2nd AUDI A5 SPORTBACK

Sportback scores on power, economy and comfort, but trails on equipment and driver appeal here

WHILE the latest Audi A5 Sportback’s styling didn’t move on a great deal from the previous-generation car, we’re still fans of the way it looks. There’s an understated quality to the shape but it’s still handsome, and it still has one of the best interiors in its class. Although the infotainment system feels a bit older than the touchscreen in the VW, the Audi’s cabin is modern, fresh and comfortable to sit in.

The Audi’s ride is soft as well, with the £600 adaptive dampers fitted to our car in comfort mode. However, the Volkswagen’s standard-fit Dynamic Chassis Control suspension is softer still, and while it doesn’t firm up as much in the Sport setting as the Audi, it’s actually better suited to UK roads.

Both models tighten up enough to resist body roll, and while neither is particularly fun to drive, the Arteon’s softer edge helps give you extra confidence on a bumpy road. The VW is softer in its comfort setting as well, but the difference is fairly small overall and both are comfortable cruisers.

Both cars have four-wheel drive, so there’s loads of grip, but with a heavier V6 in the nose, the A5 doesn’t turn into corners as well as its rival. However, the driving experience isn’t far behind, and it’s helped by the fact that the Audi has the more enjoyable engine of the two.

While the Arteon’s 500Nm torque figure meant the 400Nm Audi trailed in-gear, the big engine ensures the A5 is faster flat-out from 30-70mph. It took 5.5 seconds to do the sprint, while the VW completed it in 5.9 seconds. The Audi feels more settled at high speed as well; it’s clear this car was designed by engineers used to German autobahns.

The Sportback loses out to its rival here for practicality, because it has a smaller boot – 480 litres to 563 litres – as well as less space for passengers in the rear. There’s a bit more headroom in the Audi because the VW’S roofline cuts into space in the back; in contrast the Arteon offers loads of rear legroom, where the A5 Sportback feels a little tight.

You’ll also have to spend more time filling up the A5 because it has a smaller fuel tank, but on the bright side, it was more economical in our test. It’s much better off in terms of depreciation as well, which means it’s cheaper to buy on a PCP deal than its rival (see Through the Range, opposite).

However, the A5 isn’t as well equipped as the Volkswagen, so you’re likely to have to add options that will send the price up. The Virtual Cockpit digital dials and adaptive dampers are must-have extras, but since both are standard on the Arteon the A5 doesn’t look such great value.

score 3.8 VISIBILITY Both cars have sports seats up front, which give a comfortable, low driving position. There’s a better view out of the Audi thanks to the VW’S more sloped roofline. PRACTICALITY While Audi doesn’t provide a figure for boot space...

score 4.2 RUNNING COSTS Residual values for both cars are decent, although the Audi has the measure of the VW. The A5 is predicted to retain 48 per cent of its value after three years; the Arteon is set to hold on to 40.8 per cent. ECONOMY The A5 was...

score 3.9 DRIVING Unlike rivals such as the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the A5 Sportback is composed and grippy rather than being alert and fun to drive. The VW feels more nimble despite its heavier kerbweight, because the Audi’s steering is less...