Sportback gets S treatment

Audi has complemented its mass market A5 model range with the local launch of the S5 Sportback. Priced from $129,300, the new five-door S5 goes on sale this month and heads up Audi's unique 'çoupe-plus-two' range. It is expected to account for around a third of S5 volumes and up to 10 per cent of local A5 sales.

With seating for four and sizeable luggage space, the S5 is packaged identically to the five-door A5 models but comes with a substantially higher level of finishes and equipment, advanced quattro all-wheel drive, sports tuned suspension and, of course, Audi's latest 3.0 TFSI 3.0-litre supercharged and direct-injected V6.

Rated at 245kW and 440Nm, it's the same engine that debuted in the latest S4 and S5 Cabriolet. In contrast, the S5 Coupe is fitted with a naturally aspirated V8. The S5 Sportback also differs from the Coupe in the fact it's available only with Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch S Tronic automated manual transmission.

Other technical highlights of the S5 Sportback include the availability of Audi's new Sports Differential. Offered in conjunction with Audi Drive Select adjustable dampers and chassis, Sports Differential apportions drive (via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch) across the rear axle to sharpen the S5's dynamics.

Audi says the Sports Differential can react in just 100 milliseconds. In this respect it is quicker witted than the car's stability control system. The differential action is effective both under load and when 'coasting'off the throttle.

The S5 Sportback's standard equipment list is impressive. It rolls on 18-inch S-design alloys and features three-zone climate control aircon, and full 'Comfort' keyless entry and start. Leather and Alcantara trim is standard, and front sport seats are electrically adjustable. A high-level voice-controlled MMI satnav and integrated audio system is also fitted incorporating Bluetooth and iPod functionality.

Adaptive bi-xenon headlamps are standard, as is a full safety suite of active and passive aids including tyre pressure monitoring.

Audi says luggage capacity is a substantial 480 litre -- enough for five suitcases in the company's schematics. Drop the 33:66 split-fold rear seat and that capacity more than doubles! Thus our intro's 'coupe-plus' tag...

Key options offered include Audi Drive Select with Sports Differential (see above) at $6900 and sunroof ($2330). Various wheel and dress-up options are offered along with audio system upgrades and the like.

The S5 Sportback takes to 26 the number of models Audi now offers Down Under.

"We intend to continue to develop our excellent range of products available for the Australian market as we head towards our goal of offering 42 models globally by 2015," Uwe Hagen, Managing Director of Audi Australia said on the announcement of the S5 Sportback's arrival.

"Our customers are always looking for a benchmark experience, and we intend to fulfill this with emotional, technologically-advanced products that are also efficient; the best customer experiences and a progressively minded way of thinking," Hagen said.

Audi's final model variant in the current A5/S5 line-up, the RS5 Coupe arrives in October.

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