Dorsal doors for Audi's A5

The roll-out of Audi models and variants continues with the A5 Sportback now joining the local range. Boasting the visual style of the A5 coupe, the A5 Sportback promises more versatility from its four passenger doors and a lifting tailgate.

Prices kick off at $78,400 (manufacturer's list price) for the A5 Sportback powered by the 2.0 TFSI turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine. There's also a 3.0-litre TDI V6 variant priced at $89,100 (also manufacturer's list price, excluding on-road costs). Both variants offer quattro all-wheel drive and Audi's S Tronic seven-speed transmission as standard.

The petrol four develops 155kW of power and 350Nm of torque, with peak torque available between 1500 and 4200rpm. Fuel consumption is as low as 7.5L/100km in combined-cycle testing and the A5 Sportback with this drivetrain can reach 100km/h from a standing start in 6.6 seconds.

Producing 176kW of power and 5000Nm of torque -- peaking between 1500 and 3000rpm -- the diesel V6 knocks off the 100km/h acceleration time in 6.1 seconds and uses 6.6L/100km of fuel in combined-cycle testing. Although the diesel variant is priced well above the $75,000 ceiling that caps the Luxury Car Tax dispensation for '7.0-litre' cars, the A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI doesn't incur the tax below $75,000.

Plans are afoot for Audi to import the high-performance S5 Sportback variant circa mid-2010 and the rip-snorter is expected to sell here in the $130,000 ballpark.

"It seems that once again Audi has managed to successfully combine conflicting traits -- blending emotional design with a car that is functional in terms of space, even offering a very large rear tailgate for ease of access," said Joerg Hofmann, Audi's departing MD, as he welcomed the arrival of the new car.

"It looks beautiful. It drives very well. It is a great car for a family, for everyday use and I believe it will sell very well Downunder. It will be our volume-selling model in the A5 segment and will make a significant contribution to our sixth record year of sales in 2010."

Aesthetically, the A5 Sportback features conventional Audi styling cues and frameless windows. In practical terms, the A5 Sportback has raked tailgate and D pillars, but still manages to accommodate up to 480 litres of goods in the luggage compartment -- that figure increasing to 980 litres with the rear seats folded, according to Audi.

As standard, the A5 Sportback comes equipped with: eight airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels for the 2.0 TFSI or 18-inch alloys for the 3.0 TDI, electric windows, three-zone climate control, single-disc CD audio system with concert sound, 6.5-inch colour display, multi-function leather-bound sports steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry/start, Audi parking system (reverse only for 2.0 TFSI, front/rear for 3.0 TDI), cruise control, electrically-adjustable front seats, Milano leather trim

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