Introduced at the tail end of last year, the facelift Audi A5 Sportback is for those who want more than just another expensive car; it has to stand out and with the updated model, rest assured, there aren’t many that can hold the candle to the Sportback in terms of how it looks, this price point.
Available in two variants – the 2.0 TFSI front-wheel drive model goes for RM350,900 while the all-wheel drive quattro model will set you back an eye-watering RM377,900 inclusive of sales tax exemptions, along with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Powered by the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and paired to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, the 2.0 TFSI variant makes 190 hp and 320 Nm. The more expensive quattro model gets more power to feed all four wheels, with 249 hp and 370 Nm. Also part of the powertrain is a 12V mild hybrid system.
Even with just 190 hp, the 2.0 TFSI model is no slouch as 0 to 100 km/h takes just 7.5 seconds; 5.6 seconds in the quattro model. Top speed is rated at 250 km/h while the 2.0 TFSI model maxes out at 239 km/h.
The changes on the facelift A5 Sportback are subtle but with maximum effect. At the front, it’s easier to count what they’ve not changed as all the crucial bits have been revised. The front grille now features a honey combe-like design, as opposed to vertical slates from before, while the surrounds now appear thicker.
The headlamp graphics have also been significantly revised, with more pronounced graphics. The fog lamp section now gets a more aggressive look, and with the facelift model both fog lamp sections are joined together.
Under the wheel arches are 18-inch wheels for the 2.0 TFSI and 19-inch wheels with a contrasting finish for the quattro which just makes the car look extremely striking as a whole.
Along the sides are frameless window – a look that never gets old – and a silhouette that just blows everything within the RM300k to RM400k price point away.
There’s just something about that sportback design (more commonly known as fastback due to the sloping roofline) that just makes the car look fast without even moving.
Boot space, impressively, is rated at 465-litres and even comes with hands-free boot opening. Just like the front, the rear taillights have been given a dramatic makeover as well with futuristic graphics.
The A5 Sportback’s taillights now come with dynamic turn signals. Also a significant change is the exhaust tip section; the rear bumper now comes with horizontal exhaust surrounds, lending a much cleaner look to the rear end.
On the inside, whether it’s the click of the buttons, the materials and the finishing of it or the design, it’s typical Audi; sleek and clinical. It just creates a different but no less superior environment, compared to its rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
For starters you get a fully digital instrument cluster display, and a new, larger touchscreen (from eight to 10 inches). The new touchscreen also meant that the rotary dials and buttons, positioned above the gear lever in the previous model, have been replaced with a storage compartment.
At the rear, the A5 Sportback offers generous leg and knee room along with fan speed controls for the 3-zone air conditioning system. However, if you’re over 180 cm tall, you might find headroom to be lacking slightly. The rear seats can also be folded to accommodate longer items.
GALLERY
