's midsized family car range. A hybrid estate, it has the practicality of a load-lugger without the awkward looks. It is one of those cars that looks better in some colours than others. For instance, white models show off all the sweeping rear curves while the greys make it look like a glorified Volkswagen. The Sportback runs the old A4 Saloon close for versatility. It offers the same head and legroom leg·room n. Room in which to stretch the legs while seated. legroom Noun space to move one's legs comfortably, as in a car legroom n → thanks to having a longer wheelbase than the coup. The boot is on the cavernous side with a 480-litre capacity ensuring there's room for your golf clubs or a couple of large suitcases. And touring is what this car was made for. A comfortable ride and quiet interior ensure you can take it for a long road trip and you won't be at each other's throats within the first few hundred miles. Cruising is relaxed but it's not short on sport credentials either. It's not as sharp as an R8 or even the A3 but higher powered models have optional differential adaptive driving dynamics that boost agility by transferring power to all four wheels. It is available with two petrol and two diesel engines, all using direct injection technology. The Sportback is another good car but not a great one. +TECHSPEC+TECHSPEC+TECH AUDI'S A5 Sportback range starts from pounds 23,710 and goes up to pounds 36,220 for the range-topping 3.0 TDI TDI - Transport Driver Interface quattro S-tronic model. 0-62mph (3.0 TDI): 6.3 seconds. Top speed: 155mph. Economy: 42.2 mpg. Equipment: climate control, leather steering wheel, ESP (1) (Enhanced Service Provider) An organization that adds value to basic telephone service by offering such features as call-forwarding, call-detailing and protocol conversion. , four airbags, 17in alloys, electric parking brake, sixspeaker stereo. Rivals: BMW BMW in full Bayerische Motoren Werke AG German automaker. Founded as an aircraft engine manufacturer in 1916, the company assumed the name Bayerische Motoren Werke and became known for its high-speed motorcycles in the 1920s. 5-Series, Mercedes C-Class |
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