2016 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0L TDI 7AT FWD (190 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In the summer of 2016, Audi launched the second generation of the A5, ending the wait for its customers, who were eager to see the new product in metal and rubber.

When the German car manufacturer launched the A5 in 2007, it didn’t unveil it in all shapes. It took the automaker a couple of years to extend the lineup with a convertible and a five-door hatchback known as the Sportback. That was a painful decision for the four-ring brand. Still, considering the harsh economic times during the world financial crisis, it had to reduce production costs. In 2016, the car market was running full steam. As a result, the automaker introduced the 2017 Audi A5 Sportback at the same time as the other two versions of it, the Coupe and the Cabriolet. Furthermore, this five-door fastback was the best-selling version of them, so the automaker couldn’t leave it behind. To cut production costs, the automaker made the A5 Sportback on the same platform as the A4, which was a good thing.

At the front, the automaker implemented the same design language as the rest of the Audi range, characterized by the broad singleframe grille. It was flanked by new headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, which were available with Matrix LEDs that allowed the vehicle to adapt its light pattern. The automaker added a pair of side scoops on the lower side of the bumper in the apron, which housed the available fog lamps.

With its low-slung profile of a coupe, the 2017 Audi A5 Sportback was a clear threat to other four-door coupes on the market. Its overall shape resembled that of its predecessor. It still featured some of the basic lines that made the first generation of the A5 Sportback a sales winner, but they were sharper. Fortunately, Audi understood that its customers liked the frameless doors, so it kept them. Another advantage of the Sportback was the triangular window placed between the rear doors and the tailgate, which helped reduce blind spots. Finally, at the back, the wide opening of the tailgate also integrated part of the taillights, which were stretched from the quarter panels.

Audi was criticized by its fans for the interior of the A5’s first generation. As a result, the second iteration of this nameplate brought significant improvements to the cabin. Fronting the driver was a new instrument cluster available with analog dials for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and coolant temperature. As an option, customers could order the vehicle with the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which replaced the instrument panel with a high-quality multi-function display that included all of the above and then some more directly on the screen that fronted the steering wheel. In the back, legroom was increased, but headroom was still a problem for taller adults on longer journeys.

Under the hood, the automaker offered the 2017 Audi A5 Sportback with a choice of diesel, gasoline, and CNG, depending on the market. These were paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission. Depending on the grade and options, customers could order the car with front or all-wheel drive systems.